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Ready For Digital Source...Computer?

I have speakers and amplification all figured out, now I need a source. No vinyl and not concerned with CD's at this point.
Only steaming online. No Roon either, been there, done that. 

Honestly, (because I need a new computer anyway) I would really like to use a computer to play Spotify (hopefully CD-quality soon), Tidal, Qobuz, etc. but most say a computer is too "Noisy" to use for this purpose. Although, I have heard there are ways around this.

Rather than having to purchase a dedicated music server, does anyone know how to set up a computer as a high-quality music server? I can't really seem to find anything online.

Thanks






high-amp

Showing 1 response by kellyp

kellyp's avatar
kellyp
104 posts
 

I did it. 

You can buy a music server, but you won't hear the difference if you do it right.

1. Get a cheap scope for $200 and see and measure the noise. It will pay for itself and you'll learn something. 

2. You have to replace your SMPS with a very quiet one. 

3. Filter every output with PP bypass capacitors.  Especially the power to the hard drives, better to use a SSD.

4. Get a quality outboard D/A converter and power it by a super-regulator.  D/C the DC of the USB in the cable going to it.

5. Shield the whole computer with low carbon sheet steel.  In fact, shield all low level devices. 

Don't let anyone tell you it can't be done.

 

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