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Best standalone music server?

So I am considering dipping my toes into the full digital world and was wondering what people here may consider as the best standalone music server, and here I am going to be specific.
I do not want to consider a home pc or mac based type of system at all!
Looking at adding one of the standalone models like for example the Wyred4sound ms1 or cocktail audio.
High on my list is ability to rip my cds directly at the unit itself, access to internet radio and other music apps (Pandora etc). High quality built in dac would be nice but if not then high quality digital out to run to an external dac. I will not be needing to access music files stored on another pc as my home pc is pretty old but fully functional for my simple needs. The only music looking to access from it right now are ripped cds and internet available music in whatever form.
So if it worked out well, yes it may be a replacement even for a cd player completely

Thank you
uberwaltz
shkong78's avatar
shkong78
515 posts
 
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis96ade-cocktail-audio-x30-music-server-streamer-dac-amp-new-in-b...

Cocktail X30 is on sale at 750$ including shipping.

It is hard to beat the value.

I had used X12 for 4 years with no problem at all.
willgolf
156 posts
 
I echo ctsooner about the Memory Player.  The music sonically speaking is a step above anything I have ever heard.  That said, I am moving in a different direction hopefully with the Lumin X1.  My Memory Player is for sale on US Audio and will soon be listed on Audiogon for a great price.  
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,104 posts
 
It's starting to burn in and it's getting better.  The built in DAC (brand new design and first one they have made) is much better than I expected.  The DAC alone may end up being one of the top couple that I"ve ever heard (I've heard nearly all the uber high end DAC's on the market in the US).

I'm playing mostly WAV and all 24/192 and 32/384 music.  It's not even where it's going to be as it's so new and needs a lot of burn in.  This thing is sick good though.  Blows away the Aurender N10 that I've had in the house in the past. 
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
4,946 posts
 
Ctsooner.
What was the price?
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,104 posts
 
You would have to ask Sam.  I have their brand new DAC built in.  He customizes them all, so it's best to ask him.  I will say that if you use his newest built in DAC, the price is incredible considering what you get.  He's been as good to work with as Steve Nugent is at Empirical Audio.  Both make GREAT products and are great guys to boot.  They actually care adn have pride.
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