Feedback needed to help sort through issues involved in developing a digital front end

tinkerphile

Member
Nov 27, 2021
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I'm in the process of developing criteria for a new digital front end - server/player. After reading extensively here on WBF and elsewhere, I've noticed quite a number of discussions, some quite detailed, others not so much, about how the OS or employment of various applications/software can affect SQ. For example, I've observed a couple of sophisticated members remark that Linux "sounds thin," Roon colors the source signal, Tidal water mark results in degradation of SQ, and so on. Some have advocated for Windows LTSC as optimal for a digital front end foundation. I am relatively new to this arena, but a guy has to start somewhere. At this point, I'm somewhat inclined to consult with Larry for an LDMS build (perhaps a bit prematurely?). I have looked at a number of vendors, however: Antipodes, Innuous, etc. My particular situation is simpler than most, since at the present I do not access stored files for playback; rather, I simply stream Qobuz and will likely continue to do so for some time. My system is also simple (not detailing my vinyl side): Pass Labs Amp/Pre, Golden Atlantic TRP DAC, DeVore '96s in a dedicated listening room I am in the process of "professionally" treating - hoping to accomplish a first-class job of it, as I know a lot more about acoustic engineering than I do digital servers/players :) My general objective is to ensure I eventually implement a digital front end consistent with the digital SQ potential of the Lampi Dac.
 

MarcelNL

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Mar 15, 2021
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I'm in a build, and will audition OS later on. piecemeal statements such as 'Linux sounds thin' are a bit bold IMO as it all comes down to how things are set up but I'm sure there are sound attributes to various systems but in the end it is like picking a high end interlink...pick your poison.

The components of the server are more important, number of cores of the CPU, power supply on the MB, the PSU, digital output, network in, etc etc....everything matters.

I'd suggest you start reading the monster Taiko thread, and Nenon's thread on Audiophilestyle forum.
 

tinkerphile

Member
Nov 27, 2021
92
49
23
I'm in a build, and will audition OS later on. piecemeal statements such as 'Linux sounds thin' are a bit bold IMO as it all comes down to how things are set up but I'm sure there are sound attributes to various systems but in the end it is like picking a high end interlink...pick your poison.

The components of the server are more important, number of cores of the CPU, power supply on the MB, the PSU, digital output, network in, etc etc....everything matters.

I'd suggest you start reading the monster Taiko thread, and Nenon's thread on Audiophilestyle forum.
Thanks for the response. What you say about OS sound attributes varying due to system dependence makes me realize it's not so simple as focusing just on OS in terms of expectations. And thanks for the links as well.
 

MarcelNL

Well-Known Member
Mar 15, 2021
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Wondering where you are with your project?
 

Alrainbow

Well-Known Member
Dec 11, 2013
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Buy an LDMS and play music , then post how easy it was .
I have built many servers exp to cheap , he knows how to make his servers sound musical in your system . Each system needs to tuned to your taste as well as accuracy. He makes this easy .
As for the best OS for audio
Linux is very stable ,fast , but lacks note decay . Best for electronic techno music. You can tame it but you cant make it sound like othet OS setups. Same for windows
Better decay , more holographic
More bloom . But if not done well is slower and can slow big dynamic jumps in music .
You can use high power or low power boards too. It comes down to your system and needs.

To build your own server is not hard , to make it musical in your setup not so much and in short
Not a good idea .
A server is much more complex not to make work but to sound musical . I have tons of stuff that should sound great but dont lol.
Let him build it im really being honest .
 
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