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Your Music Server

This is a hot topic lately. There’s not a week that goes by without a how to question. My idea is one location and a lot of configurations. I feel it would be a big help to anyone wanting to set-up a Music Server.

Tell us about your Music server. Start at the Server/Computer and end up in your pre-amp. How does its sound compare to your other digital sources?

Mine was simple and easy to put together. The material list: From the local Apple Store I bought the following; Airport Extreme, AirPort Express and a AirPort Express Stereo Connection Kit with Monster Cables.

I had a PowerMac G5 in a home office 35 feet from my main rig. I also had an old un-used Audio Alchemy DAC. I installed the AirPort Extreme (wireless card) in my G-5, five-minute job. I plugged in the Airport Express (wireless receiver) into a power strip near my main stereo. Then I used the optical to optical cable in the Connection Kit for the connection to the DAC. I had to get the G-5 manual out for my Mac to configure it for Digital Out. The last step was to set-up the wireless connection in the G-5. I followed the instructions for the Airport Express. The whole project maybe 3 hour to do, which includes driving across town to the Mac store.

I had been using iTunes for burning ripped vinyl and CD’s to disc. ITunes found the new network and added a button for selection of source, computer speakers or stereo room.

How does it sound? Right out of the gate it sounded great. I have since changed the DAC to a CAL Alpha tubed DAC. The sound of the Server w/Alpha is very good but in many ways does not even come close to the music that comes out of my Esoteric DV-50. I use the Music Server when I’m reading or doing things around the house. For the present it will not replace my DV-50 but who know the future.

One more thing, when the microwave oven is being used it interrupters the wireless connection and I have to restart the music.
vegasears

Showing 1 response by audioalways

audioalways
13 posts
 
Apple G5 + LaCie FW Disk + Wireless + TOSLink.....

Music Server PC:
Apple G5 Dual 2.3 PPC / LaCie 500GB Big Disk Extreme (connected via FW800)
Audio output: AirPort Extreme Wireless Card
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AirPort Express:
Audio output: TOSLink
Audio output: AirPort Extreme Wireless Card
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Audio Receiver:
Denon AVR-4306 (in Pure Direct mode 95% of the time)
Speaker Cables: Anti-cable

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Speakers:
° Tetra 120U Monitors
° Martin Logan Abyss Subwoofer

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Other Hardware:
° 2 Additional AEs are connected to mini-powered speakers in the bedroom and kitchen.

Software:
° Apple OSX 10.4.5
° iTunes 7
° netTunes server (the app allows me to remotely run an iTunes session on the G5 wirelessly from a powerbook)
° Music files format is AIFF (currently making my way through ripping 450 CDs to the LaCie)

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Comments on my G5 wireless music server:

I am very happy with my set up. This is the most musical system I have ever owned. I really have no criticisms. My Denon AVR is also the center of my Home Theater in my living room as well. It is set up as a 5.1 system. The Apple G5 is not part of my HT video system.

The ability (via netTunes) to run iTunes from the sofa using the familiar iTunes interface is great. Thoug I only occasionally use it since the office is 15 feet from the G5 location (office) - it comes in handy when it a schizophrenic/I-wanna-listen-to-this/no wait/I wanna-listen-to-that mood).

Music Server Future Plans:

1. Office Speakers: I've ordered an M-Audio 2.1 lx4 powered speaker system for the office, but it's on back-order. So I am still looking for other high quality alternatives. Genelecs and swans were considered but I am not feeling the aesthetic designs of either of these. NHT M-00s may be considered, highly rated but more than my $350 budget. BlueSyk Medias 2.1 are also on my list to audition. My options are really open at this point. Though, I have already de-listed Klipsches.

2. Direct Digital connection to AVR: Since my G5 is in my office directly behind my Living Room. and only 10 ft away, I am considering running a TOSLink connection directly to the Denon AVR. But that requires drilling through a few walls (and I rent, do I need to test the relative benefits first). I will conduct a test by moving my the G5 into the living room to listen to the music directly through TOSLink to determine if I can discern any difference between wireless connection to digital connection of the AIFF files, as well as my DVD player -no measurements will be taken. I am also curious to find out if I can make sense of the often mentioned 'jitter' issue associated to the AE and DACs. Really I would love to hear a sample of music with jitter compared to the original source to know what I am listening for. As far as I know, I am not hearing any jitter on my system currently.
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