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Music Server/Player for NOS R2R DAC

I'll spare the long story but have recently decided to adopt a new DAC that is a NOS based design and is limited to S/PDIF for input. Once I have it and have had time I'll post my observations and impressions for sound quality. Suffice it to say I am taking a different path from the direction many are going. My music collection is redbook CD converted to FLAC. I am currently using an Atoll MS-100 streamer/player. Very simple interface, software is simple but effective, and initially I will continue using this player.

I am in the process of selling my Esoteric K-07 CD player and have no plans to spin discs going forward. I am not seeking ROON, etc type of interfaces. Prefer keeping FLAC files on either a USB drive or internal hard drive.

So all that said.. told you I would spare the long story!!!... I am curious what music players/servers are out there built very well, great power supplies, and something that would be  a step up from my Atoll. HAS to have RCA S/PDIF output and preferably its own software.

I have identified  a few players thus far but many do not have a coax output.I am quite ok with buying used or demo and would like to keep my price under $5K (preferably less). PLayers I have found thus far which would work are:

Aurender N10
Lumin U1
Auralic Aries G2
DCS Network Bridge

I could buy a higher quality USB to S/PDIF converter but would rather avoid that.

I'll see how this goes ones the new DAC arrives and I experience NOS and R2R for the first time. Am very hopeful it will bring to my ears that which I am seeking! But, looking forward I am wondering what would be a good upgrade from my Atoll. Thx
jdavis37
shkong78's avatar
shkong78
515 posts
 
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis96ade-cocktail-audio-x30-music-server-streamer-dac-amp-new-in-b...

This new one is on sale.

It can also rip CD.

I had used smaller version X12 for 4 years with no problem.

This is an economical option.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 
jdavis37
 Music Server/Player for NOS R2R DAC
Does your dac have AES/EBU digital input, if so make sure your server has AES/EBU output, far better they say than using spdif rca.

Cheers George
nekoaudio's avatar
nekoaudio
105 posts
 
Looking past hardware compatibility, you might want to start looking at the software and control apps. You may find you prefer one over the other.
jdavis37 OP
28 posts
 
Shkong.. thanks for the suggestion.

George.. it does offer that as it's sole other input option. DAC has not yet been ordered but should be by tomorrow. Will have same limits though. Is not a DAC for hi resolution or oversampled music.

On software.. agree which is why I prefer the manufacturer of the music server provide an app. I am technically proficient but desire simplicity for the interface. Is about listening to music and a sense of meditation, etc.The Atoll software with my current streamer/server is very well done. My wife has an Auralic Mini and I do not like its software nearly as much. Everything I currently own is redbook (16 bit, 44.1 kHz) except one recording I bought that was 24 bit/96 kHz (most likely upsampled).

Going this direction in the long run may be a little risky given CDs may die, music may turn to mostly streaming only (like Blockbuster Video going plgggth) and higher resolution/upsampled files could become the normal (they can be of course downsampled by the player). On flip side if I hear what I am hoping to hear from this the risk is worth it.

Anyhow, still looking to see what the list is of servers/players offering this limited output. So many are now USB only! 
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