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Music Server Help

I'm an analog guy moving up the digital path and I'm asking for some help from my AGon colleagues with my next move. I currently use an Intel NUC/Rock to run Roon feeding an Esoteric D-05x. It really sounds good! If this sub $700 NUC sounds this good, I'm keen on discovering what can be had in the $4K to $7K range (New or Used) to replace the NUC/Rock. (I'm not letting go of the D-05x!) I've used Roon since its inception but I've tried other apps from time to time, most recently the Aurender App as well as Innuos, JRiver, and Audvirana. 

Recently owned/auditioned:

Aurender N10 - Loved the sound, hated the App (to be fair I was comparing to Roon)

Innuos Pulse - Lots of detail no soul. Couldn't listen to very long, fatiguing

Auralic Altair G1 - Mid Fi. traded in for Esoteric/added NUC Rock

Under Consideration:

- Go back to the N10 and get used to their app

- Aurender N200...get used to their app

- Antipodes...

- 432evo

I'm open to suggestions!

Digital: NUC/Rock - Esoteric D-05x - Esoteric F-05 - Wilson Sohia. 

Listen to 95% Jazz.

Appreciate all responses in advance!

Ag insider logo xs@2xcommunique1
Ag insider logo xs@2x
communique1 OP
64 posts
 

test test test 

Ag insider logo xs@2x
drrsutliff
834 posts
 

It is unfortunate that so few replies are made to the Insider posts.  This is a few months late, but I would also recommend considering the offerings from Wolf Audio.  I have been using a Wolf Alpha 3SX for a couple of years with Roon into my Gryphon Dac.

yesiam_a_pirate's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
yesiam_a_pirate
154 posts
 

For me the DAC/Server thig is a matter of budgeting to Moors Law.  My hypothesis  is that Moors Lew applies to digital stereo too and as such products will both double in value and halve in price every 18 months, 

For my age/ears/budget I bought a wonderful used PS Audio Perfect Wave DAC and  a PS AirLens for my source. I paid for it by selling my beloved Audio Research AP 15 (also depreciating as people figure out preamps are being replaced by DACS and one does not need both.)

I'm a practical HiFi guy so this works for me for now.  I'm likely to get the itch to switch next summer :) 

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