[jb26]

Hi All,

I currently run a laptop into a DAC for my source, but it's a shared laptop which sometimes requires negotiation with my better half to access and plug in, so I'm in the market for another computer to plug into the system.

I'm looking for recommendations!

I really like the sounds of JRMC17 so will probably stay windows, but could be swayed.  I'm also thinking I need at least 4MB RAM (8 better), I'd like a SSD for the main drive and could either use a second internal HD or one of my existing external HD for music storage.

It seems I'm in Macmini territory, but I'd rather stay windows for JRMC17 usage so I'm thinking netbook.  I've read a lot about the Mac itunes alternatives, but JRMC17 seems to be the best for sound quality (please don't open a debate on this, crosses fingers).

I'd like to stay sub-$1000, any ideas?

Cheers,

James

[dawnrazor]

I am a huge fan of the cics memory player concept (cmp2).  If you have any computer experience you can build a much better computer than store bought and meet your budget.  All the os bloat is removed and you can have better powersupplies than stock, etc.  Also if you follow things you can get a totally fanless computer by undervolting and under clocking. 

You could alter things to use JRMC17 but I personally will give up flashy guis and artwork for better sq.  Either way you could get what you want.

http://www.cicsmemoryplayer.com/

The site is a bit dated in terms of mobos but I am putting together a new one and am using the GIGABYTE GA-H61M-S2H LGA and Intel Celeron G540 Sandy Bridge 2.5GHz cpu. 

Anyhow if you dont follow that route at least find some sites that tune the os for audio.  You cant get the best sound by just loading in the os and player.  There are many services that mess up the sound and arent needed on a dedicated machine.

[JLM]

Are you looking for a dedicated computer to be used as a music server?  Check out recent threads for dedicated machines.  As poster above mentions, if you're handy DIY is a good option.  Several hobbiest products are available for Windows/Linux (but they don't do internet streaming).

If you can accept 0.5 GB of storage and proprietary file encoding, Olive has a $1,000 USD machine that is simple and does it all.

Simple Audio offers a nice machine within your budget that should push all the right buttons, but only available oversees for now (Europe, etc.).

[jb26]

Hi JLM,

I'm not looking for a server, more a player.  We only have the one stereo in the house so I don't need the computer to offer files to other devices at this stage.

Thanks,

James

[JLM]

Questions:

Do you want to include internet streaming?  (many of the players don't offer this)

What input options does your current DAC have? (coax, optical, USB)

Do you have interest (now/down the road) in high resolution 24/96, 24/192, etc.? (currently many DACs can't accept higher resolution inputs, especially via USB)

Do you want to be able to rip from the machine?  (built in optical disc reader - CD/DVD)

How close will the machine be from your stereo electronics?  (USB has more limited cable length than coax/optical)

[jb26]

ANSWERS BELOW:

Do you want to include internet streaming?  (many of the players don't offer this) - Not interested

What input options does your current DAC have? (coax, optical, USB) - coax, optical & USB.  Currently using a USB/Spdif converter into the coax as this gets the best sound.

Do you have interest (now/down the road) in high resolution 24/96, 24/192, etc.? (currently many DACs can't accept higher resolution inputs, especially via USB) - up to 24/192 on coax, 24/96 on USB

Do you want to be able to rip from the machine?  (built in optical disc reader - CD/DVD) - preferrably but not essential

How close will the machine be from your stereo electronics?  (USB has more limited cable length than coax/optical) - colocated on the same shelf, at most 1.5ms, most likely less.

[Vincent Kars]

As you are happy with your current setup any laptop with sufficient power to have a crisp response from JRiver will do.
Have a look here: http://www.genesisloudspeakers.com/newsletter/Newsletter_10th_Anniv.pdf

[JLM]

Frankly, seems like your demands are rather easily met.  Vicent's website has many options that would work, such as Vortexbox.  ACer HAL offers a product he builds with reportedly great service that should also meet your specifications.

[charmerci]

I'd personally just get a cheap laptop using this external HD (solid state ones are getting cheap!)  http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Extreme-2-5-Inch-Solid-SDSSDX-240G-G25/dp/B006EKJ8UI/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1345488974&sr=1-6&keywords=solid+state+external+drive

And then use the extra $500 bucks to upgrade your DAC - or whatever you want.

[FasterThanEver]

I currently run a laptop into a DAC for my source, but it's a shared laptop which sometimes requires negotiation with my better half to access and plug in, so I'm in the market for another computer to plug into the system.

I'm looking for recommendations!

I really like the sounds of JRMC17 so will probably stay windows, but could be swayed.  I'm also thinking I need at least 4MB RAM (8 better), I'd like a SSD for the main drive and could either use a second internal HD or one of my existing external HD for music storage.

I'd like to stay sub-$1000, any ideas?

I've used JRMC for over 6 years and wouldn't give it up for other available programs.

You can build a very nice desktop for audio use for $ 700-900.  Choosing the parts you want isn't cheap but you can get just what you want.  Make a few compromises and the cost can be much lower.

If you go for a laptop or netbook, consider getting a laptop using an Intel Sandy Bridge CPU for under $ 500 rather than than netbook using an Atom CPU.  Look for models with the HM65 chipset or with a CPU like i3-23xx.  Models with the HM55 chipset and a CPU model like i3-380M use an older generation CPU that consumes more power.  More power means more heat and more noise to keep it cool.

Think about how much music you have and how much you expect to acquire.  Fitting your music files on an internal hard drive has advantages over using an external drive.  Plan on 3 CDs worth of music in Flac format per GB of disk space.  Cheap laptops may have 300-500 GB hard drives.  That might leave 200-400 GB for music files.

If you need more than than much space, consider building a desktop PC with a 2 TB Western Digital Green Power 5400 RPM hard drive for storing music files.  Plenty of space, low power use and very quiet in a well designed desktop case.  The same drive will be somewhat noisier as a USB external drive.

Bill

[jb26]

Hi Guys,

Thanks all for your contribution, you've given me a few ideas to pursue.

Cheers,

James

[jb26]

Hi All,

I've had a thought - there are a number of companies offering modifications for mac minis, predominantly by adding an improved external PSU.  When you add those costs to the mac mini I could purchase an Macbook Air and run it off batteries (give or take), with the advantage of having a fully formed lap top.  Anyone got thoughts on this?

James

[JLM]

James,

Call me dense, but from my readings (have only heard a few Apple music servers) most of all this discussion (one Apple machine versus another, software adjustments, various power supplies) is obsessing about minutiae (typical for audiophiles).

The major issues IMO are access to HD material, cost/convenience for managing your collection, and internet streaming versus FM. 

After all, most agree that speakers, then the room are the biggest factors in sound reproduction.  Artist, performance quality, and the whole recording process all play bigger factors in what we hear than tweaky computer stuff.

[jb26]

Hi,

You maybe right about the 'most influential' elements, but at this point I'm looking for a new source due to need rather than an upgrade to another component due to want.

Cheers,

James