@astewart8944 glad to hear you have had a good experience with Antipodes USA. A used DX as people move up to the CX/EX combo is also on my list to consider
@amg56 I Initially considered the NAS approach but was really looking for a piece of hardware optimized for audio performance only. Although I do understand the obsolesence risk as this technology continues to move forward. I am sure you are getting excellent sound. What are you all in for that setup? Where does your Roon DB reside (on the NAS?)
@abedirov Thanks for posting that review. I haven't seen that one yet
@dgarretson not that familiar yet with the SOtm equipment. Another NAS vote. Not using DSP currently (tend to like to pass a pure signal with no processing) but would not want to limit future use if at all possible ($)
Thanks all |
@lwin I did initially look at Wolf Audio. I was a bit turned off by the lack of reviews and buzz. I will take another look at the Cub. Thanks |
@dgarretson Thanks for the info and you make some good points. Still not sold on pivoting back to a NAS approach. That QNAP is $4-5k. And everyone I know that has a multi-box setup like the SOtM products is looking to simplify their rig. Excellent value though as you mention. My DAC is already a Roon endpoint so I'm not sure that works from that perspective as well |
@mitch2 Would love to find a used Antipodes DX. Out of my price range new. Glad to hear your experience with Antipodes N America has been +
@ricred1 I will keep an eye out for that one. Don't see many Antipodes hit the used market (probably due to the upgrade paths) |
@ron17 I just got a price on the Innuous MK3 4TB at $6k. A little over what I want to spend. Good advice on the Mk2 and thanks for the contact.
@bbarden45 haven't heard of them but will do some research |
@bbarden45 Curious on what led you to that impression of the Wolf servers? |
@bbarden45 Hadn't noticed that on the Wolf and very true on the Antipodes website. Clear & detailed. I have to do more work on the PF. Have at this point eliminated the N100H. Agree it doesn't seem worth the $3k over what I'm doing today. You would have to go to the N10 at $8k (and you would have no Roon).
@bondmanp @bbarden45 I am very impressed by the Melco but their proprietary OS, what appears to be finicky setup and no Roon pushed them down my list. Too bad because they might jump to the front based on value if they had Roon. I contacted them and they said they have no plans to add Roon. Also agree that at this point anything other than Roon will be a big step back. Which is knocking Aurender off my list at this point as I zero in
Thanks guys |
@jb0194 @david_ten SGC was on my original list but as @bbarden45 suggests - there is nothing available that outlines what goes into this unit. Website is more marketing/feature based. There isn't even a peak inside the unit. How much different is this than my MAC serving up my music currently at a cost of $2-$3k?
My server will live in my rack in my living room. Would prefer something that looks good but sound quality is paramount and I could live with a no frills black box if that presents the best sound/value
Anyone familiar with Baetis? |
@david_ten Understood and thank you for the follow up information and your experience with the company. I will do additional research on them and keep them on the list.
@ronrags I will take a look at Sound Science.
Appreciate all the info |
@david_ten "If you want to dive deeper into music servers, I recommend spending time over at Computer Audiophile" Good advice. I forgot about this site
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I did get a price on the Innuous Zenith MKII Std from Old Forge Studio (CT) of $6k. A bit over budget. May have to look used if I select this unit or wait for it to come down. MKIII due out in July
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@thewolfaudio Thanks for the links Joe. The Red Wolf is way out of my price range. Same with the Alpha (to bad you skipped over the 4TB option and go 2TB-6TB). Based on my budget it looks like I'm comparing The Cub to the competition |
@audiotroy Hello. I know I don't "need" onboard storage. I want it. If you read my original spec I do not want to go down the NAS/attached drive path (right now).
I'm also not sure I agree it will sound as good coming from a NAS over a network vs an integrated player.
I can see why you are enthusiastic about Innuous
I would love an MKII SE, MKIII or Statement but that isn't happening based on my expected pricing (if a MKII Std 4TB is $6k)
If an SE 4TB or MKII 4TB becomes avail as the new models come out certainly contact me
Thank you
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@audiotroy thanks. I need 4TB for my collection and future growth. Will be in touch if I go this way
@thewolfaudio Thanks Joe. I'll keep an eye out for your new models and glad the 4TB can be added
@koestner Looking for that one box device with storage
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@audiotroy Maybe I am missing something but it is hard to believe a $400-$800 NAS (which based on other opinions is inherently noisy) would be better than a well designed server with onboard storage. You also seem to contradict your packet philosophy ("In the world of digital the packeted music going into the server may actually sound better than the onboard music via the ssd") by touting a USB connection from the Inuous to your DAC. Why wouldn't you go via Ethernet to stay all packet transmission?
I am open to the NAS approach if I can be convinced.
I do have Ethernet at my rack however I do not have home runs from my router but rather MAC>Cable Modem/Router>2 floors to Netgear Switch>1 floor up to 2nd Netgear switch near rack>DAC. I know that is not ideal. Adding a NAS (since I would not put it near my rack) will go down a similar path. Have no idea how to make that better currently.
