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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
rbstehno
1,401 posts
 
I have used a Mac mini for years as a music server running software like pure music and audirvana. Using the latest audirvana software and getting rid of iTunes was a big step in the right direction but the interface was crude. When I started evaluating 3rd party music servers, I was surprised that they were better sounding than a Mac/audirvana setup and not by a small amount.
i still use my Mac mini running OS X server and minimserver to hold all my ripped music. 

If if you are going to use any music server whether it's on a Mac or dedicated server, you don't want to have any disks attached to it if this box is going to be in your audio rack. I have always had my disks in another room or 100ft away in the basement. I use a GIGe switch network which has no dropouts.
dgarretson
2,586 posts
 
I think I’m headed in sbank’s direction with a microRendu Ethernet-to-USB appliance at the DAC in conjunction with a QNAP NAS with i5 processor. That should be enough processing power to support Roon, HQ player, and Vinyl Studio software. Add an external Lynx HiLo ADC, and all the elements are in place to archive vinyl.
richfield_hunter
68 posts
 
Music Vault from Sound Science in Castle Rock CO. Neal is the best and a world class product. 
amlanc's avatar
amlanc
2 posts
 
If you have money get the Burmester music server. It can do everything you ask and better than almost anyone. Unfortunately it's out of my budget range. 

i wish Aurender would add a ripper but they don't have. Meridian has a good music server but only software ripper from Mac and PC. So mostly imperfect world. 

Let us us know what you end up with. 
marktomaras
544 posts
 
 I use a dedicated Mac Mini, and external hard drive, Roon, and a PS audio PWD MKII  with  PS audio bridge 2.    I'm very pleased with the set up,  but I'm not sure I would recommend it to someone who feels that they are not very computer savvy. 

 Roon is an essential component in my opinion!  I suggest visiting the Roon website and browsing The list of Roon ready components to see if there is an option you haven't yet encountered or considered. 

 Good luck! 
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