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Advice buying a Music Server? Just Olive 4HD?

Hi All,

I have a custom tube preamp/amp and a Rega Apollo for my CD collection. It is wonderful, but I dream of having my CDs all ripped onto a simple and quiet device, that wirelessly synchronizes music from my macbook when I rip it / download.

I do not want a Squeezebox + DAC [I do not want to have to use a computer with my stereo and I do not want two components, just one simple device].

I do not want a RedWine Audio IPOD, although this represents almost what I need [easy music synching with my library of Apple lossless files, easy UI, improved acoustics, etc.]. Here the sound is not quite what I want, and the storage is limited by the iPod.

It seems like the Olive 4HD is the only thing out there that has plenty of storage, WiFi for easy music synchronization, and high quality DAC componentry. But $2500 seems crazy.

I don't need the Olive CD transport [I can rip on my macbook]. I don't need internet radio. Is there really no $1000 solution to this problem? The Olive 3HD just makes me think that I'll want a better DAC, so please don't point me there.

Thoughts?
thanks,
Keith
kbigelow

Showing 4 responses by kbarkamian

kbarkamian
647 posts
 
The Apple TV makes things very easy IMO. Its the most enjoyable thng I've done to my system in a very long time. I'm sure you'll be very happy with one.

Get a good DAC and an iPod Touch for a remote, even if you're OK with a TV in the room, and you're good to go.

Hopefully Rega's DAC will be out soon!
kbarkamian
647 posts
 
In order to get the best out of a music server, you really need a DAC, unless you're spending a lot of money on something like a Sooloos.

I was looking for a similar solution to what it sounds like you're referring too. I didn't want my computer constantly running, and didn't want to stream wirelessly - I didn't want drop outs, lag, and interference.

I bought an Apple TV. The model being phased out right now has a 160 gb internal hard drive, optical output, can be controlled by either an iPhone (which I use), iPod Touch, or an iPad. Music takes a while to sync initially, but adding a new CD here and there doesn't take very long.

Downsides to it - you need a DAC, 160gb isn't a ton of memory, and it doesn't play high res. I have my CDs ripped as Apple Lossless. About 350 or so CDs have my hard drive at about 3/8 or so filled. I have no high res music, so no worries for me.

I just sold my Rega Apollo and am waiting for Rega to release their DAC. Word on the UK streets is sometime in October. Hopefully it'll be here in the States shortly afterward. I'm currently isn't an old Theta Cobalt 307 DAC which is surprisingly almost as good as the Apollo. The Apollo grooves a little better, but the Cobalt actually does a few things better than the Apollo.

The Rega DAC is supposed to be better than the Saturn and will retail for $995 if that makes it enticing.
kbarkamian
647 posts
 
You can't add extra memory to the Apple TV. Once out of space, you can stream to it from your main computer.

I have about 300 or so CDs in Apple Lossless stored on it. It's about 3/8 full. If I ever run out of space, what I'd do is keep my everyday CDs on it, and stream the odd stuff.

I have all my music stored on an external 1TB hard drive in addition to the Apple TV.

There are hacks out there that allow an external hard drive to be connected directly to the Apple TV, and there are a few companies that'll put bigger hard drives in them. Not sure how much I trust altering gear personally.
kbarkamian
647 posts
 
Bryston is releasing a digital player (not sure what to call it), the BDP-1. I don't think it streams music, I think you connect a hard drive via USB - regular or thumb drive. It's kind of hard to describe. Google search it for info. It'll cost $2100.
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