Is it worth it to add a music server just for FLAC files?

One of the most profound changes in the digital end of my system was to finally put in a high end music server. The first step was a Auralic.. then I moved to Aurender. The difference was profound. Now the sound quality of CD player played, LAN stored, internally (on streamer), and Qubuz have the same sound quality… well the Qobuz is frequently better as they are higher resolution files.

For years I upgraded DACs and amps, speakers, headphones… passing over the source. My first dedicated music streamer changed all that. Now I recognized the source, like the turntable in analog reproduction is the first critical step in getting great sound quality. My streamer is now the most expensive component in my system (well, equal to my tube amp). Worth every penny. I never play those albums on storage. I listen to Qobuz and have access to more music to explore than I could listen to in a lifetime.


After owning a couple good steamers, audioning a bunch, and several Aurender, I favor Aurender. They really get how to do streaming. The critical importance of the power supply. The audio circuit in mine runs on battery.

I completely understand where you are coming from. I was there, thinking I just want to use what I have. But at some point I broke through that mind set and realized there was a whole new world out there… It completely blew me away. I look back now and just can’t believe how wonderful this new world is.

I daily listen to music two to three hours a day with incredible musicality and virtually none of it did I listen to a year ago, or last month. I discover new groups an genera constantly exploring whole worlds of music I had no idea existed and with astonishing sound quantity that constantly inspires me.