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Simple Digital Music Server - Opinions Please

Six months ago, I added an Audio Mirror DAC to my system and use my Marantz SA14 SACD player as a redbook transport. I’ve thought about replacing my Marantz and getting a stand alone transport. While doing some research, I’ve stumbled on some very interesting information on hard drive based digital playback systems. I’m thinking about giving one a try. I read numerous posts here on Audiogon, and I think for a modest sum of money, one can achieve superior results with a hard drive playback system.

I’ve stumbled onto a product that will bridge the music from a PC to your DAC. It’s manufactured by a company called Roku and they have a few variations that will do what I’m looking for. The line of product is called the SoundBridge Network Music Player. http://www.rokulabs.com

Here is what I’m thinking of doing and I would like to get some feedback for those who have heard music from hard drive based play back system.

Using my existing PC in another room (having the PC in a different room eliminates PC fan noise); I plan to add a 400GB external USB hard drive. (600-650 music CD’s) I plan to rip all my CD’s into wave or Apple Lossless files. Apple Lossless with give one double capacity without any sound quality loss. Please give me some feedback here if you have experienced differently. I will run an Ethernet cable from the PC to the Roku device in my sound room. The Roku will then connect to my external DAC via coax cable and DAC to my preamp.

Here is what I’m hoping to achieve with my project:

• Superior redbook playback compared to my current setup.
• The convenience of have all CD’s accessed from my listening chair via the Roku remote.
• Added bonus of digital internet radio
• File sharing possibilities with others
• Selling my SACD player and having a few hundred dollars left over for added music after funding my project

I’m estimating that my total investment will be:

• Roku Soundbridge $499
• Ethernet Cable $50
• 400GB external hard drive $300

• Total investment $850
islandflyfisher

Showing 1 response by cytocycle

cytocycle
1,043 posts
 
The Roku doesn't sound very good when I did the research (www.audiocircle.com). The Slimdevices Squeezbox 2 or 3 sounds much better plus the servering software is freeware. I have two of them and I use FLAC lossless as was recommended by people that have done this before (wav took up too much space and didn't support tagging).
You will want to find EAC freeware to do the bit perfect ripping or buy a Plextor drive and use Plextools to do the Flac ripping directly (I use this method).

I can use my Mobile Phones web browser to control either one of my stereos (2ch or HT) and my Table PC can also be used to control them with a web browser or I can use the remote controls..

Sounds pretty good, but with Modifications from Boulder Company or Red Wine this product can be made to sound oustanding.

The software supports Mac's/PC's/Linux and doesn't even need the hardware so you can try it out.
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