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Music servers and other computer based digital audio technologies.

RE: What Do You Guys Think Of This Music Server?

It seems to cover all of the basics for a low price. Of course when buying any component there are other aspects to consider such as build quality, service backup etc which it is not possible to comment on without direct experience.

" should I go this way what else will I need to purchase, a NAS, and what else?"

The machine has onboard storage <4TB ( extra $99) so you do not need to worry about buying a NAS. From other postings I understand that you wish to listen to your own CDs which means that you need ripping software and an optical drive. I recommend dbpoweramp for the former (bundled with PerfectTunes) and a USB DVD/CD drive for the latter (around $20). If you are going to place this server on your audio rack then you may find it physically not the best place to do the work of ripping. I therefore do my ripping on my general purpose computer and transfer the result to (in my case) my NAS. You could use a similar strategy ripping to, say, a USB HDD using the latter both to feed the music server ( using copy/paste in Win 10)and simultaneously making the first backup.

You may need a small screen to set up and access the functions of both Win 10 (including update installs) and Foobar . You will also need it to configure the sound engine in Win 10 though I hope that Foobar gives you the opportunity to run ASIO or WASAPI sessions which bypass that sound engine and provide bit perfect data to the DAC. Thereon once up and running you will need to download the Foobar remote controller to your phone or tablet for day to day control of your music.

You will need a USB DAC and a USB cable to link the former to the music server. Note that USB cables do affect the sound. Many USB DACS are available at various prices and many are discussed in other threads on this forum. I see that the suppliers of this music server offer both as options but having no experience of either I can offer no advice. The DAC may come with a downloadable USB 2 driver for Windows which you will need to install on the music server.

I do not understand the line out connectors shown on the rear panel of the machine and assume that they may relate to an inbuilt soundcard. It will give you sound but I would regard it as unlikely to be adequate for high quality. Nor seemingly do the suppliers as they do not mention it in their spec and offer an external alternative.

On spec. it looks like a reasonable place to start given the price if all is as described. However I do wonder if it is not just too cheap.


"We need less, but better" - Dieter Rams


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  • RE: What Do You Guys Think Of This Music Server? - PAR 08/28/2003:50:26 08/28/20 (0)

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