MikeWI
Emo VIPs 
DC-1, ERC-1, USP-1, UPA-2, Sub 10, Emotiva 4S
Posts: 346
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Post by MikeWI on Dec 19, 2014 12:20:45 GMT -5
What are your recommendations for Media Servers? Computers are really nice from the standpoint of changing music on the same screen and organizing playlists, etc. However, now that I have started downloading high resolution music I can tell there are buffering issue when running multiple concurrent tasks. Maybe I can adjust settings in JRiver Media Center to improve on that, but was also looking at dedicated media servers. Thoughts? Mike InfoMy comments on "What are the benefits of the Geek Source [media server] vs. a computer for digital audio?" lhlabs.com/force/geek-source/2739-what-are-benefits-of-geek-source-vs-computerOptions:Computer/NAS Cambridge Audio Stream Magic 6 V2 [$999]- www.amazon.com/Cambridge-Audio-Stream-Magic-Pre-amplifier/dp/B00LFZLSQ4LH Labs Geek Source [$769 - 2TB, $858 4TB] - /1866831 --- crowdfunding forum: lhlabs.com/force/geek-sourceWyred 4 Sound Music Server MS-1 [$1999 1 TB + SSD options] - wyred4sound.com/products/music-servers/music-server-ms-1
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Post by vneal on Dec 19, 2014 12:38:18 GMT -5
Cambridge Audio Stream Magic 6 V2
I checked em all out and for me this is the best choice
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Post by drtrey3 on Dec 19, 2014 13:07:18 GMT -5
Some of the servers look great, but man, they are expensive! For me, an old, stripped down computer is basically free and a fun project.
Trey
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Post by audiobill on Dec 19, 2014 13:28:33 GMT -5
Mac Mini. Done.
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Post by brubacca on Dec 19, 2014 16:03:53 GMT -5
If you only need one location I am a big fan of Music Streamer Plus large USB stick. It usually just works, which almost all PC solutions can not claim (at least in my experience).
As long as your library fits on a USB stick.
Cambridge Audio Stream Magic V2 looks interesting. (Let us know VNeal if you go that way)
I use a Naim Unitiqute to do the same thing (I paid less than the cost of the SM6).
If you have $5k to spend there are some other options out there, but they get REAL Pricey real fast.
How much $$ do you want to spend and how much space do you want/need?
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Post by TUGA Audiophile on Dec 20, 2014 6:59:22 GMT -5
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Post by vneal on Dec 20, 2014 18:00:08 GMT -5
I got the Cambridge and really like it. Features 2000 internet stations. Spotify is preloaded. I have Pandora also. To my ears the Spotify sounds better than Pandora and I like the way I can listen to a specific artist. I have experimented running my Oppo 103D through it and not through it. Running thru the Cambridge it is a more lively sound Vs the Oppo which is a more flat sound. I like the more lively sound on most(70%) of the CDs. I am streaming music from a computer loaded with a program from J River($49) and plan to hook up a external hard drive to the unit eventually. It is very easy to use. I have not downloaded any HI Def recordings yet but plan to buy a few to see if they sound better.The convenience factor IS VERY HIGH. It connects automatically with my Samsung Galaxy 5(though the volumne could be louder) Maybe in the future I will get a tablet as a remote/screen to control and see album art
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Post by Axis on Dec 20, 2014 18:14:28 GMT -5
A stand alone Media Server / Player is another one of those devices I would love to see someone build at a reasonable price. When I started looking for something like this a few years I was blown away at the prices they want for them. I think a lot of the price was for a licenses or something that gave you the right to use such a Device. I just don't get the copy right laws and how it applies to physical media that you have already purchased. I can understand not being able to just take a digital file that could have been obtained the many ways that is possible now. I can not see why if you own the DVD or CD and load it into the device that way that it should be copy right infringement. I would think that would encourage the sales of physical media. I hate to see physical media go away but it would be nice to have a library of the physical media that you purchased in one device for playback and not have to depend on a PC.
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DYohn
Emo VIPs
Posts: 18,487
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Post by DYohn on Dec 20, 2014 18:18:01 GMT -5
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Post by Axis on Dec 20, 2014 18:36:48 GMT -5
I forgot about these David. I remember you telling everyone about the VortexBox and now that I have my CD's ripped Bob's your uncle ! Thanks Dude !  I am going to look into these to put all my Flac files on and then get an XPA-2 to play my Flac files on my Emotiva system. I do not have anything iPod, iPad, or Android. I have never had a smart phone or laptop. Would be nice if the interface was built in with just a little screen like on my Walkman and a couple of buttons to select the album or song you want to hear. Sony's new Hi-Res players have this but you know sony, you have to use there Dac and or amplification. But Thanks keep the info coming David. You know your stuff ! |
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Post by dad311 on Dec 20, 2014 18:38:40 GMT -5
Checkout runeaudio or volumio. Both run on a raspberry pi, complete project about $60.00.
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Post by brubacca on Dec 20, 2014 20:17:40 GMT -5
I've been trying to pimp the Media Server / Media Player for a few years on here. I was VERY excited when the prototype was shown a couple of years ago at Emofest.
