I had a Lampizator Pacific DAC that was pretty good. Then I added the Lucas Audio LDMS Music Server. Oh my, the SQ was night and day better. You should contact Lucas Domansky utilizing What’s Ap ( Free phone call) and just talk to him about your needs. He is a computer genius and a great guy to talk to for advice. I am getting an upgraded LDMS next week, My current LDMS will be available to buy. Lucas wanted me to keep it in the USA and as he gets a customer he will sell mine which is 18 months old. He said he would sell for $8k. that is just a little higher than your budget but well well worth it.
Music Server Advice
I’m an analog guy moving up the digital path and I’m asking for some help from my AGon colleagues with my next move. I currently use an Intel NUC/Rock to run Roon feeding an Esoteric D-05x. It really sounds good! If this sub $700 NUC sounds this good, I’m keen on discovering what can be had in the $4K to $7K range (New or Used) to replace the NUC/Rock. (I’m not letting go of the D-05x!) I’ve used Roon since its inception but I’ve tried other apps from time to time, most recently the Aurender App as well as Innuos, JRiver, and Audvirana.
Recently owned/auditioned:
Aurender N10 - Loved the sound, hated the App (to be fair I was comparing to Roon)
Innuos Pulse - Lots of detail no soul. Couldn’t listen to very long, fatiguing
Auralic Altair G1 - Mid Fi. traded in for Esoteric/added NUC Rock
Under Consideration:
- Go back to the N10 and get used to their app
- Aurender N200...get used to their app
- Antipodes...
- 432evo
I’m open to suggestions!
Digital: NUC/Rock - Esoteric D-05x - Esoteric F-05 - Wilson Sohia.
Listen to 95% Jazz.
Appreciate all responses in advance!