Larrybou wrote:
"Since SQ isn't critical given the raw digital output, what would be the best most cost effective way to go?"
That raw digital output can give even better results than a CD player or transport, provided you use the right equipment. It can even surpass good vinyl.
If you want the very best music server with USB out, it is the Antipodes, but you are looking at $3000 I think. Even with the Antipodes, if you want the USB to give a sound competing with the best vinyl, you will need an outboard USB converter and power supply, like the Off-Ramp 5 and Dynamo. This will give you a world-class digital source up to 24/192. The Off-Ramp is 5th generation and has won awards over the years with each iteration.
Off-Ramp 5:
http://www.empiricalaudio.com/products/off-ramp-converter
The Off-Ramp 6, which is in prototype stage will output DSD and double DSD over I2S, but your DAC must be capable of accepting this. IT is also more expensive than the Off-Ramp 5.
Your digital source is actually more important than your DAC, so spending a bit more on this just makes sense, just like buying a better turntable cartridge. It will make the difference between a harsh, fatiguing sound and a smooth, detailed and engaging sound. You can spend $60 or $100 on a cheap USB converter that you will ultimately sell anyway, or you can just get a good one like the OR5 and then you are done and you can enjoy the music.
Other servers to consider are Sonore and Audio Mojo and even just a late 2009 Mac Mini on ebay. You can get one of these on ebay for around $375 with Bluetooth keyboard and mouse and OS disk. See my recommendations:
http://www.empiricalaudio.com/computer-audio/
http://www.empiricalaudio.com/computer-audio/recommended-systems
Starting with a Mac Mini is cheaper, but more work to make it sound great. you will need a good player like Amarra, Pure Music or Audirvana etc..
Steve N.
Empirical Audio
"Since SQ isn't critical given the raw digital output, what would be the best most cost effective way to go?"
That raw digital output can give even better results than a CD player or transport, provided you use the right equipment. It can even surpass good vinyl.
If you want the very best music server with USB out, it is the Antipodes, but you are looking at $3000 I think. Even with the Antipodes, if you want the USB to give a sound competing with the best vinyl, you will need an outboard USB converter and power supply, like the Off-Ramp 5 and Dynamo. This will give you a world-class digital source up to 24/192. The Off-Ramp is 5th generation and has won awards over the years with each iteration.
Off-Ramp 5:
http://www.empiricalaudio.com/products/off-ramp-converter
The Off-Ramp 6, which is in prototype stage will output DSD and double DSD over I2S, but your DAC must be capable of accepting this. IT is also more expensive than the Off-Ramp 5.
Your digital source is actually more important than your DAC, so spending a bit more on this just makes sense, just like buying a better turntable cartridge. It will make the difference between a harsh, fatiguing sound and a smooth, detailed and engaging sound. You can spend $60 or $100 on a cheap USB converter that you will ultimately sell anyway, or you can just get a good one like the OR5 and then you are done and you can enjoy the music.
Other servers to consider are Sonore and Audio Mojo and even just a late 2009 Mac Mini on ebay. You can get one of these on ebay for around $375 with Bluetooth keyboard and mouse and OS disk. See my recommendations:
http://www.empiricalaudio.com/computer-audio/
http://www.empiricalaudio.com/computer-audio/recommended-systems
Starting with a Mac Mini is cheaper, but more work to make it sound great. you will need a good player like Amarra, Pure Music or Audirvana etc..
Steve N.
Empirical Audio