2. digital
  3. 1343518054

Simple way to play hi-res files

I'm attracted by the sound quality and storage convenience (no plastic cases) of hi-res downloads such as those available from HDtracks and am looking for a simple way to store and play them. Please forgive the newbie questions.

I'm aware of music servers such as Olive but think there must be a simpler/cheaper way. I don't need things like internet radio or the ability to rip CDs. (Maybe someday I'll copy all my CDs, but that's way off.)

My current SACD player (a Maranz) lets one plug in a USB key and play audio files, but it's finicky and supports a limited number of audio formats. Are there newer players out there that let you attach an external hard drive that you can buy at any office supply store and read the contents? That's about the simplest scenario I can imagine.

If I have to go with a music server, I'd appreciate suggestions. I care most about sound quality, supporting a wide variety of formats (especially lossless ones), rather than bells and whistles.

Thanks!
magister

Showing 2 responses by dhl93449

dhl93449
455 posts
 
Depending on your budget you could:

1) go with the Bryston BDP-1 and put your digital files on a USB hard drive or USB flash stick. You need an outboard D/A to hear music from the files (like you SACD player digital in).

2) go with a PS Audio PWT. You can burn high res files to DVD and play them with this player (as well as CDs). Digital output can be fed to your D/A.
dhl93449
455 posts
 
Magister:

The analog output stages in the DAC will have a big inpact on the sound. I like the Bryston because it uses Class A discrete circuitry instead of the more common IC opamps.

My issue with the CA NP30 is the analog output stage is opamps and these can sound a bit on the bright side (as is commonly reported by users of the 840C)

And I would check with CA, but I do not think the NP30 can directly access USB hard drives without the use of a PC.
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