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Music Server Recommendation

Hello AG community,
I have embarked down the path of getting my music off my computer (iMAC>USB Drive>Ethernet) and on to a dedicated music server.  Primarily I am looking for significantly improved sound quality and instant on. It will feed my DAC (most likely via USB). Need 4TB in onboard storage (no attached drives/NAS). I would really prefer to stay with Roon (have a lifetime sub) but will consider others with equal or superior functionality/sound/remote app.
Budget is $4-5k

My current primary equipment:
PS Audio DirectStream Jr/Oppo BDP-105
Ayre K-5xe Pre
Conrad Johnson MF2500a Amp
Vandersteen Quatro Woods
AQ Niagra 1000
AQ cables

I have been considering the below:

In the lead:
Antipodes EX (+ 4TB SSD)/Roon $5100
Innuous Zenith MKII Std/Roon $?? (can't figure out the US cost yet)

I really like the Antipodes especially the modular approach (ability to add a CX down the road), reviews and their reputation. Innuous seems like it may rival the Antipodes in sound quality. Both are not the easiest to buy or figure out sellers/distributors/pricing.

Trailing:
Aurender N100H $3000
Melco N1 MKII $??

Aurender is readily avail. Conductor app is generally well regarded. Would prefer the N10 but it is out of my range. I have heard some negatives regarding this unit being a bit shrill (definitely not anything I would be happy with). The Melco is very interesting and meets the sound quality std but is probably the fussiest from a setup perspective. Their software/remote app is probably the weakest of this group. Also confused about the 2 x XTB setup (is this a raid array or combined storage)?

What other products should I seriously consider in that price range? Is the budget sufficient for my requirements or should I look used or wait and save more?

Thank you in advance and look forward to your feedback

fdemello

Showing 5 responses by marktomaras

marktomaras
544 posts
 
Roon lifetime subscription $500
Roon Rock installed on an Intel NUC with i7 chip and an internal 1TB SSD for storage $700
Ethernet to DAC

done.
thrilled!
awesome!!!
marktomaras
544 posts
 
I am very skeptical about the toslink converter idea. 
marktomaras
544 posts
 
By the way, PS audio DACs with the bridge II sound way better than when using the USB input. I used to have a PWD mk II with Bridge II, and my experience with Bridge fed via Ethernet vs USB on that DAC was that it was no contest at all. Since you have a DAC designed to take an Ethernet stream, You owe it to yourself to give it a try.  In fact, there are not many DACs  that work in a similar way to yours regarding the ethernet input. I find it vastly superior to USB.  When I changed my system, I was sure to only go for a digital solution with the same philosophy as Paul’s PS Audio Bridge and Ethernet.

marktomaras
544 posts
 
I made the mistake of paying for Roon for three years before I went lifetime!  My advice to anyone serious about digital music and who has a good experience with the trial, would be to just pay for the lifetime straight away.
marktomaras
544 posts
 
 The guys at PS audio tech-support are awesome. I would give them a call and chat them up. They will be happy to give you 20 minutes of free advice. Their machine will handle USB , toslink,  ethernet etc. so it’s good to hear the opinion of the manufacture sometimes. 
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