Audio PC

@danager ,

I have started looking for components to build a player/streamer myself. I will be using a Intel i7-12700 CPU in a Streamcom FC10 fanless case. I have already purchased the hard-to-find ST-ZF240 passive power supply to be used within this build. Now looking for an appropriate motherboard and RAM. Eventually will look for a audiophile USB card. I have never built a PC before. So will be interested in knowing what configuration you would be using.

@danager ,

You are absolutely right. It is indeed a switching power supply. My goal for the current build is to "build my first desktop". I have never done this before. But after 2 days of searching the internet, I am almost ready once the parts come in and I have to order a few more.

As for LSP, that will be in the future. If you need a really good LPS, then check out the following link:

https://www.acopian.com/single-l-goldbox-m.html

These LPS are made in the US and have "ripple: of 0.25 to 1.5mV, which I understand is fantastic.

@lalitk ,

Thanks,. I do have some USB PCIe cards in mind and JCAT is one of them. But that will happen later. Current focus is to build a desktop because the laptop is getting old and I cannot do DSD 512 in the Foobar because of processing capability of that old laptop.

Thanks @lalitk ,

But tonight I got a message that the compact power supply I ordered is cancelled because it became "out of stock". I was initially disappointed a bit. But then I thought - things happen for good. So now I will look to use a Linear Power Supply to power up the PC. Also will go with a ATX mothernoard instead of micro-ATX motherboard. The goal is to use a Nano160 PSU (DC-DC) and power it with a Linear Power Supply. So the build is going to take some time to start.

Was looking into linear power supplies, but came across this:

AUDIO MYTH - "SWITCHING POWER SUPPLIES ARE NOISY"

Any thoughts, based on experiences?

@danager , @lalitk ,

I have successfully built the Audio Server to replace my aging laptop. I replaced the laptop with the server this past weekend. I have no idea how much of a profound effect a server has on the audio system. I used to think that the DAC would be more important than the server. But this has opened up my eyes (or rather ears). For now all I will say is that it is like going from a 1999 Honda Civic to a 2022 BMW 5 Series.

I am so thrilled with this build that I have set a goal to create a separate system page specifically for the the server build so that it encourages others to see how easy it is and how they can improve the sound of their system drastically. I will be including all the components and the pictures of each stage. I hope to get this done in the next couple of weeks.

I do have 1 picture posted on my system.

I will soon post the details in a new system page. Will try to do that ASAP.

My NEW server build is below:

Streacom FC10 Alpha fanless audio server

Thank You @danager 

Your input played an important role in my build. It was the power supply. I am glad I did not go with the AC-DC converter inside the box. It is done using a Delll brick outside the box. I forgot to mention that and take a picture.

@danager ,

Yes, I have read the same. In fact high end USB cards have separate power inputs for the same reason. At this point, I am happy with the setup. I am sure the itch will come at some point in time. I will most likely experiment at that point, when I decide to upgrade to a high end USB card.

all I did was filter out the computers 5V power and I swear to you it completely changes my system for the better.

Based on the years of experiences I gained in the audio journey, I can easily trust what you are saying. Personal experiences and an open mind (and ears, of course) are all that you need to learn in this hobby. All you need to do now is to focus on the music and have fun with the newly upgraded system.

I don't think the USB card is going to happen anytime soon. In fact I gained more musicality and dynamism when I removed the SSD drive that had the music files. Now the drive is connected to the NAS via USB. Obviously I removed the SATA cables and the "tray" that you see in the system, where the SSD was placed. Small changes do make meaningful impact on the listening experiences.