AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => The Discless Circle => Topic started by: Jonathon Janusz on 25 Sep 2016, 03:55 pm
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It looks like the whole discless device market is either migrating or has moved to basically a computer client-server model of implementation. What I'm wondering is if there are any companies still making quality stand alone music file players? What I'm asking about is a single box solution that is a complete source component in and of itself. As I only have a single listening room, with a single system that needs a music source, as a consumer I have really zero interest in setting up a computer data network to connect a network attached storage device, to a library management server, to a music processing server, to a music renderer, to finally get data into a DAC.
Am I asking for a product that just doesn't exist? Is a full featured mac mini or a comparably configured windows PC as good as it gets without having to go in on the more complicated, more "modern" solutions? I'm curious academically from the position of cost no object, just to learn what is out there, but practically say under $3K would probably be a more realistic discussion.
Thanks!
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Am I asking for a product that just doesn't exist?
No, you're not!
High end would be something like the Aurender A10 ($5000) with 4TB internal drive, 120GB SSD cache drive, dual mono AK4490 DAC, DSD, linear PS w/4 torroidal transformers and balanced outputs.
At the lower end would be something like the Bluesound Vault ($1200) with 2TB internal drive, CD ripping drive, internal DAC, Bluetooth and single ended outputs.
There are models in between that range - just pick the price point, internal storage size, DSD or not and if you want/need internal CD ripping drive.
Steve
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Though they do require using a computer, tablet, or smartphone for control, you might check these out
http://www.salksound.com/streamplayer.php?model=StreamPlayer+Mini#compare
I have the Gen III player. It sounds great and works very well.
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- Bryston BDP-1
- Bryston BDP-2
- Bryston BDP-pi
- Cambridge Audio CXN
- Cambridge Audio 851N
- Auralic Aries
- Auralic Aries Mini
- Bluesound Node (various)
I personally went with Bryston because you don't NEED to have any connectivity to network. Attach a USB drive to one of the USB ports and just press play on the front panel. The file sends a digital out to your DAC via AES/SPDIF/BNC, or USB.
If you want these features, plus analog outs, Cambridge Audio CXN or 851N is well suited. They were my #2 option.
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The Salkstream players or the Bryston players are not stand-alone players. They require an external DAC.
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Though they do require using a computer, tablet, or smartphone for control, ..
It seems they all do... and for backups as well.
For the truly network-averse, what about a DAP? You can copy files over by USB and/or load up SD cards. Still need the computer for ripping.
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Does the Vortexbox fit?
AC member JoshK is selling one on CanuckAudioMart right now.
You could plug a USB DAC right into it and be on your way...
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Cambridge Audio or Naim. Some even have amplifiers built into them.
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Mark, AFAICT Vortexbox is a software distribution, with vendors that provide it preinstalled on hardware, which they call a "Vortexbox." Most of the ones I saw did not meet the criteria, they were a pure server solution.
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Sonore µRendu used in DLNA mode would fit your needs. Very simple to use too.
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I have played around with the free s/w from Vortex in the past and currently use a hacked Pogoplug running VAMP s/w (tricks the h/w into thinking it is a Logitech device) with great success.
I believe the Vortexbox, though a server, can play music too. I ran their server s/w on an old small form factor PC years ago, and hung a USB DAC off it. Back about 4-5 years now though, so it may have changed.
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Some can... anyway here's the ad, it doesn't say one way or t'other but he was using it as a server -
http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649301689-vortexbox-appliance-lms-cd-ripper-1tb-drive/
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jtwrace wrote: "Sonore µRendu used in DLNA mode would fit your needs. Very simple to use too."
That's first on my list of considerations. BUT it is not a one-box solution however, which is what Jonathan is asking for.
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No, you're not!
High end would be something like the Aurender A10 ($5000) with 4TB internal drive, 120GB SSD cache drive, dual mono AK4490 DAC, DSD, linear PS w/4 torroidal transformers and balanced outputs.
At the lower end would be something like the Bluesound Vault ($1200) with 2TB internal drive, CD ripping drive, internal DAC, Bluetooth and single ended outputs.
There are models in between that range - just pick the price point, internal storage size, DSD or not and if you want/need internal CD ripping drive.
Steve
Those would be my recommendations as well. You can hang a USB drive off the back of Lumin units as well, though this is not quite a "one box" solution.
We've been burning in an Aurender A10 at the shop & it's quite impressive as a DAC, competing neck & neck w/ a highly rated stand alone DAC at close to $5K. The A10 is $5,500, but when you consider it has a $3K A100H / 4TB in it, the $2.5K you're paying for the DAC portion is more than made up for by the quality of the DAC. It is by anyone's standard an above $2.5K DAC.
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Its not clear to me if this needs to rip or not?
I thought I heard good things about the sony player
http://www.sony.com/electronics/audio-components/hap-z1es (http://www.sony.com/electronics/audio-components/hap-z1es)
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This is the one I'm looking at - the Sonore MicroRendu inside a sonictransporter - a one box solution that I feel will be hard to beat for sound quality regardless of price.
https://www.smallgreencomputer.com/collections/audio-server/products/sonictransporter-i5-microrendu-ifi-bundle
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This is the one I'm looking at - the Sonore MicroRendu inside a sonictransporter - a one box solution that I feel will be hard to beat for sound quality regardless of price.
Three box solution - sonicTransporter/microRendu + USB drive or NAS + USB DAC
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I'm a bit confused on the responses recommending networked solutions. I am totally for networked audio, but the OP said "I have really zero interest in setting up a computer data network".
