2. digital
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Music server recommendations needed.

I have a large CD collection (4000 - 5000+) and so far I have only been managing my digital music files on my MacBook Pro through Apple Music only. (Partially digitized from my CD collection, partially commercially bought digital music files.) The music is largely an exhaustive jazz collection totaling some 6000 albums, by my estimate.

 

I need to digitize and collect all of my music on a music server. Ideally I would like to do this in just 2 components - a CD player and a Music Server, or a Music Server that comes equipped with a good CD player. The ability to effortlessly digitize the CDs, and then properly catalog, search and listen to my digitized music is the end goal. The CD player must be able to play SACD media. Would be nice if I can keep the DAC out of the music server. I'd like to keep the cost reasonable, but at some level I don't know what is reasonable either. Whatever I pick, I want it to stay for the long haul. What would you knowledgeable folks suggest as a solution?

I currently own a Jay's Audio CD player connected to a Benchmark Audio DAC3 HGC and Galion Audio TS120 SE integrated tube amp and Triangle Antal speakers.

 

Thanks,

Amit

 

amitb
total111
24 posts
 

Nobody mentioned Rose which has a couple of nice options.

SACD? No straightforward (legal) solution...

Only Qobuz? I still prefer my local library, but why not have both?

Last, I believe in the 2 PC setup with a minimalist and quiet endpoint. And while I have all diy based on standard components but powered by linear power supplies, I would just use a normal PC (with HQPlayer and Roon?) as a server and a Sonore endpoint if I would go commercial. Use an EtherRegen to quiet down the network between the 2 components. Simple and cost effective but on same level as insanely priced Gucci stuff

 

fredapplegate
101 posts
 

I've ripped 2864 cds (according to foobar) and it took a really long time. A really, really long time. Years. If you're heavy into classical, you do a lot of editing.

I keep SACDs separate and play them with a Sony BluRay (UBP-X1100ES) player over HDMI (close to I2S resolution) to a Simaudio Moon 390. They sound good.

The 390 is also a streamer and sounds great and the interface keeps getting better, so I'm happy. 

Good luck!

russbutton's avatar
russbutton
429 posts
 

You realize of course, that all these megabuck streamers are just Linux machines with a dedicated interface.  I paid $130 for an 8 gb memory tiny PC from Amazon, with a 128 GB flash drive.  I installed Ubuntu Linux on it and hung an external drive off of a USB port.  I run JRiver for about $30.  Ubuntu offers a free music player called "Clementine", which looks like iTunes.

mgrif104
344 posts
 

@russbutton 

yes, most of us realize that these streamers are Linux machines. But there is so much more to it than that. I started with an optimized PC, auditioned an Aurender N100H years ago which trounced it sonically. I’ve since moved up from the Aurender. If you’re good with your system as is - great!  Some of us sought (and found) something signficantly better. Indeed, I found nearly as much difference in streamer audio quality as in the difference between DACs.

russbutton's avatar
russbutton
429 posts
 

@mgrif104 Expectations create reality.   If  you expect some thing to make a certain kind of change, then thatʻs what youʻre looking for and will likely get.

Computers process and transfer data.  Bits is bits.  The sound all depends on your DAC.  Regardless of the source, whether itʻs a streamer or a cheap PC, the same data comes down the wire.  There are reclockers you can put between a PC and a DAC, but Iʻve never heard one that made a difference.

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