Your Music Server


This is a hot topic lately. There’s not a week that goes by without a how to question. My idea is one location and a lot of configurations. I feel it would be a big help to anyone wanting to set-up a Music Server.

Tell us about your Music server. Start at the Server/Computer and end up in your pre-amp. How does its sound compare to your other digital sources?

Mine was simple and easy to put together. The material list: From the local Apple Store I bought the following; Airport Extreme, AirPort Express and a AirPort Express Stereo Connection Kit with Monster Cables.

I had a PowerMac G5 in a home office 35 feet from my main rig. I also had an old un-used Audio Alchemy DAC. I installed the AirPort Extreme (wireless card) in my G-5, five-minute job. I plugged in the Airport Express (wireless receiver) into a power strip near my main stereo. Then I used the optical to optical cable in the Connection Kit for the connection to the DAC. I had to get the G-5 manual out for my Mac to configure it for Digital Out. The last step was to set-up the wireless connection in the G-5. I followed the instructions for the Airport Express. The whole project maybe 3 hour to do, which includes driving across town to the Mac store.

I had been using iTunes for burning ripped vinyl and CD’s to disc. ITunes found the new network and added a button for selection of source, computer speakers or stereo room.

How does it sound? Right out of the gate it sounded great. I have since changed the DAC to a CAL Alpha tubed DAC. The sound of the Server w/Alpha is very good but in many ways does not even come close to the music that comes out of my Esoteric DV-50. I use the Music Server when I’m reading or doing things around the house. For the present it will not replace my DV-50 but who know the future.

One more thing, when the microwave oven is being used it interrupters the wireless connection and I have to restart the music.
vegasears

Showing 1 response by pardales

MAC Powerbook G4 - running iTunes

Lacie 500GB-HD (Apple Lossless + AAC -- unplugged back-up)
Lacie 300GB-HD (Apple Lossless - Daily use)

HagUSB - USB to S/PDIF converter.

Altmann Attraction DAC
Altmann BYOB Integrated amp

Commonsenseaudio Lowther 2.8 Ambience (single driver) speakers

I have 285GB worth of music (900 albums) on my hard drives -- organized on
my laptop with iTunes. The whole collection is saved in both Apple Lossless
and AAC (for my 60GB Video iPod). The HagUSB takes the USB signal out of
my computer and converts it to coaxial S/PDIF which, via a Luminous Audio
Allegro Signature digital cable feeds my Attraction DAC which is then
connected to my Altmann amp via .5M of Luminous Audio Synchestra
Reference IC's.

I have not owned a traditional CD player for more than year and have been
using a computer as my digital front-end since the summer of 2004.