I have been beat down over those couple of years by everyone else saying, build your own... It's easy. Or just, use a MAC mini.. Been there done that. Didn't find it enjoyable or really that complete of a solution...
Now I have my Naim Streamer and love it. I also think that Cambridge is a great solution. I truly believe that Emotiva missed the boat on this one. Obviously I don't know all the challenges, but I have another streamer that I want to buy in the next year (or so). I'd gladly spend that $1,000 with Emotiva, but I'm sure I'll have to go elsewhere.
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Post by dasanto2 on Dec 20, 2014 23:50:35 GMT -5
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Post by moko on Dec 21, 2014 1:37:04 GMT -5
i wouldn't spend 4 digits for computer unless it's super computer for cracking national bank codes.  for music server, a hot-rodded (both hardware and software) old laptop is enough. you can control it with ipad or android tablet. better spend your money for better dac. the asynchronus usb dacs make dedicated music servers less important. and those 2-4 GB music servers are not enough to keep my flac collection. btw that cambridge is still 3 digits right ?  |
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Post by vneal on Dec 21, 2014 9:31:14 GMT -5
To each their own. I wanted a external DAC, headphone amp, preloaded internet radio and streaming device that sends a wireless signal to my preamp and processes everything. Minus the surround sound in my UMC200 I really don't need a preamp.Also I wanted something that looks nice and is a standard width audio component. Many other selections will do piece meal for less, none will do exactlly what i want for the same. I got all these in the Cambridge. Choices--- that is what life is all about. Emotiva makes some nice ass gear especially for the price. I will probably get their latest XCM-1 preamp after the dust settles and the version changes are all made. I also agree with the poster above that Emotiva could make a streamer/DAC for less than a grand---well why don't they? Music sourcing is changing at a blistering rate and there are just a few companies(many England based) that are attempting to offer something outside of a DAC memory stick
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Post by yves on Dec 21, 2014 20:29:46 GMT -5
I also agree with the poster above that Emotiva could make a streamer/DAC for less than a grand---well why don't they? The answer to your question is really very simple IMO. It's because if you want to insist on avoiding a typical computer-and-DAC solution for listening to music specifically in a dedicated listening room at home, then you might as well decide to still type your letters and or messages on an old fashioned electronic typewriter instead of a computer so no offense, but welcome to the 21st century, and IMO there exists a reason why they had to discontinue Squeezebox. About the *only* time when I consider streaming to be useful to me is when I want to listen to Hi Res FLAC files while sitting someplace outside in the garden, via the built-in Wi-Fi of my Astell & Kern AK240 with MQS Streaming Server software. My Eastern Electric MiniMax DAC Supreme is hooked up to my laptop via USB. |
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Post by brubacca on Dec 21, 2014 22:09:45 GMT -5
I also agree with the poster above that Emotiva could make a streamer/DAC for less than a grand---well why don't they? The answer to your question is really very simple IMO. It's because if you want to insist on avoiding a typical computer-and-DAC solution for listening to music specifically in a dedicated listening room at home, then you might as well decide to still type your letters and or messages on an old fashioned electronic typewriter instead of a computer so no offense, but welcome to the 21st century, and IMO there exists a reason why they had to discontinue Squeezebox. About the *only* time when I consider streaming to be useful to me is when I want to listen to Hi Res FLAC files while sitting someplace outside in the garden, via the built-in Wi-Fi of my Astell & Kern AK240 with MQS Streaming Server software. My Eastern Electric MiniMax DAC Supreme is hooked up to my laptop via USB. Some people like Chocolate and some like Vanilla. I despise requiring an actual PC at my stereo. I think that to compare it to using a typewriter is a bit much. In our world a typewriter would be a turntable... Wait.. I like using one of those too. I think you are missing the concept that you can direct connect media to these streamers and alleviate the need for actual streaming. I'm sorry all Computers are a pain to keep updated and running. Much more painful than a dedicated device that may or may not require firmware updating. If you like it good for you. There are many that do. Personally I am not one of them and I am actually quite skilled; supporting many operating systems in my life. Also building many computers from scratch. |
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Post by vneal on Dec 22, 2014 9:24:02 GMT -5
No offense taken. The fact remains most computers get slower and slower with just a few years use. I don't have to turn on my computer to listen to music. And I have never owned a typewriter either although I proudly own a turntable  |
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Post by drtrey3 on Dec 22, 2014 11:23:26 GMT -5
I still get daily use out of my Squeezebox touch. It just works and can send 192k files to my XDA-2. Sounds nice.
Trey
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Post by house72 on Dec 22, 2014 13:21:21 GMT -5
I use Bluesound Vault for Music bluesound.com
For movies just place an order for Kaleidescape Alto.
Cheers
Raj
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I am going to look into these to put all my Flac files on and then get an XPA-2 to play my Flac files on my Emotiva system. 
for music server, a hot-rodded (both hardware and software) old laptop is enough. you can control it with ipad or android tablet. better spend your money for better dac. the asynchronus usb dacs make dedicated music servers less important. and those 2-4 GB music servers are not enough to keep my flac collection. btw that cambridge is still 3 digits right ? 
