2. pc-audio
  3. 132762-13640

Newbie Question

I've just ordered my first stand-alone DAC to demo at home (COS D2) and would like to understand what hardware I'd need in order to move from a cdp source to a hard drive/server. There are many expensive 'servers' available but I've also come across the opinion that these are simply over-priced computers dressed up as audio jewelry. It's very confusing!  Having amassed a cd collection, I have no desire to ditch it in favor of streaming. So, it would seem I need a way to rip cds, store the files and then some kind of software to manage them. . . right? 
There are all in one pieces like the BlueSound Vault, that already include a dac. Could I still use such for ripping, file storage but bypass the internal DAC?  My system: Jolida JD100 cdp (keeping as a transport for the present), Wells Majestic integrated, Silverline SR 17.5 monitors. Could I get what I need for say, $1200 used? 
stuartk
stuartk OP
174 posts
 
Hi  ghosthose. I checked and it is possible to bypass internal DAC in BlueSound vault2. I've been reading some reviews of various servers and apparently the server does affect the sound fed to an external dac, so I have to decide whether I just want to go ahead and jump in, inex-pensively, or wait till I have more to spend. For now, however,  I will definitely try what you suggest with a laptop. I'm not in a big hurry-- I haven't even settled on a DAC, yet. (I already use  Seagate for storing photo files, so that's one recognizable element in this otherwise alien landscape). Thanks!
stfoth
435 posts
 
Stuartk: Yep. The Vault 2 has both coax and optical digital outputs. It is supposed to pass through MQA, too, if your DAC is MQA. I think it’s great for the money, but I’m sure more money can get you better, of course. Its internal DAC isn’t bad at all, and, on some items, I just run Tidal MQA through its analog out. Mostly, though, I run it through a separate DAC, which is often "better," even without the full MQA. In most instances, I can’t tell any difference from the ripped CDs from the actual CD from a spinner (sent to the same external DAC).

For me, the best part is that it can be used without a computer and is really idiot-proof. Took a couple weeks to rip through the cd collection in lossless WAV (but it will also do FLAC).

It does require an ethernet connection, though, and isn’t fully wifi like the Node 2.

BUT, as Ghosthouse said, lots of options out there.
stuartk OP
174 posts
 
@stfoth: I just took a quick look around Computer Audiophile. . . yikes! Seems to me there's an awful lot of do-it-yourself building and/or modding of gear over there. I'm a music lover, not a hobbyist (let alone, trained,) engineer!  I have no desire to wade into that morass, so what you say about the Vault not requiring a computer and being "idiot-proof" is very much closer to what I'm looking for. If you can't tell the difference between the ripped file from the disc, that's significant. Thanks for your input. 
stuartk OP
174 posts
 
@stfoth: You mean the Vault requires an ethernet connection for streaming, or to simply play ripped cd files stored on Vault ??? Probably a dumb question, but this is all new to me. 
stuartk OP
174 posts
 
@ghosthouse: Yes; Cocktail Audio X40 looks like another possibility. 
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