2. pc-audio
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If you were setting up a music server today ...

I started, some years back, with iTunes, streaming to an Airport Express attached with optical cable to a DAC. I then moved on over to a Squeezebox, employing the Logitech Media Server on my Mac, with a Squeezebox Touch hooked up via coax to a number of DACs.

My question: I've been thinking of setting up a whole new server, starting from scratch, hoping to get it right from the first, ripping the CDs anew (yuck!) with better software than iTunes. I still want to be wireless.

Knowing what you know today, what would you recommend for a Mac-based server. Ripping software. Music playing software. The thing it would stream to to get it to the DAC. Anything else I'd want or need.

I haven't yet gotten into high res music, so I'm talking here about a server for my CDs, but I'd welcome a system that might allow me to progress into the high res stuff down the line, though that is not at all a priority.

What matters is good sound from a Mac-based wireless system -- and something I can live with for the long haul, as I really don't want to rip that whole damn collection a third time!

Thanks for any help you might give a boy on this complex front.

-- Howard
hodu

Showing 1 response by audioengr

audioengr
3,282 posts
 
For wireless, you are stuck with Sonos, Squeezebox etc., so the only improvements you can make are by reclocking or having a competent modder improve these devices. The advantage of reclocking is you get a separate dedicated high-quality power supply driving the reclocker, which contains the new master clock. This is difficult to do with mods. The clock is better and the power is cleaner so you get lower jitter. The Synchro-Mesh is such a device and used often with Sonos, Squeezebox, Apple TV and AirPort Express.

The downside of wireless is that you will be limited to 24/96 files.

If you want hi-res file capability, you will need either wired network or USB interface. Both can have longer connections. With USB you can use Icron USB extender to go longer than 16 feet.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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