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Help on Optimizing Dedicated PC as Music Server



Just finished assembling a PC to be used as a dedicated music server with a minimalist approach. Parts include:

intel i7 4470k 3.5Ghz, MSI Z87-G45 motherboard with(build-in S/pdif output), 2 x 4GB DDR Corsair RAM, Antec Mid tower, 120GB SSD HD for OS, 3TB HD for music storage, Corsair CX500 PS.

Window 7 Pro service pack 1, 64 bit. Have not updated after fresh OS installation. Do I need to?
JRiver ver.19. Gizmo & JRiver for Android Tablet

Here are my concerns:

- should i do/or need to do a Windows update
- should I use JPlay with JRiver
- are there settings that I need to change/perform on the PC to make the most for audio
- any "tweaks" that can be done to lower noise, vibration,...etc to improve performance/SQ
- do I need a sound card

My DAC is a the vulnerable Mark Levinson 360, capable to (24/96kHz). For now I plan to connect directly to motherboard output S/pdif. Will entertain USB/S/pdif converter at a later time.

Thank you.
128x128norm
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
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.
norm's avatar
norm OP
52 posts
 
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
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,199 posts
 
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!
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
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,
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,428 posts
 
All things mentioned so far improve sound by reduction of
the jitter. you could get reclocker instead and forget
about special computers, playback programs, footers,
platforms etc.

[url]https://wyred4sound.com/products/digital-
converters/remedy-reclocker[/url]
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