Local network HiRes storage and player
Looking to learn the best method for storing high resolution music files locally on your hardwired network and playing into a stand alone DAC>PassLabs system
*Currently I run an Eversolo A8 into a Luxman DAC and stream music. Looking to add local storage to have high res files stored locally.
1) Is it best to have separate storage device and player (two separate devices) which would then run into the DAC?
2) Or is there a good quality combo device that you have experience?
The Eversolo has storage but I am planning to replace it so it may be nice to get something that does all three tasks (a) streaming (b) storage (c) playing network stored files
All expertise with being a streamer and file storage user is appreciated focused on two questions - 1) what is best way of doing this device wise (separate eveyrhinf or combine) and 2) what devices are you using?
lastly, are FLAC files the ideal format to store or is there something better?
I actually don’t need to rip any CDs. The desire to store files on local network is based on desire to listen to live soundboard recordings downloadable in FLAC and other high res formats. Streaming is great but can’t get everything I’d like to have on those platforms. user friendliness is important to me. I’m just feeling like the A8 is mediocre at best and looking for a very high quality streamer and/or network storage that can receive files downloaded from desktop comp |
Flexible budget. New/Used…. I’m open to used so long as it’s in very good condition. Primarily interested in new. To help a little more…. hard stops would be only the following: 1) “fiddle factor” is not desired. Ease of use is worth a premium to me 2) budget is sort of not what I lead with, would rather spend 15k on something I like that I’ll use and keep a long time than 3k on something I’m compromising on and hate….
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Ease of use should be a prerequisite and anything less is not worth your time. I started with a Mac mini server (fiddly), and moved to all-in-one server/streamer units by Antipodes and then Mojo Audio, and finally to my current sonicTransporter i9 (Gen 4) server and Sonore Signature Rendu SE Deluxe streamer. Have you looked at the Small Green Computer website I recommended? My sonicTransporter i9 makes it very easy to rip and store CDs on the internal SSD, access music files from the SSD and from steaming services, and operate all functions remotely through my choice of my iPad, iPhone, or laptop. In fairness, the Antipodes was also easy to operate but the newer models are quite a bit more expensive. One advantage of using a separate server and streamer is being able to focus your budget on the streamer, which some believe has a larger sonic impact on your digital source. One of the Sonore models, or the well-regarded Innuos PULSAR would be two streamer choices to investigate. Don’t limit your options to what one dealer recommends. Research the professional reviews and forum posts from owners. Pay attention to the interface methods and options for streaming services and access/playback of stored music files. Also, how stable is the company and how easy will it be to obtain quick, reliable support or service, if needed. After all, the server is basically a computer and will eventually need updates/upgrades and possibly service. When I was looking to upgrade my digital equipment a couple of years ago, the companies I looked at were Antipodes, Innuos, Small Green Computer, Sonore, Grimm and Auralic, but there are probably others. |
For ease of use and excellent customer service I’d point you right to Innuos as their Sense app is widely regarded as the best streamer app out there for ease of use to the point where some owners have even ditched Roon, which says a lot. Here are two nice used models you could try and if for some reason they didn’t work out you could sell them for little/no loss, which is nice. A new similarly equipped Stream 1 or 3 will cost you a lot more. Best of luck. https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650246043-innuos-zen-mk-3-serverstreamer-with-2-tb-storage/ https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650231817-innuos-zenith-mk3-1tb/ |
