2. digital
  3. 170157-3621

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.
bondmanp

Showing 2 responses by david_ten

david_ten
5,480 posts
 
I suggest keeping the server/player separate from the DAC.
This will allow for greater flexibility in upgrade paths and support on the server/player side (driven by the manufacturer).

It also allows you to move to something else should your needs or the market move in another direction. This applies especially to the server/player (and to a lesser degree to the DAC).

I use the Small Green Computer i7 unit. It has been well supported and has worked flawlessly. And, as @tvad mentioned, it allows for more flexibility in software choice/approach.

For server/player options, in addition to those you listed and members have mentioned, consider entry level Wolf Audio, 432 Evo servers as well.
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@bondmanp There is a used Wolf Audio Alpha 2 listed for 2.8/3.0K Not sure if it meets all of your requirements.

I’m assuming 3K is your budget for the server/player.

If storage is an issue, go with a unit that allows you to add on as needed (for example, Antipodes) OR external storage, OR card / usb drive based storage.

If you want to avoid adding a switch, choose a unit (network player or DAC) that offers a wireless receiver OR go with a bridged Ethernet server.

You have multiple ways to go about this.
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