2. digital
  3. 1297380317

MUSIC SERVER - HOW DO YOU............

I have a all McIntosh system with Tannoy speakers and have decided to go digital. Recently purchased a MDA 1000 to replace my C46. Easily over a 1000 cd collection.

I need a way to store and play. What I want to do is store to a NAS or similar device, sit on the couch with a touch screen of some sort to scan and select my listening pleasure. Can be hard wired or streamed. I use FLAC. Don't care about internet look up of playlist and cover art.

I'm not a computer wiz nor do I want to be. Is there a system that does what I want, seems like from what I read most self built servers require that you spend more time configuring and dealing with online support then listening to music.

What do you suggest? Thanks in advance for your help.
fishcricket

Showing 4 responses by mmike84

mmike84
309 posts
 
You still need a computer in the chain that will run the software you plan to use as a music player and access the drive w/ your music. PC or Mac will do. If it's PC download Media Monkey or J River. They will either see your music library or you can point them to it. There are some configurations within those programs you will need to set up in order to export music correctly. You will also need to connect the computer to the Dac which can be done in many ways. The easiest is a USB to Spdif (digital RCA) converter. I use an Empirical Audio Off Ramp for about $799. I have also used a M2Tech HiFace which can be had for about $125. The Empirical sounds much better. You can either use the computer screen to choose and play music, or you can use an Iphone of laptop running VNC to access and manipulate the computer.

Lastly if that all sounds too complicated call Neal at Sound Science 720-308-4000. He does hourly consulting.
mmike84
309 posts
 
Since you already have the Dac my solution above is still your best bet. Also using an Empirical Off Ramp connected via Spdif to your Dac will outperform any USB Dac I have heard and I have heard many.
mmike84
309 posts
 
I agree with part of the above posts. If you go w/ a Mac mini as the server it has a toslink out you can use. That will be a simple approach, and I'm 99% sure your Dac accepts toslink. However toslink is not the best sounding connection method.
mmike84
309 posts
 
Good for you.

Yes jitter is a real problem and most just hope their Dac deals with it. I'll let you in on a little secret. Virtually none of them do much to correct it. The Empirical Off Ramp converts USB and virtually eliminates jitter. I have tried it on a number of Dacs with a number of very very experienced audiophiles and we all agree it is an amazing device.

I use an Anti Cable Spdif cable which was about $150. It is on par with the Stereolab but less $. That's an easy way to go and it sounds really really good. They're not on the website so you'll have to contact them directly to get one.

At any rate good luck w/ the rest of your journey.
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