I hope that my experiences make sense and contribute.
I've tried several paths for music. I've been running computer audio since 2005. I've ran SPDIF, Toslink, USB.... I've used JPlay and Fidelizer.
I've am on my 4th DAC, I've had dedicated music servers in my system and have used general computers also, towers and laptops. I have tried SSD drives, playing from Flash drives and from SD cards.
So, the Melco N1A/2 or another dedicated music storage: If you don't want to take the time optimize the computer being used for playback, these systems are superior to computer playback...
Although, when I have a dedicated computer for music playback and I turn off ALL background systems, use minimize drivers for any other software and dedicate this unit for Audio only, I have gotten a computer to work as well as the dedicated servers.
SSD vs hard drive: SSD sounds better. I have taken music and loaded it on an SD card, playing directly from an SD card slot, this is most likely the best I've heard overall. (of course, this bypasses USB completely)
As USB has improved, I prefer USB over Toslink, 1 good friend of mine uses a Regen USB with external power supply, I haven't tried that, One of my personal problems, is that I'm very cheap and always feel that there must be an inexpensive alternative out there that is just as good, Of course, I've been proven wrong on that one, but I tried a couple of cheap Chinese USB solutions that go from the USB output on the computer to the cable that runs from the DAC, trying to clean up the power and reduce jitter... the 2 Chinese plugs, both made a minor difference, I recently put in a Holo Titanis USB filter, this was very audible. I was expecting better midrange and hi end, which I did get a bit of, but to my surprise, the biggest difference was a blacker back ground, deeper, yet tighter bass and a slight improvement in image placement within the soundstage.
I hope that my experiences all make sense and may help someone. I really enjoy reading others experiences, occasionally, I pick up some new insight. Tim
I've tried several paths for music. I've been running computer audio since 2005. I've ran SPDIF, Toslink, USB.... I've used JPlay and Fidelizer.
I've am on my 4th DAC, I've had dedicated music servers in my system and have used general computers also, towers and laptops. I have tried SSD drives, playing from Flash drives and from SD cards.
So, the Melco N1A/2 or another dedicated music storage: If you don't want to take the time optimize the computer being used for playback, these systems are superior to computer playback...
Although, when I have a dedicated computer for music playback and I turn off ALL background systems, use minimize drivers for any other software and dedicate this unit for Audio only, I have gotten a computer to work as well as the dedicated servers.
SSD vs hard drive: SSD sounds better. I have taken music and loaded it on an SD card, playing directly from an SD card slot, this is most likely the best I've heard overall. (of course, this bypasses USB completely)
As USB has improved, I prefer USB over Toslink, 1 good friend of mine uses a Regen USB with external power supply, I haven't tried that, One of my personal problems, is that I'm very cheap and always feel that there must be an inexpensive alternative out there that is just as good, Of course, I've been proven wrong on that one, but I tried a couple of cheap Chinese USB solutions that go from the USB output on the computer to the cable that runs from the DAC, trying to clean up the power and reduce jitter... the 2 Chinese plugs, both made a minor difference, I recently put in a Holo Titanis USB filter, this was very audible. I was expecting better midrange and hi end, which I did get a bit of, but to my surprise, the biggest difference was a blacker back ground, deeper, yet tighter bass and a slight improvement in image placement within the soundstage.
I hope that my experiences all make sense and may help someone. I really enjoy reading others experiences, occasionally, I pick up some new insight. Tim