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Music Server Recommendation

Hello AG community,
I have embarked down the path of getting my music off my computer (iMAC>USB Drive>Ethernet) and on to a dedicated music server.  Primarily I am looking for significantly improved sound quality and instant on. It will feed my DAC (most likely via USB). Need 4TB in onboard storage (no attached drives/NAS). I would really prefer to stay with Roon (have a lifetime sub) but will consider others with equal or superior functionality/sound/remote app.
Budget is $4-5k

My current primary equipment:
PS Audio DirectStream Jr/Oppo BDP-105
Ayre K-5xe Pre
Conrad Johnson MF2500a Amp
Vandersteen Quatro Woods
AQ Niagra 1000
AQ cables

I have been considering the below:

In the lead:
Antipodes EX (+ 4TB SSD)/Roon $5100
Innuous Zenith MKII Std/Roon $?? (can't figure out the US cost yet)

I really like the Antipodes especially the modular approach (ability to add a CX down the road), reviews and their reputation. Innuous seems like it may rival the Antipodes in sound quality. Both are not the easiest to buy or figure out sellers/distributors/pricing.

Trailing:
Aurender N100H $3000
Melco N1 MKII $??

Aurender is readily avail. Conductor app is generally well regarded. Would prefer the N10 but it is out of my range. I have heard some negatives regarding this unit being a bit shrill (definitely not anything I would be happy with). The Melco is very interesting and meets the sound quality std but is probably the fussiest from a setup perspective. Their software/remote app is probably the weakest of this group. Also confused about the 2 x XTB setup (is this a raid array or combined storage)?

What other products should I seriously consider in that price range? Is the budget sufficient for my requirements or should I look used or wait and save more?

Thank you in advance and look forward to your feedback

fdemello
fdemello OP
76 posts
 
@audiotroy Maybe I am missing something but it is hard to believe a $400-$800 NAS (which based on other opinions is inherently noisy) would be better than a well designed server with onboard storage.  You also seem to contradict your packet philosophy ("In the world of digital the packeted music going into the server may actually sound better than the onboard music via the ssd") by touting a USB connection from the Inuous to your DAC. Why wouldn't you go via Ethernet to stay all packet transmission?
I am open to the NAS approach if I can be convinced. 

I do have Ethernet at my rack however I do not have home runs from my router but rather MAC>Cable Modem/Router>2 floors to Netgear Switch>1 floor up to 2nd Netgear switch near rack>DAC. I know that is not ideal. Adding a NAS (since I would not put it near my rack) will go down a similar path. Have no idea how to make that better currently.

@rbstehno The Inuous/Melco/Antipodes can connect via Ethernet to a DAC so I'm not sure that is old tech. I have the PS Audio DSJr with the Bridge II card as well but I am looking to improve how I feed my library to that

@labtec interesting unit but over my budget at $8k 

Good discussion. Thanks all
uberwaltz's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
uberwaltz
4,946 posts
 
@audiotroy

Still not clear on what I could do and what is required to improve my sq. But I am not going to clog up the OPS thread, I will contact you directly for advice.
Thank you
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
1,621 posts
 
The issue with  packeted audio is very simple, if you have an dac which can take an ethernet direct signal you may get the best possible sound quality out of a dac, however, if your dac does not possess an ethernet connection then you can not use the dac in this mannor.

We sell Naim streamers and they run off an ethernet  connection, while other dacs that we sell such as the T+A, Aqua Hifi, the Light Harmonic and others do not accept an ethernet connection.


Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ
ron17
178 posts
 
I have a Mola Mola Makua (preamp/DAC) that excepts a direct ethernet signal and a Innuos Zenith mk2 SE that outputs an ethernet signal but I have not tried that connection yet.  I have been using a USB connection. My Mola Mola retailer told me in some systems the ethernet connection sounds better and in others the USB is preferred.....I guess I need to try the ethernet connection now.
dgarretson
2,394 posts
 
I read a pro review of an Ayre DAC someplace(which IIRC was the first DAC to market with a native Ethernet interface), in which the reviewer preferred the USB input to the Ethernet input.  Its likely that a native ethernet interface may have variations in quality similar to USB implementations.
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