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Music Server

I am looking for a reliable and easy to use music server with a very good interface software package.  I have about 4,500 CDs, the majority classical, so I am looking for something that does a good job at cataloguing the content.  I currently run a Naim NDS/Uniti server.  I think the software is adequate, but, I have FAR too many bugs and problems keeping it working correctly.  Enough is enough.  I would like something that is much more stable and reliable that is designed to handle a decent sized collection. 

I did some quick research and found the Antipodes server.  It seems to have the ability to run a number of different software packages (comes with Roon pre-loaded) and it has built-in capability to rip CDs, both of which are a big plus, but, I am a bit concerned about whether it might be a bit complicated to use.  I have also taken a quick look at the Aurender servers.  I have a good local dealer who is a computer whiz that carries the Aurender so that is a big plus.  Another big plus would be something that could take what I have already loaded on my QNAP NAS and work with that so I don't have to re-load, edit metadata, etc. all 4,500 CDs again.

Are there any other top end servers that I should be looking at?  Also, any suggestions on a DAC to couple with the server?

Thanks.

larryi

Showing 3 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
21,838 posts
 
larryi curious what bugs and problems specifically you have with your current server?

My concern with expensive music servers in general is TCO and what benefits they provide of value over what can be accomplished versus just running music server software on commercial computers.

FWIW I run both older Logitech Squeeze and newer Plex music servers on my laptop functioning as a music server. Have been doing this for years with good results though there are always issues to deal with to keep things running smooth especially when disk drives inevitably die and restore from backup is needed.

Would be interesting to discuss and compare these alternatives with each other.


mapman's avatar
mapman
21,838 posts
 
If you have a suitable computer already, you can download Plex and run it for free. If you like it you can continue to run for free or buy a subscription to create premium libraries which sound the same but provide supplemental automated tagging capabilities and other features that I’ve found useful.

Nothing at all to loose to try and see. Maybe you can save a lot of money on a music server and use it somewhere else.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,838 posts
 
larryi,

If you have a computer to install it on, you could have Plex up and running in an hour for free.   Why not try it first?   Especially since the differences you have heard to date are small and there is no clear reason why any custom device necessarily sounds much better.  You have everything to save possibly and nothing to loose.  If it does not work out just move on.  I'd be happy to coach you with Plex if needed and I would be very interested in your findings.
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