Hi. I need to downsize my music system and am selling my RWA-modded Olive Musica music server. This is a great source component (which is now in limited supply as Red Wine Audio no longer modifies them due to a need to focus on their stand-along DAC, preamp and power amps). If you want an audiophile-quality all-in-1 source component that can store and playback thousands of songs without relying on a PC, this is it. The Musica can even read and burn CDs and get track info from the internet via a wireless or ethernet connection.
I've got over 1,000 of my favorite songs loaded in loss-less FLAC format (and the 160 GB hard drive is still less than 20% full) and the sound quality is excellent. Many here on Audio Circle are familiar with Vinnie Rossi's well regarded mods -- conversion to battery-power to eliminate power-line noise, plus extensive modifications to the Olive's DC power supply, output stage, analog input stages, connectors and grounding, digital output, plus vibration control in the form of damping. The result is great sounding source. Here is a review on 6 moons:
http://6moons.com/audioreviews/redwine6/olive.htmlThe Musica is very flexible. Besides being a great source component, it can be used as a transport if you have a DAC (it has a high quality digital output). It also has a built-in lossless digital volume control, which allows you to skip a pre-amp and connect straight to a power amp! I have done this and it works very well. Compared to my Joule Electra tube pre-amp (over $3k when new) my system sounds more transparent when I connect the Olive straight to my amp. As expected, my tube pre does add a bit more body and warmth but that is to be expected, though at the expense of a bit of detail.
Brand new, the RWA-modded Musica cost $1,819 plus shipping. My asking price has been reduced to $995 including shipping, insurance and Paypal, plus a brand new battery (which will be sent to the buyer separately).
I will pack the Musica in its original box (along with the remote, upgraded charger, and instructions from RWA) then double box to further protect it. Overall the Musica is in great shape. The remote has hardly been used (though I did manage to snap the tab of the battery door so now it is taped in place). It doesn't affect the functionality one bit, though.
Please let me know if you have any questions I can help with.
Thanks.
