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Looking for a music server, sans DAC.

For music playback on my primary system I currently use a MAC Mini into a Bryston BDA-1 DAC via an Audiophilleo USB/SPDIF converter. I am considering replacing the MAC Mini with a Music server that can access redbook quality AIFF files from an external hard drive, either downloading them to an internal drive or playback directly from the external one. The ability to download CDs directly onto the internal drive is also desired. I do not stream or download music off the internet except using my Macbook Pro laptop computer on a secondary system.

I look forward to hear from anyone familiar with the Bryston BDP-1 regarding how it will work for my application? I would consider purchasing one used should I be convinced this the best route. 

Also asking for advice on other music servers I should consider given a budget under $2000. If said server has a CD drive for downloading that would be a plus, however I could use the Macbook Pro for this.

Are there servers that can accommodate an external CD drive for downloading?

Thanks in advance for any help with my search.


mesch
avlee
84 posts
 
If you don’t care about DSD capability, the NAD M50.2 is a very nice unit. I’ve been playing with one for several weeks.

Cd ripper, auto FLAC encoding, mobile and desktop apps (windows), AES/Coax/SPDIF and HDMI output, 2TB drives in RAID setup which are automatically network shares. I use the AES output, and even though you don’t stream, it will decode MQA to 24/96 automatically. Your DAC will have to do the rest.  Saves your HDTracks login to automatically download purchases as well as Tidal, Qbouz (sp?), etc. 
mesch OP
3,394 posts
 
Audioengr, I have looked up the antipodes products. It seems the Edge may be what I might want to consider. I believe I could retrieve AIFF files off an external hard drive via USB and send SPDIF to my DAC via coax. The Edge has external LPS I believe. Is this the model you were refering to?
mesch OP
3,394 posts
 
2pysop, Yes I plan on keeping the Bluesound Vault 2on my list. probably keep my DAC in place as I use the XLR inputs on my Pathos integrated. Do you use yours to rip CDs directly? If so have you had any problems?  I have seen user reviews stating they have had problems ripping several CDs. Maybe that issue has been corrected. 
nycjlee
286 posts
 
Per some of the other posters the bluesound vault sounds like a good option. If you’re looking for better sound however, I would also consider either an Aurender or Melco music streamer server as well. 
2psyop's avatar
2psyop
1,502 posts
 
Mesch- I don’t have the Vault 2, I have the Node 2. I have been using Itunes to rip CDs using the drive on my MacBook Pro to a MyCloud NAS. The Bluesound Node 2 picks up my music via my wireless network at home. In my case I had to work on the album art, as Bluesound uses only certain tags in the folder system to marry up the music and art in a folder (cover.jpg). I had not heard of people having problems with the Vault not recognizing CDs. If you are really worried about that, you could get the Node 2 and keep all your music on a HDD or NAS and use whatever cd drive you choose to rip the CDs. I don’t know if the Vault 2 has an option to bypass the ripper and use your own.

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