Music Server

Thanks to everyone for your responses. I have looked at your suggestions. I think Mapman has hit the nail on the head when he relates that there will be better products at lower prices in the future. I may just wait a few months to see if the Android based devices (and Google's internet music service) spawn a superior system to the Meridian Control 15 and Media Drive 600.

Something to consider, however, is how important it is to you to retain the same level of sound quality as your current CD playback source. Some CD playback systems provide a very high level of sonic performance. If retaining - perhaps even surpassing - the sound quality of your current setup is important, be sure to thoroughly investigate these new lower priced devices...

2ch has a good point.

The thing is I have already owned "inexpensive" music streaming devices from both Logitech and Roku before that. I found using an external DAC with either to be all that was needed to get things to sound very good. The Roku Soundbridges cost less than $200 new and was built on technology that is a good 10 years old already. Squeezebox TOuch was a generation or two newer and received almost universal praise for good sound as well. I've also used various modest cost optical CD source drives with same DACs over the years also with very good results. So this tells me that the cost for a good low jitter digital source is not that great, and such devices and the technology needed to make them good performers are essentially commodities already. Toss in the DAC of your choice and a good amp and speakers and you are pretty much there. Not to say that there are always ways to push the envelope further if desired, but with modern digital I think you hit a point of much diminished returns pretty soon these days when it comes to digital sources. DAC devices are a different story, with at least as much difference in sound from DAC to DAC as one might traditionally have expected moving from one phono cartridge to another in a good and well tuned phono rig.

Thanks again. Does anyone have comments with respect to NAD M50/M52/M2 combination?