Best music server for the money

Yes I know it doesn't. Just curious how you bypassed the requirement for the 160GB - it just stopped b4 installation

Doesn't Windows Server need 160GB of HDD space before you can install the OS? How did you install it on a 60GB SSD?

Sony HAP Z1ES. Computer Audio without the computer.

Also available modified by Modwright or RedWineAudio if you wish.

Ripping CDs IMHO is a non issue. Even the new Minis don't have an optical drive anymore.

As for back ups, I agree that it could be an issue.

But the Sony does provide an app for you to make back ups of the music library. I personally like the ability of the Sony to run with local music files rather than trying to retrieve it off a network device.

FWIW I don't own the Sony but I see it as a way to get the computer out of computer audio. I too run a Mac Mini with JRiver and iTunes at the moment.

Curious

Which Windows Server 2012 did you use?

There are different Server variants I thought.

Essentials?

IMHO a proper music server isn't just a straight up computer.

Care has to be taken when choosing the components. I've found a big improvement going from a regular PC to one where I have removed moving parts (fans and HDDs).

And switching to a linear PSU vs a regular switch mode PSU also offers a huge performance improvement.

It is true that you can build such a machine on your own (look at the nofan and streacom range) but they are not for those familiar with DIY.

I find the noise from a spinning HDD (even an external one) is quite noticeable.

A NAS allows you to put the discs in another room.

@Pkoegz

I don't know what you mean by computer savvy but if you built your fanless PC design, it probably excludes a large number of people. Most fanless CPU heatsinks are surprisingly difficult to install. I had a fair bit of trouble with my Zalman FX100 and I think the Streacom ones are much much harder to assemble.

For those who are daunted, they could probably just get smallgreencomputers or silentpc to build the complete computer for them. Doesn't cost a whole lot more either.

That said, I can't say I am a big fan of the way Microsoft Windows requires patches and updates at such regular intervals, especially when the updates seem to slow the machine down progressively.

That's why I recommended getting from companies such as silentpc or smallgreencomputers unless you are computer savvy enough to install. I guess you and I have different yardsticks :)

FWIW The Zalman FX100 needed a super long screw driver that could reach beyond the heatsink to secure the huge contraption to the motherboard. I am using a Seasonic fanless PSU.

SmallGreenComputers provide a way to use linear mode power supplies. Again these aren't stuff you can just pick up from your local computer store.

And as for running Windows - yes, it doesn't take a lot of effort to get it working - but understanding back ups, maintenance/patches etc can be quite frustrating for newbies.

Yes I readyour post. But it wasn't immediately clear if you bought the components and assembled it yourself or got the seller to build it.

If it is the former, it's IMHO not something I'd recommend a non computer savvy person to embark on. If it is the latter, then it is no different from my original recommendation - to buy it from a company that specialises in building and selling optimised music server PCs.