Music Server Help

[jim1961]

This is what I want.

A device that I can upload hi-rez files to via win7 usb 2.0 computer and via RCA digital (cable) outs play them back through my Rega DAC.

I have been trying to catch up on media/music servers and what I find always has way more than I need.

I dont need:

1) streaming from the net (in fact, it doesnt need to have any internet capability)
2) a built in DAC (already have a DAC)
3) CD ripper (can rip on the computer)
4) wireless or network interfaces (except a USB-in to interface with the computer for uploads to the server)
5) built in amplification for speakers or headphones of any kind
6) huge storage space (1/2 TB is plenty)(more is OK of course)

Can anyone steer me in the right direction?

[wkhanna]

maybe a laptop running Foobar with an iFi converter?

[Kal Rubinson]

(5) is going to be an issue since it has to be driven by the external DAC.

So, ignoring that, why not just use the Win7PC you have? Add Foobar or JRiver and, perhaps, an external drive/NAS for the files if your PC cannot handle the "huge storage space."

(??? Who made me a Stereiophile Consultant?)

[jim1961]

So, ignoring that, why not just use the Win7PC you have? Add Foobar or JRiver and, perhaps, an external drive/NAS for the files if your PC cannot handle the "huge storage space."

Sure, I could do that. But ive gotten from many that a win7->USB ->IFI isnt the best environment or path for super high quality output.

[Kal Rubinson]

Sure, I could do that. But ive gotten from many that a win7->USB ->IFI isnt the best environment or path for super high quality output.

Excessive obsessiveness. Of course, if your PC is doing lots of other stuff, you might want a separate one. I have had great results with a Win10 laptop with SSD and USB out although it is not my main system because is lacks sufficient storage for me.

[jim1961]

Excessive obsessiveness. Of course, if your PC is doing lots of other stuff, you might want a separate one. I have had great results with a Win10 laptop with SSD and USB out although it is not my main system because is lacks sufficient storage for me.

USB is not the choice for many, and not for me as a interface medium. I said in the beginning, I want coaxial outputs. And taking USB and converting to coaxial might be the worst of both worlds.

[Kal Rubinson]

USB is not the choice for many, and not for me as a interface medium. I said in the beginning, I want coaxial outputs. And taking USB and converting to coaxial might be the worst of both worlds.

Well. my bias for USB is based on the fact that S/PDIF (coax) cannot do multichannel. Recently, I compared S/PDIF with USB+S/PDIF conversion and the differences were not decisive in very revealing and expensive setup. Frankly, I think the particular components and applications are more significant than USB vs. S/PDIF. (I am assuming you do not have and cannot add a good S/PDIF output to your PC.)

[jim1961]

Well. my bias for USB is based on the fact that S/PDIF (coax) cannot do multichannel. Recently, I compared S/PDIF with USB+S/PDIF conversion and the differences were not decisive in very revealing and expensive setup. Frankly, I think the particular components and applications are more significant than USB vs. S/PDIF. (I am assuming you do not have and cannot add a good S/PDIF output to your PC.)

My application is 2 channel only. On my system, the audible difference between USB and Coax is significant.

[Kal Rubinson]

My application is 2 channel only. On my system, the audible difference between USB and Coax is significant.

If so, it is situational but significant.

[jim1961]

My DAC needs a coax input. So basically what I am asking here is what device can deliver that in a inexpensive (<$1000) and high quality way. I dont need the bells and whistles that most music servers offer, so in theory, not having them should save $$$.

[Steve Manning]

This is what I want.

A device that I can upload hi-rez files to via win7 usb 2.0 computer and via RCA digital (cable) outs play them back through my Rega DAC.

I have been trying to catch up on media/music servers and what I find always has way more than I need.

I dont need:

1) streaming from the net (in fact, it doesnt need to have any internet capability)
2) a built in DAC (already have a DAC)
3) CD ripper (can rip on the computer)
4) wireless or network interfaces (except a USB-in to interface with the computer for uploads to the server)
5) built in amplification for speakers or headphones of any kind
6) huge storage space (1/2 TB is plenty)(more is OK of course)

Can anyone steer me in the right direction?

I'm by far not an expert in music server stuff ....... Though you might want to take a look at the Auralic products? The Auralic Mini might get you what you need, even though it does some of the extra stuff you don't need on your list and the price is pretty reasonable. Their website seems to have a good support center that explains what their products are about. http://support.auralic.com/hc/en-us

[jim1961]

I'm by far not an expert in music server stuff ....... Though you might want to take a look at the Auralic products? The Auralic Mini might get you what you need, even though it does some of the extra stuff you don't need on your list and the price is pretty reasonable. Their website seems to have a good support center that explains what their products are about. http://support.auralic.com/hc/en-us

This seemingly does everything I want. But, the only way to control it is via Iphone or Ipad, and I have neither

I suppose this may be a problem for me with any device like this (control interface).

[Steve Manning]

This seemingly does everything I want. But, the only way to control it is via Iphone or Ipad, and I have neither

I suppose this may be a problem for me with any device like this (control interface).

If you go for an older generation Ipad Mini they can be had for a good price these days ..... something like this, http://www.bestbuy.com/site/apple-ip...?skuId=2557948. You certainly would not need the latest and greatest to control the Auralic. At that price you would still be under your $1K budget.

[jim1961]

If you go for an older generation Ipad Mini they can be had for a good price these days ..... something like this, http://www.bestbuy.com/site/apple-ip...?skuId=2557948. You certainly would not need the latest and greatest to control the Auralic. At that price you would still be under your $1K budget.

I have this exact same thread at DIYaudio, Gearslutz and AVS. So far, I have had more responses here at HT than the other three combined and your two posts have been the only ones directly helpful.

Thanks.

[Steve Manning]

I have this exact same thread at DIYaudio, Gearslutz and AVS. So far, I have had more responses here at HT than the other three combined and your two posts have been the only ones directly helpful.

Thanks.

Your welcome ..... again double check me, because I'm certainly no expert on the stuff, but it looks like it should do what you need. I know Jon has the big brother to the mini and is pretty happy with it.

[jim1961]

Your welcome ..... again double check me, because I'm certainly no expert on the stuff, but it looks like it should do what you need. I know Jon has the big brother to the mini and is pretty happy with it.

I looked at that one also. Perhaps Jon will chime in and tell us about it.