Music Server

AN emerging class of products that I think will take off over time for this is inexpensive multipurpose media devices that happen to serve up quality audio along with teh rest, as opposed to being audio only. I have seen some interesting new Android based devices like this in recent years that have promise. I think this will be the general trend moving forward. Android OS and of course good old Apple seem best positioned for this currently. I suspect when the time comes to replace my currently discontinued audio only Squeezebox devices, that is where I will end up next.

21' iMac only for this purpose via USB / I2S into my own DAC. iTunes, Audivarna Plus, controlled with the remote app on a iPad. Just got this setup and am truly impressed with the sound quality, the ease of use and integration.

Best of luck

Peter

+1 for Sonos. Easy to use and excellent interface with tablet or phone. As for sound quality, I would say just okay as an analog source and much better with a good quality Dac.

I initially used the Sonos Connect with a Rega Dac and was pleased with the results. A later upgrade to a W4S modified Connect was a big improvement, particularly with imaging. The last step for even better sound was to switch to the TeddyDac, which is well suited to my Naim based system. The sound quality is amazing, even with higher quality internet music from MOG (320K).

BTW, don’t overlook the ability to access internet music when shopping for a server. Owning a large library of 2,000 CD is nice but having access to 16 million tracks for $10 per month is even better! Good luck.

Thanks to everyone for your responses. I have looked at your suggestions. I think Mapman has hit the nail on the head when he relates that there will be better products at lower prices in the future. I may just wait a few months to see if the Android based devices (and Google's internet music service) spawn a superior system to the Meridian Control 15 and Media Drive 600.

Something to consider, however, is how important it is to you to retain the same level of sound quality as your current CD playback source. Some CD playback systems provide a very high level of sonic performance. If retaining - perhaps even surpassing - the sound quality of your current setup is important, be sure to thoroughly investigate these new lower priced devices...