Help on Optimizing Dedicated PC as Music Server

First impressions of the Celeron NUC + HD Plex Linear PSU is that it improves the sound a fair bit.

I am testing it in one of the demo rooms we have at work now - it's not fully treated so I've found comparisons are usually harder to do in that room. That said, the bass is more prominent with the NUC/HD Plex combo vs the Mac Mini in the same room. NUC is running Win7/JRiver19. Mac is a 2010 Mini running OS X 10.9.4 and JRiver 19. The Mac is capable of converting PCM/DSD to 2xDSD without stuttering but the Celeron isn't (despite being 2 years newer)

The main demo room now has an Atom based music server with a linear power supply internally. So it would be interesting to see how the 2 PC based servers stack against each other. The Atom board IIRC doesn't have multiple DC-DC converters so it should have a better PSU vs the NUC which does require DC-DC conversion.

Tbooo's suggestion to try those USB cards is a good one. However you don't have an USB input in your DAC, so I'd encourage you to try a good SPDIF-to-USB converter. Might you be able to borrow one?

FWIW my DAC doesn't have a USB input either, and I use an Audiophilleo converter and a PPA card. In my setup, the Audiophilleo madea much bigger difference than the PPA card. Not that the latter made a small difference, but the converter made a very large difference. Also FWIW, mine has the PurePower option which makes it an expensive experiment.

Lewinskih01, interesting feedback about the USB converter making the bigger difference. Right now I have the MF Vlink which I know is a weak link in my system. Ive been toying with the idea of upgrading that or just skipping it and getting a new DAC that supports USB. Aside from not having a USB input I have no complaints about my DAC (Luxman D-06 cdp with digital inputs). My DAC does also does not do DSD or supports sample rates above 96khz which I why I am leaning towards replacing the DAC. That being said, even if I do get a USB DAC there is no guarantee its USB input will sound better than its SPDIF input. Decisions decisions....

I added a maple shades 4" platform with the isopads and brass footers under my PC and it actually gave me more air, and allowed me listen deeper into the soundstage. Shortly thereafer, I added a UPS between the power conditioner and computer (APC 1050 VA) an it is giving me more air. Can't under estimate isolation and line conditioning for the computer. The UPS makes sense and is easily a noticable upgrade. The maplshade platform was WELL worth the cost. That one is still making me shake my head. I expected an imprevement but not what I experienced.

Tbooo,

I don't know that I can provide a recommendation as I have not heard that many systems/components. But I can engage in discussing. I know that helps me think, so hopefully it helps you too.

Luxman is a big name. I'm not familiar with your CDP, so have no idea how good it sounds. Luxman DA-06 is a top current DAC, but I suspect the "06" denomination doesn't correlate with their "currentness". Right? Otherwise it would seem you want to keep the DAC.

I myself am torn about DSD. My DAC doesn't do it, so don't know what I'm missing. And the answer could well be "not much"!

Then there is the budget aspect. My Audiophilleo with PurePower retailed for $1k. Not insignificant to some, while pocket change for others. But then for $2.3k you can get a Chord Hugo, that is making so many waves in the fora.
One option would be to get a converter and a DAC on trial and listen side by side. Easier said than done. I know that's not an option for me. But is it for you?