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Music Servers-Why so few?

With the explosion of Dacs and discussions of computer audio one would think the server market would flourish as well. Where are all of the "big" names and their offerings? They can certainly produce Dacs. With the exception of Bryston, it seems the small companies are the only ones who offer something and then its a crapshoot as to who will be able to answer an email or have a decent website with useful information. Where are they?
stl114_nj

Showing 2 responses by audioengr

audioengr
3,282 posts
 
I recommend to avoid the all-in-one servers unless you just cannot navigate a computer. They force you into using a certain playback software, ripping software, formats, resamplers, DSP etc.. These are usually not the latest and best performing available, such as the free tool XLD for ripping on Mac, Amarra, Jplay or Pure Music player, or the Izotope resampler. These will all be obsolete with in a year or two.

You are better off to just buy a Mac Mini and put the best software on it or pay someone like Mach2music.com to do it for you. If you juse need a transport, then buy a good USB converter. Then you can upgrade both software and hardware over time as things improve.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
I finally found a really good server that competes with my Mac Mini/Hynes supply. It is from New Zealand, the Antipodes. Even sounds the same playing .wav and FLAC files.

Personally I have found that most of the "Large" well-known companies don't do a good job anyway. The results are mediocre at best. The Bryston is an exception. Quite good.

I would not even consider one that will not stream out the USB ports. Get the Master Clock out of it and you will potentially have something very fine.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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