@ everyone above... Thanks! I should have put the SGC package on the list. I originally started out with a VB appliance from SGC in 2011, and was pleased, although I did have a HD failure about 4 years in (thank goodness for backups!). I would probably go with their package of the i5, Ultra Rendu and linear power supply, continuing to rip via my laptop (which I did even though the VB appliance had an optical drive). With a 4TB SSD, it is selling now for $2514. Of course, it will require a USB DAC. It does seem, though, that you cannot skip the network if the i5 and Rendu are next to each other in the rack. It seems I would still have to go through ethernet. That means I will need an ethernet switch to expand my 2-port ethernet powerline extension adapter. Added expense, especially if I want a high quality switch.
Help me pick one of four music servers/streamersreqi
Sorry about the sloppy title; can't edit it, fat fingers.
On a tight budget, but looking to take my digital playback chain up a notch.
Current system is Vortexbox appliance to router via ethernet, wifi to Squeezebox Touch to older modded Beresford DAC (max 96/24) via S/PDIF coax, RCA analog out to preamp. Sounds very good, all things considered, but I know I can do better and modernize. Plus will soon bump up against the 1 TB hard drive capacity in the VB appliance. I use dBPoweramp on a networked laptop to rip CDs, and a network attached Sweetvinyl Sugarcube SC-2 to rip vinyl. I also plan on subscribing to Roon. Since I will not run an ethernet cable from my router, I will be using a powerline extender to provide the ethernet connection. I hope it will be sufficient; it works fine with the Sugarcube. I am not really interested in any resolutions beyond 24/192. I have a Qoboz subscription, and want to add a radio function to it (still can’t believe it doesn’t have one). Roon will do that, I believe.
Here are the top contenders, all under $3000, with some pros and cons. Some of these options will necessitate the purchase of a USB-capable DAC. For that, aside from the $3K max, I am looking at a Schitt Gungnir (opinions on the DAC welcome as well, but the $1300 price is my absolute max). This must be a turnkey solution, as I am at the ink and quill level technologically.
1. Roon Nucleus with 4TB ~$2250
Pros: Well-regarded, Roon core, silent, affordable. Drive is SSD, can output to a USB DAC directly
Cons: No DAC, no internal CD ripper. Not sure if I can rip files to the internal storage drive via my networked laptop.
2. Innuos ZenMini Mk3 with 4TB with LPS power supply ~ $2550
Pros: Internal DAC (not sure of quality), Roon Core, carried by a local, trusted B&M dealer
Cons: Reputation for drop outs and frequent required restarts, internal drive is a less reliable spinning HDD (I have heard the difference a SSD can make for file playback), Gapless playback through analog out?
3. Lumin D2 - no internal drive - $2300
Pros: Good reputation for Sound Quality, Internal DAC, Gapless playback, can use with current backup HDD until I need to move to a larger one.
Cons: No internal hard drive, not sure it is a Roon Core, will have to purchase external SSD for file storage when I get near 1TB.
4. Melco N100-h50 with 5TB internal drive $? 2TB model is $2100, so I assume 5TB still comes in under $3K.
Pros: Good reputation for Sound Quality and easy user interface, can output directly to USB DAC, Roon Core (?)
Cons: May be the most expensive in the group, still requires a USB DAC
Not looking to get flamed here or ignite a flame war, just valid opinions of experienced users. Open to other brands provided they meet my requirements, especially price ceiling. Thanks in advance.
On a tight budget, but looking to take my digital playback chain up a notch.
Current system is Vortexbox appliance to router via ethernet, wifi to Squeezebox Touch to older modded Beresford DAC (max 96/24) via S/PDIF coax, RCA analog out to preamp. Sounds very good, all things considered, but I know I can do better and modernize. Plus will soon bump up against the 1 TB hard drive capacity in the VB appliance. I use dBPoweramp on a networked laptop to rip CDs, and a network attached Sweetvinyl Sugarcube SC-2 to rip vinyl. I also plan on subscribing to Roon. Since I will not run an ethernet cable from my router, I will be using a powerline extender to provide the ethernet connection. I hope it will be sufficient; it works fine with the Sugarcube. I am not really interested in any resolutions beyond 24/192. I have a Qoboz subscription, and want to add a radio function to it (still can’t believe it doesn’t have one). Roon will do that, I believe.
Here are the top contenders, all under $3000, with some pros and cons. Some of these options will necessitate the purchase of a USB-capable DAC. For that, aside from the $3K max, I am looking at a Schitt Gungnir (opinions on the DAC welcome as well, but the $1300 price is my absolute max). This must be a turnkey solution, as I am at the ink and quill level technologically.
1. Roon Nucleus with 4TB ~$2250
Pros: Well-regarded, Roon core, silent, affordable. Drive is SSD, can output to a USB DAC directly
Cons: No DAC, no internal CD ripper. Not sure if I can rip files to the internal storage drive via my networked laptop.
2. Innuos ZenMini Mk3 with 4TB with LPS power supply ~ $2550
Pros: Internal DAC (not sure of quality), Roon Core, carried by a local, trusted B&M dealer
Cons: Reputation for drop outs and frequent required restarts, internal drive is a less reliable spinning HDD (I have heard the difference a SSD can make for file playback), Gapless playback through analog out?
3. Lumin D2 - no internal drive - $2300
Pros: Good reputation for Sound Quality, Internal DAC, Gapless playback, can use with current backup HDD until I need to move to a larger one.
Cons: No internal hard drive, not sure it is a Roon Core, will have to purchase external SSD for file storage when I get near 1TB.
4. Melco N100-h50 with 5TB internal drive $? 2TB model is $2100, so I assume 5TB still comes in under $3K.
Pros: Good reputation for Sound Quality and easy user interface, can output directly to USB DAC, Roon Core (?)
Cons: May be the most expensive in the group, still requires a USB DAC
Not looking to get flamed here or ignite a flame war, just valid opinions of experienced users. Open to other brands provided they meet my requirements, especially price ceiling. Thanks in advance.