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Music Server vs PC confused

Hello hope all are well. 

Current System:
usb hard drive into mini pc (foobar2000) into usb isolation device into Chord Qutest DAC
DAC is into Primaluna evo-300 integrated tube amp into Goldenear Triton 1R   most cables synergistic research

Main Question:
Is a music server/player really worth the cost over a PC?   It seems these devices cost almost same as my amp for what still seems to be a pc sort of device with better power supplies?   

If the answer is yes, please give your valued opinion on why.  Also, what would be a non break the bank device?  I don't need a ripper or a dac in it, or internal storage.  

Thanks Much!!



mlapenta
mlapenta OP
104 posts
 
will do   thanks 
mlapenta OP
104 posts
 
Well I started as skeptic, but whomever said there is not going back, was absolutely correct.  The Lumin U1 mini made a bigger difference than i had expected over the old pc.     My implementation is a usb harddrive as input and usb output to my chord dac.   I will note that I have a intona usb 3.0 isolator in the path between the U1 and Qutest dac.  

Lows are tighter, there is more soundstage, and it seems that the mids particularly vocals have a little more "space" around them.  Great product and the app for the Ipad works great. 
gwestra
2 posts
 
Is the oppo 105 d in this category of stand alone music servers? I have some catching up to do. 

thieliste's avatar
thieliste
824 posts
 
Hi guys, would like to know which would be the best solution for Qobuz streaming between a dedicated fanless NUC with linear PSU and Roon core onboard or a Lumin U1 or even a Melco ?
I will be using a $32k DAC.
melm
1,082 posts
 
@gwestra

The Oppo can be used as a renderer, My JRiver running on a laptop recognizes it as a DNLA player. I would suppose that foobar would as well.  I have used the spdif output.  Of course, as usual, spdif won't pass .dsf files.
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