2. pc-audio
  3. 1137602955

What do I need to use my PC as a music server

Should I buy an external hard drive at least 300 GB. Then what, Install a program like Itunes to organize. Does Itunes also convert your CD's as well as anything you might download from the internet to the hard drive? How do I get the music from the hard drive to the Pre amp? From what Ive been reading using a sound card isn't the best way. My pre amp is not digital, it is a MCintosh C39, analog connections only. I'm starting from scratch so maybe some suggestions on what I will need. I went to comp USA for some help and they told to use creative sound blaster to go from PC to pre amp. If someone can tell me what I'll need by product name (so I know what to look for) I can see what the cost will be and if it will be worth it. I read that the sound from the hard drive to the Pre amp rivals that of a CD player in the 5K to 10K range. I know that some manufacturers are starting to make music servers, is using your PC cheaper, better or both?
bodine
rhing
88 posts
 
Bodine, please describe the PC and stereo system you now have. That will provide a starting point. As much as I love Macs, you can start with an existing PC and upgrade it to perform as a viable hifi digital transport. If you can also describe the type of music you listen to, and the sound from your system that you prefer, that would help in coming up with recommendations for a good DAC to connect to your McIntosh C39.
bodine OP
9 posts
 
Right now a have a Mcintosh C39 Pre Amp, Powered by a Mcintosh MC352, using Infinite Slope speakers. Right now I only use stereo mode. The computer is a Dell, I don't know the series off hand. I would have to buy an external hard drive to rip my cd's to, any suggestions. Right now I'd like to use the computer I have. If I do chose to go the IMAC in the future can my hard drive that I will be saving my music on be supported by the IMAC? Can the external hard drive be used in both the MAC and PC?
edesilva
768 posts
 
My recollection is that most USB drives are Mac and PC compatible, but I'm not sure that means they can be swapped willy-nilly between the two. The NAS boxes are safe though, since they are intended to be network file servers. I know I used to access both my Dell Powervault 645N and my Buffalo terastation from both Mac and PC platforms.
aida_w
308 posts
 
If you use an USB2 external it will work on any computer. I'd suggest a firewire external (simply better) and the iMac.
edesilva
768 posts
 
Hmm... Aida_w, even Apple (the original firewire cheerleader) is moving away from that to USB--my understanding (could be wrong and too lazy to look it up) is that the new Macs don't even come with firewire. USB2.0 may be better for long term compatibility. Might want to look at the new Mac I/O options before going there if you intend to keep the drive for a while. (Then again, drives seem to be disposable these days.)
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