2. digital
  3. 170661-100084

Ready For Digital Source...Computer?

I have speakers and amplification all figured out, now I need a source. No vinyl and not concerned with CD's at this point.
Only steaming online. No Roon either, been there, done that. 

Honestly, (because I need a new computer anyway) I would really like to use a computer to play Spotify (hopefully CD-quality soon), Tidal, Qobuz, etc. but most say a computer is too "Noisy" to use for this purpose. Although, I have heard there are ways around this.

Rather than having to purchase a dedicated music server, does anyone know how to set up a computer as a high-quality music server? I can't really seem to find anything online.

Thanks






high-amp

Showing 5 responses by sns

sns
3,003 posts
 

If you're insistent upon computer server there is the option of Mac mini. You could get linear power supply from Uptone or Mojo, the linear power supply alone will make this best computer solution. While this wouldn't get you to an optimized mac mini as server solution, which requires many systems to be disabled, this is likely the best sounding computer/server option you're going to find.

sns
3,003 posts
 

itsjustme correct, all servers are essentially optimized computers, the optimization is the critical difference between them. I consider actual computer diy solution, off the shelf server already done for you.

 

Its also correct that much of the noise upstream of dac can be eliminated by various means. Optical conversion of ethernet is one good way, do this just prior to dac or various usb renderers.

 

Network optimization pays great dividends. In the end, many paths to great streaming sound quality.

sns
3,003 posts
 

Also, if you're if your choice comes down to non-optimized computer vs. server, get the server. I progressed from stock Windows and Mac computers to somewhat modded mac mini, then present extremely moded mac mini. No comparison, even the first modded mini was far superior to stock computer. Anyone using stock computer as server is missing much of the potential of streaming.

 

Again, diy modding of computer requires skills many may not possess.

sns
3,003 posts
 

My issue with all in one  server/dac/storage equipmet is it kind of defeats the whole idea of maximally quiet streaming setup. Adding internal noise and functions of dac and storage in server chassis is not optimum. With outboard dac, you have far more options, and these combo packages are generally not designed/built by dac specialists. 

sns
3,003 posts
 

What auxinput is suggesting is exactly what I thought you should do all along. Get the Roon nucleus with lps, and those dacs are the exactly what I suggest. I use the Musetec 005, wonderful dac, recent comparisons with Holo May and Mola Mola Tambaqui favored 005. Still, any of dacs mentioned would be superior to the server/dac combo.

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