@rbstehno The Inuous/Melco/Antipodes can connect via Ethernet to a DAC so I'm not sure that is old tech. I have the PS Audio DSJr with the Bridge II card as well but I am looking to improve how I feed my library to that
@labtec interesting unit but over my budget at $8k
Good discussion. Thanks all |
I thought I would update everyone as to where I am currently. Below is my current short list (in current order of preference): - Music Vault Ultra II 4TB ($5k) Custom built with I2s output
- Innuous MKII Std 4TB ($6k or Used)
- Antipodes EX 4TB ($5k)
- Wolf Audio Alpha 2 4TB ($5.75k) or the new Luna model Joe is going to spec out ($4.4k)
Would love to hear from @ctsooner
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@bbarden45 "Have you considered the Pink Faun music servers?"
Been spending some time at their site. Very impressive devices an appear to be well built. You are seeing their cards being used in other products. I know Neal uses one of the cards in his Music Vaults. They have an I2s card that would be my preferred connection to my PS Audio DS Jr however it is limited to PCM only. PS Input goes to DSD128. No US Dist s Only direct purchases from Denmark is a complication. Trying to price it out with them now |
Whatever unit you buy, there will be a Mark 2 or super version out a month later, that's just life. I am still very happy with my Mark 1 Zenith and see no reason to change. Very true @david12 I will have to live with whatever choice I make for quite awhile (ignoring FOMA) which is why I am taking my time and considering extending the budget. Although an upgrade path would be ideal as an option This is what is looking like right now (all 4TB SSD): - Pink Faun 2.16 ($6.25k) (I2s)
- Innuos MKII Std ($6k or Used) (USB)
- Music Vault Ultra II ($5k) (I2s)
- Antipodes EX ($5k) (Ethernet/USB)
- Wolf Audio Alpha 2 ($5.75k) or Luna ($4.4k)
Really like the Pink Faun but not sure if I want to bear the time/cost to ship it back & forth from Denmark for repairs/upgrades..... Leaning towards options with I2s outputs to optimize the PS Audio DAC |
Have an opportunity to buy a Innuos MKII at a clearance price so it is coming down to the below for around $5k: - Innuos MKII Std (USB)
- Music Vault Ultra II (I2s)
Anyone out here using the Innuos with Roon? With a PS Audio DAC via USB? Curious your impressions on the Roon Mngt as well as the USB into the PSA |
Correct @jriggy I would have 2 choices although PS Audio indicates the I2s is the optimal method.
I do think the Innuos would have a better resale but who knows |
I did pull the trigger on a new Innuos Zenith MKII 4TB for $5k. Too hard to pass up at 20% off the prior price. I am glad they shook free once the MKIII was announced.
Some great info from austinpop over at CA on migrating a Roon library
On the search for a USB cable to my PS Audio DSJr Dac
Plan to get the ISOACOUSTICS Orea to upgrade the isolation
Will update everyone once I get it up and running |
@uberwaltz thanks for the suggestion. I am kind leaning towards the Curious or Phasure Lush at the moment
@ron17 Thanks Ron. I do like the Nordost cables |
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@marktomaras Absolutely Mark. There is some debate and contrarian opinions on this but I do plan to try both USB & Ethernet and listen/compare. Also toying with idea of buying a USB/Toslink converter as a 3rd option. According to Ted Smith toslink also has advantages the other 2 don't (lower noise/jitter I think with limitation to 96kHz).
PS DSJr Specs:
I2S, and USB - 44.1kHz to 352.8kHz 16bit, 24bit, DSD 64, DSD 128
TOSLINK – 44.1kHz to 96kHz 16bit, 24bit
XLR (AES/EBU)S/PDIF (coax)-- 44.1kHz to 192kHz 16bit, 24bit, DSD 64
BRIDGE II -192kHz 32 bit compatible
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I am a big Roon fan and a lifetime subscriber. I'm sure there will be competition down the road but I'm also sure Roon will continue to innovate. At $119/yr I didn't see the point in waiting on the lifetime. |
@marktomaras understandable. < $60 to fid out and compare though |
@mitch2 the Metrum Ambre looks like an interesting product. If I’m understanding it correctly it would go between a server like the Innuos and a DAC (via Ethernet) but provide multiple output options to the DAC. Intrigued by having the ability to output USB/Toslink/AES/I2s. With some sort of improved handling of the signal. Curious to hear your impressions. Not crazy about adding another box unless it makes the chain significantly better
@marktomaras agree. Have talked to them in the past. Might be worth another call
Thanks guys |
Update on the Innuos MKII:
Received late last Wed. Installed my music/migrated Roon. Listened a bit before burn in:
A little bright/thin with an improved soundstage (width) and separation of instruments
At 24 hours:
Much better tonal balance. Very wide/deep soundstage with air around instruments. Tight grip on bass
Would like to get to 200 or so before critically listening again especially since I also have a new USB cable to break in as well.
MKII is very solidly built. Impressive machine. Easy to use. Excellent support. Highly recommended especially if you can get one before the MKIII's come out. A few left from what I understand |
