2. digital
  3. 1387480006

What do I need to set up digital music server?

OK, I'm an old analog guy but have started to dabble in digital. I've been using my laptop up to this point but it just ain't the best way to go. What I want to do is this:

a. Have a box that will store a lot of music (hi res music).
b. It would have a user friendly, visual interface that would help me organize and retrieve music.
c. It would have to be able to RIP(?) CDs using my CD player.
d. It should have a remote control.
e. It should be compatible with my wifi network and work with services like Pandora.
f. It needs to be affordable, less than $1500.

I've been reading up on all this but I still have trouble with some of the "digital" terminology. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
winggo

Showing 2 responses by admranger

admranger
144 posts
 
This is a really great thread. I just had the opportunity to listen to some 24/192 files at a speaker demo (ATC). Very nice!

I don't have any HD files like that yet, but I would like to move in that direction. I'm stuck with iTunes compatibility, as my wife uses iTunes extensively for her music, books, etc.

I look forward to watching the responses.

The one thing I could do to play the files is to add an eSata drive to my Oppo bdp-95, but the interface is clunky from what I've read. Plus, I have to figure out how to hook the eSata to my macbook pro (firewire to eSata?). I do also have the option of going into the Marantz AV8801. Or I could get a DAC, etc. as described above, or use Kijanki's suggestion. Hmmmm...
admranger
144 posts
 
"I don't have any HD files like that yet, but I would like to move in that direction. I'm stuck with iTunes compatibility"

You can still use iTunes as long as its on a Mac. Just combine with Amarra or Audirvana and you will have a great sounding player. Use XLD to rip to .wav for best results.

For PC, avoid iTunes at all cost for music playback. Get Jriver instead and maybe improve it by adding JPLAY. Rip CDs with dbpoweramp to .wav format for best results.

The MOST IMOPORTANT thing with digital audio is to minimize jitter from the digital source. The best way to do this is to reclock the datastream or use a good quality stand-alone Async USB converter like the Off-Ramp 5.

More tips:

www.empiricalaudio

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Thanks, but it went over my head especially the stuff on your web page. Ouch I feel even less smart now.

I think I just stick with what I have for now. I really don't want to buy a stand alone DAC when I have pretty decent DACs in the Marantz AV8801 and the Oppo BDP-95. I'll just copy files to a USB drive and plug and play when I want to do critical listening. I'm not going to set up a music server at this time, mainly due to the cost of a DAC but also due to my ineptitude in this sort of thing.

Also, is it just me or does HDtracks not sell any singles (or very few)? Seems to be albums only. I'm not really interested in buying all my CDs again...
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