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DIY Computer Audio Server or Melco N1Z/2EX-H60

Hi Everyone,
I would like to get an opinion on what music server has a better sound quality.
I want to buy a new Music server with min. 6 TB storage and I am looking at the moment on some different options. My budget is approx. $6000 and I want to connect the new server via Ethernet cable to my streamer.
Option 1: is buying the new Melco N1Z/2EX-H60 unpack it and enjoy the music.or
Option 2: building me own Music server using a HDPLEX H5 2nd Gen Fan-less PC Case withe a ASUS Workstation Motherboard, Intel XEON Possessor, industry graded memory modules, SSD and PCIe M.2 storage, JCAT Ethernet Card Femto, 400W Linear power supply.
Could anyone give me  some advice please, that has some experience Computer Audio Based Music Server.
Kind regards Roger
roger____
erik_squires
16,058 posts
 
You can run Roon on a lot less than a Xeon, with a lot less power required.

The server can run on an old i5 class CPU, with Linux. The players can run on a Pi 4 with Ubuntu 19.  This would let you put the server in another room to keep the fan noise out of the way, while your card-deck player connects to a DAC via USB.
gdnrbob
4,444 posts
 
I would contact Sam Laufer of Laufer Teknik.
He builds a mini Memory player that uses an Intel NUC. He also has some interesting software to go with it that enhances playback.
Bob
roger____ OP
3 posts
 
Thank you guys.
I will look into your suggestions!

Roger
dgarretson
2,598 posts
 
You seem to have good grip on optimized parts for a DIY server.  Most of what I have learned on the subject is in thread below.  I use and wholeheartedly endorse the JCAT Net Femto Ethernet card, powered externally by an inexpensive Zerozone LPS.  The JCAT improved a QNAP i5 TVS-882 in combination with SOtM renderer, USB conditioner, and modified EN hub-- all synchronized to a 10Mhz rubidium clock and powered by a four-rail Hynes SR7 DR LPS.  That's a lot of building blocks at higher cost relative to the Melco, but scalable to increasing performance levels if you want to grow.  
https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/30376-a-novel-way-to-massively-improve-the-sq-of-computer-audio-streaming/page/622/?tab=comments#comment-1020629
roger____ OP
3 posts
 
You seem to have good grip on optimized parts for a DIY server. Most of what I have learned on the subject is in thread below. I use and wholeheartedly endorse the JCAT Net Femto Ethernet card, powered externally by an inexpensive Zerozone LPS. The JCAT improved a QNAP i5 TVS-882 in combination with SOtM renderer, USB conditioner, and modified EN hub-- all synchronized to a 10Mhz rubidium clock and powered by a four-rail Hynes SR7 DR LPS. That's a lot of building blocks at higher cost relative to the Melco, but scalable to increasing performance levels if you want to grow.  
https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/30376-a-novel-way-to-massively-improve-the-sq-of-computer-audio-streaming/page/622/?tab=comments#comment-1020629
Thanks  dgarretson2,

if I understand you right, a DIY server wit hthe right components can sound better as the Melco?

Roger
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