Help on Optimizing Dedicated PC as Music Server

Hi Tboooe,

The addition of the ASUS Xonar STX sound card made a huge upgrade over the MOBO Realtek. Unfortunately, the Xonar doesn't offer a USB output, so a direct comparison is not possible. I’m quite happy with what I’m hearing with just the PC + Xonar. Until I get a USB/ Spdif converter, an audiophile USB cards, SOtM, and JCat will not be beneficial at this time.

Regards,
Norm

Hi Doggiehowser,

Today I removed all the fans inside the PC (except the one inside the PS). I installed the NoFan Cr-95c cooler. I also incorporated the Acopian 51212T9 5v/12v linear power supply to the PC. So far, just the Xonar STX sound card is being powered by the Acopian. The improvement is incremental but I like what I hear. Next to get linear power supply VDC are SSD & HHD.

Regards,
Norm

Hi Lewinskih01,

Your Audiophilleo is very well regarded. Going down this path will not be inexpensive. As Tbooose pointed out, installing SOtM, and Jcat will more than likely improve the SQ when using a USB converter. I am undecided whether to retire the ML DAC & Transport combo and get a new DAC with USB and Is2 inputs or keep the ML No. 360 DAC + PC + USB converter.

Regards,
Norm

Hi Cerrot,

Recently I placed a pair of Star Sound Apprentice Platforms under my JL subs, and it made a HUGe difference to SQ. I suspect PC will be no exception. Currently, 4 Michael Green spikes are under the PC.

Regards,
Norm

Next I like to install WS 2012 and do more power supply work inside the PC.

Norm, I'm liking the Acopian power supply's. How many Acopian units do you foresee having to use in the PC (or have you built umbilacles?)? any direction (or experience) there would be appreciated.

Hi Cerrot,

Sorry for the delay response. The Acopian 51212T9 was chosen because of its dual voltages and cost. Here are the specs; output current at 5vdc – 6a, and 2 x 12vdc - 1.2a. I'm using the Corsair PS harness to make my connections to the Acopian PS (only on 5v & 12v rails and just to ASUS sound card for starters). Eventually, I will use Neotech 18awg solid core UP-OCC Cu hook-up wire to make-up some umbilical cords to power the SSD, HHD, and sound card. ClarityCaps 100uf/160v PWA is on order and will migrate there way in to the PC PS. I have absolutely no previous experience in modding PC power supplies or anything that is PC related. I will post my progress and findings.

Regards,
Norm

You might want to take a look at PLEX for server and playback as well. Server and access via web browser is free. Android and Apple player apps are $5 each. Sound quality is top notch, lots of useful features and the "10 foot" user interface design is very appealing and functional. Its a media server capable of delivering hi res files and streaming, so it does video and image libraries as well as audio quite well!

Very cool, Norm. Sounds like a fun project. I actually spoke with the engineer at acpian as I was concerned with voltage drops if I took the PS outside of the puter and introduced an umbilical. Power supply is definitely one of the keys. I also found that keeping away from external hard drives is a big plus. Thanks,