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

Hopefully someone can help with my question.

My current system is a Krell Digital Vanguard Integrated Amplifier and Wilson Cub Series 2 speakers. The Krell has a USB input that I have connected to an external hard drive that contains all of my FLAC files. I control what is playing with the mconnect app on my phone and can stream from Qobuz/Tidal/Spotify if I need to. It all works fine and sounds great to my ears.

My question is other than some GUI navigation improvements what would be gained if I ran my FLAC files through a music/network server (Aurender, etc) before inputting to the Krell? My intention at the moment is to continue using the DAC in the Krell. Not interested in Roon.

What would a music/network server add in my situation?

I know the real experiment would be to get a music server and let my ears tell me, but just trying to think this through right now.


zerofox

Showing 2 responses by mahler123

mahler123
3,081 posts
 
I don’t think that there will be a gain in SQ by adding a server.  If you add a second system, then the server will be able to “serve” the files to that system as well, but if it’s one system only then you aren’t going anything
mahler123
3,081 posts
 
I believe the OP was asking specifically about his files stored on a HD.  The query wasn’t about streaming services.  So then the question becomes do files stored on a HD sound better if played back on a bog standard personal computer vs.a dedicated server/streamer.  This goes back to the issue of whether dedicated server/streamers sound better than computers.  In general, they do, but PCs can be optimized for audio playback using a relatively inexpensive program such as Audirvana Plus.  
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