@ianderson thanks. I wound up getting the Zenith. One box, better sound, Sense app, etc. Running it through a Chord Qutest Dac.
Happy listening to all!!
ZEN Mini S vs. Small Green Computer Sonic Transporter i5 music server/Ultra Rendu Streamer
Good evening forum members.
Looking for any experience and/or opinions on these two music servers/players/streamers.
My plan is to rip 3,000 rare and collectible CDs to FLAC files or better. I would also like to integrate Tidal and Qobuz into the mix using Roon.
The ZEN Mini S has a built in CD ripper/server/streamer ($3,548 total cost). The SGC Sonic Transporter server and Ultra Rendu streamer bundle does not have a built in CD ripper.
I'm leaning towards the SGC Sonic Transporter/Ultra Rendu Streamer because of the following:
- Cost. the cost for the SGC ST/Ultra Rendu option is $2,097, which includes the server and streamer, plus a linear PSU. The ZEN Mini S is $3,548 all up (ripper, server, streamer, etc.). This amounts to a $1,451 difference in price.
Subtract from this difference the cost of an internal 4TB SSD ($300), an external and portable 4TB SSD ($300), dbpoweramp ripping and music management software ($75), and a USB CD/DVD drive ($75) and the difference is now becomes $701 between the ZEN Mini S and the Small Green Computer solution. Significant.
- My preference is to rip the CDs using my Windows laptop (no additional cost), the portable 4TB SSD, a better, well-known software package, and a USB CD drive at my desk. This is it more significantly more convenient and ergonomically friendly to my bad back.
My plan is to transfer the ripped files from the portable 4TB SSD to the ST i5 internal 4TB SSD in my stereo cabinet when done, Going forward, I don't plan on buying any more CDs and will fill in the gaps and explore new music with Tidal and Qobuz.
- features on the ZEN Mini S ripping software are unknown. dbpoweramp is a well known product with a plethora of useful features.
- the CD Drive used in the ZEN Mini is $240 when bought separately. This is significantly more than a good USB CD/DVD drive ~ $75.
My main system is a Rotel Pre-amp, Rotel Power-amp, B&W 804 speakers, an Oppo 105 SACD/DVD-Audio/CD/Blu-ray player, EAT C-Sharp turntable and a Sutherland Phono Pre-amp.
Your thoughts on anything I've discussed above? I am not a DIY type and prefer an out of the box solution.
Thanks for your help!
Rich
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- 44 posts total
I run an i5 with 4tb SSD, Roon and Qobuz. I currently have about 3tb’s music loaded on the ssd. It has worked flawlessly for about 2 years. No more network issues, full integration between my music and Qobuz as well as separation. Could not be happier. Andrew offers great support and is excellent to work with. fyi - feeding a Bricasti M1 from i5 which is located in another room. All is good!!! |
@audiotroy thanks for your reply. I researched (online) the 432 evo standard and it looks like a great unit. I went with the Zenith mk3 for the following reasons: - one box solution with a 4TB SSD - I have neither the desire or funds to upgrade - the Sense app is superb for my purposes. - the price, which was below published retail, was right for my budget - three year warranty - great customer service from Kevin at Innuos That's it in a nutshell. I want to thank everyone who posted feedback. I read every post and carefully considered my options before pulling the trigger. Happy listening to all! |
- 44 posts total