I can say the Sony Hapz1es is great . I previously used a MacMini optimized for 2 channel playback used with dacs up to $3000 with Audirvana . The Sony is so much better . Have heard good things about the Aurrender too. Now the Sony can be used with standalone dacs as well ,Bonus !! Will be trying this out soon with a Exogal comet da/pre. Having a second Hap would be nice !!
Sony HAP Z1ES or tablet with DAC
I have finally decided to move all my CDs into a HDD files and after paying a few hundred bucks to a friend's high school kid for converting my library of 1300 CDs with my specific instructions to use EAC and FLAC - I am looking to get a "perfect" server.
To me "perfect" for this particular need would be something like Sony HAP Z1ES - since it has great reviews (so sound quality is no.1 ) but also it has balanced outputs for my pre-amp and a small screen that would allow me to browse all my collection with relative ease.
For me those functions are very important - as I have instructed the kid to automatically download all CD metadata, including the cover art....
However, I am also thinking that I could connect my HDD to a 7inch tablet which would then connect to a good DAC - however, I am not sure this is possible as all tablets come with either HDMI or single USB so once I connect external HDD...there is no way to send digital signal to the DAC.....is anyone aware of tablet with 2 USB ports ?
Any other solutions ?
Any other servers that would rival Sony and have larger (minimum 4inch ) display ?
Thank you!
To me "perfect" for this particular need would be something like Sony HAP Z1ES - since it has great reviews (so sound quality is no.1 ) but also it has balanced outputs for my pre-amp and a small screen that would allow me to browse all my collection with relative ease.
For me those functions are very important - as I have instructed the kid to automatically download all CD metadata, including the cover art....
However, I am also thinking that I could connect my HDD to a 7inch tablet which would then connect to a good DAC - however, I am not sure this is possible as all tablets come with either HDMI or single USB so once I connect external HDD...there is no way to send digital signal to the DAC.....is anyone aware of tablet with 2 USB ports ?
Any other solutions ?
Any other servers that would rival Sony and have larger (minimum 4inch ) display ?
Thank you!