Music server solution

dctom

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Jan 28, 2015
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Would appreciate any input from members on their experience of more modest music streamers ie not in the SGM league! but will run 4 x DSD with usb.
I have been very successfully using a fanless mini itx ssd computer for the last 12 months but the motherboard has just failed for a second time (got the first one replaced under warranty) so I am considering an off the shelf solution.
 

abeidrov

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Dec 17, 2015
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Would appreciate any input from members on their experience of more modest music streamers ie not in the SGM league! but will run 4 x DSD with usb.
I have been very successfully using a fanless mini itx ssd computer for the last 12 months but the motherboard has just failed for a second time (got the first one replaced under warranty) so I am considering an off the shelf solution.
Any model from the current Antipodes range supports up to DSD512 playback plus ROON and many other software players. I am a very happy owner of DX Gen2, soon to be upgraded to Gen3. I would go for a Core or DX Gen3 model as they are now built around the latest hardware circuit.
 

asiufy

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Would appreciate any input from members on their experience of more modest music streamers ie not in the SGM league! but will run 4 x DSD with usb.
I have been very successfully using a fanless mini itx ssd computer for the last 12 months but the motherboard has just failed for a second time (got the first one replaced under warranty) so I am considering an off the shelf solution.

Given that you're in the UK, I'd go for one of the Innuos models. Start at least with a Zen.
 

Pb Blimp

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Oct 30, 2017
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Given that you're in the UK, I'd go for one of the Innuos models. Start at least with a Zen.

I was thinking the same thing.
 

Empirical Audio

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Oct 12, 2017
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+1 for Antipodes. Optimized well for USB.
 

jacobacci

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Jan 8, 2017
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Not an off the shelf solution, but interesting with very little costs of regret:
I have been using several Odroid C2 with Volumio2 for the past two years. Simple to set up and use, excellent sound quality.
 

bonzo75

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Feb 26, 2014
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Not really. To start with, you don't need to upsample. You can always ask Greg to demo you the Lampi server.

But I would also try the Aurender, Melco, for native. See what you like.
 

jacobacci

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Jan 8, 2017
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Ah, good you mention that you intend to use HQ Player or jRiver. Are you planning to upsample PCM to DSD256 (=4xDSD)? Or will you play material that is already in DSD256 form?
For the first you need significant horsepower (=PC). For the second I would really try a tiny Odroid / Volumio box.
See Archimago's Blog. It's a fun little project, does not cost a lot and delivers very good sound on top of it. I learned a lot putting this together.
I do NOT recommend using a Rapberry PI3, as the RP3 uses a shared controller for USB and ethernet which bottlenecks the performance of both. The Odroid has a dedicated gigabit ethernet controller, so its performance is much better suites to audio.
 

bonzo75

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Oxford audio has most servers. Take your GG and go there. Aurender was sonically the best there but they did not have the Melco then, so never heard. Then get in-house demo of Lampi from Greg. That upsamples.

I wouldn't buy one for upsampling functionality unless it matched up sonically to other streamers. Auralic for example upsamples but has digitits as do some computers, imo.
 

KeithR

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it's weird - the Aurenders and Auralics are the traditional "hifi" boxes and look impeccably designed and easy to use.

but with Roon, you really need a different product as you have to run Core. i'm struggling with computer type boxes as I foresee issues, but outside of Roon Nucleus perhaps, I'm not sure there is a better option. Innuos has double (isolated) ethernet jacks which seems good.
 

asiufy

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The Melcro is a good product, but given that he's in the UK, I thought the Innuos was the best bet, because:

1. It's local, likely less expensive and with better/easier support.
2. More functionality, like CD ripping, etc.
3. More CPU power, thus able to do Roon Core, including upsampling/DSP.

I've listened to both, and I preferred the overall Innuos package.


cheers,
alex
 

Pb Blimp

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Oct 30, 2017
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The Melcro is a good product, but given that he's in the UK, I thought the Innuos was the best bet, because:

1. It's local, likely less expensive and with better/easier support.
2. More functionality, like CD ripping, etc.
3. More CPU power, thus able to do Roon Core, including upsampling/DSP.

I've listened to both, and I preferred the overall Innuos package.


cheers,
alex

That makes sense to me although the DSP in Roon may have limitations with the Innuous processing horsepower. However, that's not necessarily a bad thing IMO, especially if your dac is better with bit perfect. Smaller processor, less voltage, ram etc leads to improved SQ to many. Through in the SE package with upgraded power supply and and you have a winner.
 

dctom

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Jan 28, 2015
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Wiltshire UK
www.davidcthomas.co.uk
The Melcro is a good product, but given that he's in the UK, I thought the Innuos was the best bet, because:

1. It's local, likely less expensive and with better/easier support.
2. More functionality, like CD ripping, etc.
3. More CPU power, thus able to do Roon Core, including upsampling/DSP.
ZENITH MK.II STD
I've listened to both, and I preferred the overall Innuos package.


cheers,
alex

Thanks for your input Alex

Innuos looks like a good bet, especially as they do a trial period. Did you prefer the sound of the Innuos to a Melco, Would I be able to use Jriver on the Innuos?

Anyone been able to compare the Innuos ZENITH MK.II STD to the SE version? presumably the SE is better but is getting a bit pricey.

Dave
 

spiritofmusic

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Jun 13, 2013
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Certainly Innuos Zenith, Std or SE, is a risk free option for entry into streaming, with plenty of good support in the U.K. at least.
It seems intuitive to use, and customer support positive.
If I ever decide to jump off the fence into streaming, it’s likely my port of call.
 

joaovieira

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Feb 16, 2013
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Certainly Innuos Zenith, Std or SE, is a risk free option for entry into streaming, with plenty of good support in the U.K. at least.
It seems intuitive to use, and customer support positive.
If I ever decide to jump off the fence into streaming, it’s likely my port of call.

It is hard for me to decide what path to go. I don't have the chance down here to compare options.

Do you have any idea of the SQ of Innuos SE or MKII compared to SGM?
 

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