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Music Server - The Search Begins

I recently upgraded my amp to a Lyngdorf TDAI-3400, which incorporates the highest quality DAC I have owned, so it's gotten me to seriously consider adding a music server to my system.  
I've been mainly playing records through my system for the past 8 years, so I really haven't paid much attention to the digital side of things.  I need some help figuring out what's ideal for my needs.
The main criteria I have:
- Needs to be able to store a lot of music because I have thousands of CDs and downloads I want to store in one place
- Should have its own CD ripper
- Needs to be easy to use. I'd like to be able to navigate it without having to use a phone, tablet or computer all the time
- Must be reliable.  Glitchy, buggy systems will end up being returned.
- Must sound good, but doesn't need to be in the top 5% of its class.  
- Should be under $3K (but willing to consider higher priced if the benefits are really worth it)

Servers that I've been considering include the Cocktail Audio X50D, Sony HAP-Z1ES, BlueSound Vault, Melco N1.  I realize that not all of these on my list include every criteria I listed above, hence my plea for help.  

If you have experience using a server that you really like and that might make sense for me please share your experiences.  Thanks so much!!

Peter

128x128snackeyp
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Good luck with the Cocktail x50

Hope you are happy with it but I have to tell you I ordered a X30 for my daughter and ended up returning it as it just did not sound good at all.
Hard to describe but my opinion was that is was more "lifestyle" than "audiophile".Think that is why there is a paucity of reviews to be had.

I would have warned you away from Cocktail but you did not give much indication you would be even considering that option seriously.

And truly, 2tb of storage is massive, 2500cds and I am only 17% storage used and that is wav files.

Keep us informed as I am intrigued.

snackeyp's avatar
snackeyp OP
455 posts
 
I changed my mind about the Cocktail Audio server.  
I'm going to continue researching this.
in the mean time, I just ordered a RAID array to create a storage and back up system for my music and photos.  Since my Lyngdorf amp has a media player built in, I plan to try either J River or Roon to play music from the RAID and see if I like it.  From there I will have a clearer idea which direction I want to go.  

almaaudio's avatar
almaaudio
14 posts
 
Hi,

We do have a demo Zenith mk2, with 1Tb, that's currently looking for a new home :) Contact us for pricing, etc.
If you need more storage, the mk3 now comes in up to 4Tb capacity. 
We can also put together a simple NAS for you, if your collection is fairly large or you'd just rather keep the files elsewhere. 

cheers,
Alex
(alex@almaaudio.com)


Post removed 
1graber2's avatar
1graber2
303 posts
 
@soundsrealaudio- which Melco model do you have ? 

I'm seriously considering the Melco N1A Mk2, for around $2500. 
The amount of detail they put into the engineering to reduce noise is admirable. Any glitches with using outside Apps like Tidal ? or JRiver? 

But the Melco does have not have all the features of the
 Cocktailv50, that thing is loaded with options. I just wonder if the
 audio signal might suffer due to trying to do so many things at once. 


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