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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.
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Showing 5 responses by tboooe

tboooe's avatar
tboooe
1,009 posts
 
Norm, a lot of people have had great success running Windows Server or Server Essentials with Audiophile Optimizer. If you want to stick with Win7 I believe there is a free program that will optimize the settings for music. I think the program is called Fidelizer. I used it before switching to Server and thought it did improve the sound quality. Head over to computeraudiophile.com for more info.

As for JPLAY, I use in in conjunction with Jriver. I found the latest version of JPLAY to improve the sound a bit.
tboooe's avatar
tboooe
1,009 posts
 
Norm, understood. Try out Fidelizer as it also optimizes your OS for better sound quality. I used it for my Win 7 install as well and thought it made some improvements. Not bad for free.
tboooe's avatar
tboooe
1,009 posts
 
Great input. Would you say the Xonar SPDIF output sounded better than the mobo USB output? You may want to try some of the audiophile USB cards by Paul Pang (PPA), SoTM, and JCAT. There has been great feedback on all three products. I am going to try the JCAT one shortly.
tboooe's avatar
tboooe
1,009 posts
 
Lewinskih01, interesting feedback about the USB converter making the bigger difference. Right now I have the MF Vlink which I know is a weak link in my system. Ive been toying with the idea of upgrading that or just skipping it and getting a new DAC that supports USB. Aside from not having a USB input I have no complaints about my DAC (Luxman D-06 cdp with digital inputs). My DAC does also does not do DSD or supports sample rates above 96khz which I why I am leaning towards replacing the DAC. That being said, even if I do get a USB DAC there is no guarantee its USB input will sound better than its SPDIF input. Decisions decisions....
tboooe's avatar
tboooe
1,009 posts
 
Interesting product Kijanki. I may have to give it try right after my USB converter. Have you used this before?
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