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What's my ideal music server? Read and recommend please

Right now I use a MacBook Pro as my server, and it drives my DAC. My MacBook Pro is getting cranky, it's storage is so full I don't have space to do a current Mac update and I am beginning to think better sound quality can be achieved than a MacBook Pro via USB to a DAC. I use JRiver media center, v.27, and right now, my JRiver and MacBook Pro aren't working properly together as I keep loosing the proper MIDI setting and get no audio output.

I'm aware of the Aurender N100H. I know that uses a USB output and I'm starting to wonder if USB is my best bet. Then I see the Aurender N100C which has a digital coax out, but that output is derived from the USB, so what's the point?

My wish list- probably no less than 2 TB storage; got to be easy to use in terms of getting music into it and playing music (downloading music from say HDTracks to JRiver is the bleeding edge of my technical skills); sound quality has to be first rate. I would also be interested in a server that has a BNC output, as a regular coaxial output can never be a true 75 ohm connection but a BNC can be. 

So- what should I have on my short list? Recommend away please, and thanks-
zavato

Showing 2 responses by robert864

robert864
13 posts
 
I went with the top of the line from Sonore and Small Green Computer.   The Sonore Signature Rendu SE optical is the streamer and it runs ROON which is fabulous.  I avoided Aurender because it does not.  SGC built me a server with 10 TB of  solid state memory.  Andrew at SGC was happy to work with me to custom configure my server.  It has an i7 processor, and a built in Teac drive to rip CD's.   Nothing rips SACD but there are services that will do that.  (or so I've heard...)  This rig was FAR Superior to my MacBook pro!  Also the support from Sonore and SGC has been great.  The software running then is very intuitive.  USB is the preferred output on many servers and DAC's.   Lower cost options are available like the UltraRendu or Optical Rendu and less advanced servers from SGC.

Innuous and Antipodes also make great products, as does Lumin, especially the X1.
robert864
13 posts
 
Zavato
Just get rid of your mac book pro.  When I went from my MacBook to the Sonore Signature Rendu SE the improvement was HUGE.  This unit acts as the renderer or client.  It also handles the streaming.  My Small Green Computer is where my music collection of 7TB lives.  It has an one board drive for ripping CD's.   It is similar to a Roon Nuc but has better components and was made to my specifications with a 10 TB Solid state hard drive.  The server and the renderer run proprietary "Sonic Orbiter" software which integrates the two units flawlessly.      For playing music the combo runs Roon which is the best platform.   My experience with setting up this system was truly plug and play.  Support from SGC and Sonore has been very good.  
This digital front end cost about $8K.  I run it thru a PS Audio direct stream DAC.  This fairly "humble" front end  is able to make my Nagra HD electronics and Wilson XLF speakers truly sing.
I can state the following with certainty:
1.  The best server is the Taiko Audio, bar none.  ($30,000)
2.  Aurender W20SE is probably 2nd in sound quality, but doesn't do ROON  and I LOVE ROON.  A friend loves his N10.
3. Innuous Statement, Antipodes EX/CX combo, Wolf Audio's higher end are all  excellent choices.
4.  In the end I chose the SGC Server as Andrew was willing to put in 10TB SSD for a reasonable price as I have a large music library,  and  the Sonore Signature Rendu SE because of excellent reviews.  (I spoke with one of the reviewers and he purchased the Sonore)
5.  Any of these options will be an obvious improvement in SQ, reliability and ease of use over the MacBook, especially if you get ROON

BTW you have a great DAC.  Almost bought one, but just purchased a Rossini instead.
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