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Besides the Bluesound Vault mentioned by srb, there is also the Entotem Plato. https://www.platoentertainment.com/en/ (https://www.platoentertainment.com/en/) One box that rips, stores, and has an amp. It appears to be specifically designed to meet the needs of the OP.
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Besides the Bluesound Vault mentioned by srb, there is also the Entotem Plato. https://www.platoentertainment.com/en/ (https://www.platoentertainment.com/en/) One box that rips, stores, and has an amp.
It doesn't appear to have an internal CD drive so I guess you would need an external USB drive. The specific power output isn't given either, only power consumption (Idle <9W, Full Power 2-CH 8Ω < 200 W), but based on the low idle power it is most likely a Class D amplifier and might output 75W to 90W per channel (?).
I'm not sure that I would spend nearly $4000 USD (or around ~ $3100 USD for the Pre version without an amplifier) for an unknown entity though, but it may be a moot point as they only specify 220V – 240V 50Hz / 60Hz and there may not be a 120V version.
Steve
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A very timely thread for me. My wife asked about a month ago if we could rip all of our music to one location and pack up all of the cd's. So I did what any good husband would do...a lot of research and came up with either the Small Green Computer micro Jukebox or the Sonic Transporter AP 8T. The STAP8T costs the same as a Jukebox with a 2TB SS Drive but is Roon Ready where the Jukebox is not. I have a USB DAC so integration would be a snap...all good right? Then I began to explain in some detail about how to do this and I got the LOOK! With the statement "there you go taking something simple like ripping cd's to a hard drive and turn it into a big confusing and expensive project!" :o but! you! but... :banghead:
Stupid audio hobby gets me in trouble all the time... :roll:
https://www.smallgreencomputer.com/collections/audio-server/products/micro-jukebox
https://www.smallgreencomputer.com/collections/audio-server/products/sonictransporter-ap-8tb-roon-server
BTW I think the Bluesound Vault 2 has what your looking for or look into Cocktail Audio...http://www.cocktailaudio.com/home.html
Chris
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...We've been burning in an Aurender A10 at the shop & it's quite impressive as a DAC, competing neck & neck w/ a highly rated stand alone DAC at close to $5K. The A10 is $5,500, but when you consider it has a $3K A100H / 4TB in it, the $2.5K you're paying for the DAC portion is more than made up for by the quality of the DAC. It is by anyone's standard an above $2.5K DAC.
The Aurender A10 looks sharp, needing only a power amplifier. In 2016 HeadFi's server comparison, the author was surprised to find he'd prefer the best $7700 server > best entry/mid price DAC/phone amp > best entry/mid price phones vs. standard Mac Mini server > best possible DAC/phone amp > best phones. Posters were surprised to see their "any server" meme smashed.
In direct AB test a friend said the Aurender $8k N10 handily outperformed Aurender's $2500 N100. He did not want to spent the money, but had to after that test.
I thought I read the A10 was $5k SRP, but possibly the price increased since that quote. What month was the A10 released in the US?
I'd love to hear your thoughts on AB test, the A10's internal DAC vs. Resonessence's latest $2850 Veritas DAC (<8 weeks old) w/ESS' best and latest Sabre ESS9028PRO chips. Res. says Veritas about equals their $5k Invicta Mirus w/original 9018 chips (Mirus accepts 9028 chip upgrade). By large margin original Mirus was the best DAC I've heard.
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And finally the HAL 3 music server......http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=98467.0
Doesn't require a network but does require a display device...... :D
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My 2 cents is ive been very content with Atoll. But my guess is its relitively unknown. But very solid player.
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The Aurender A10 looks sharp, needing only a power amplifier. In 2016 HeadFi's server comparison, the author was surprised to find he'd prefer the best $7700 server > best entry/mid price DAC/phone amp > best entry/mid price phones vs. standard Mac Mini server > best possible DAC/phone amp > best phones. Posters were surprised to see their "any server" meme smashed.
In direct AB test a friend said the Aurender $8k N10 handily outperformed Aurender's $2500 N100. He did not want to spent the money, but had to after that test.
I thought I read the A10 was $5k SRP, but possibly the price increased since that quote. What month was the A10 released in the US?
I'd love to hear your thoughts on AB test, the A10's internal DAC vs. Resonessence's latest $2850 Veritas DAC (<8 weeks old) w/ESS' best and latest Sabre ESS9028PRO chips. Res. says Veritas about equals their $5k Invicta Mirus w/original 9018 chips (Mirus accepts 9028 chip upgrade). D By large margin original Mirus was the best DAC I've heard.
The A10 just shipped this month. Retail price according to my dealer price sheet is $5500. Still a great deal!
We don't carry Resonessence, though I've heard good things about the brand. Though they do have 8 US dealers, I imagine their selling directly limits their appeal to dealers.
We have recently signed up for Ayre and recently received the QX-5 featuring the new ESS9038pro chip. Sounds very good so far but we haven't finished breaking it in. Don't know if we'll AB vs the aurender a10 though as they are quite different price points (almost twice as expensive). And as I'm sure you agree it's not all about clash of the SOTA dac chips - implementation plays just as big a part.
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Johnathon
This review should answer your questions. The alternatives start at multiples of this outlay more. I own the same set-up in a second system except for a different brand of SSD and his experiences mirror mine.
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/721-auralic-aries-mini-and-lightning-ds-review/