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Help on Optimizing Dedicated PC as Music Server



Just finished assembling a PC to be used as a dedicated music server with a minimalist approach. Parts include:

intel i7 4470k 3.5Ghz, MSI Z87-G45 motherboard with(build-in S/pdif output), 2 x 4GB DDR Corsair RAM, Antec Mid tower, 120GB SSD HD for OS, 3TB HD for music storage, Corsair CX500 PS.

Window 7 Pro service pack 1, 64 bit. Have not updated after fresh OS installation. Do I need to?
JRiver ver.19. Gizmo & JRiver for Android Tablet

Here are my concerns:

- should i do/or need to do a Windows update
- should I use JPlay with JRiver
- are there settings that I need to change/perform on the PC to make the most for audio
- any "tweaks" that can be done to lower noise, vibration,...etc to improve performance/SQ
- do I need a sound card

My DAC is a the vulnerable Mark Levinson 360, capable to (24/96kHz). For now I plan to connect directly to motherboard output S/pdif. Will entertain USB/S/pdif converter at a later time.

Thank you.
128x128norm

Showing 5 responses by cerrot

cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
Very cool, Norm. Sounds like a fun project. I actually spoke with the engineer at acpian as I was concerned with voltage drops if I took the PS outside of the puter and introduced an umbilical. Power supply is definitely one of the keys. I also found that keeping away from external hard drives is a big plus. Thanks,
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
I dumped jplay as well.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
Take a peak at Jplaya JCAT. Its a PCI USB 3.0 soundcard thats not crippled by the mobo.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
I added a maple shades 4" platform with the isopads and brass footers under my PC and it actually gave me more air, and allowed me listen deeper into the soundstage. Shortly thereafer, I added a UPS between the power conditioner and computer (APC 1050 VA) an it is giving me more air. Can't under estimate isolation and line conditioning for the computer. The UPS makes sense and is easily a noticable upgrade. The maplshade platform was WELL worth the cost. That one is still making me shake my head. I expected an imprevement but not what I experienced.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
Norm, I'm liking the Acopian power supply's. How many Acopian units do you foresee having to use in the PC (or have you built umbilacles?)? any direction (or experience) there would be appreciated.
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