Who here has a CAPS v2?

TJHUB · « **on:** 21 May 2012, 11:15 pm »

I was very close to buying a Mac Mini to replace my dead PC server computer that I was using for a Touch setup with a DIY Bybee linear power supply. There are many reasons I didn't want the Mac Mini, so I explored another avenue with some success.

I've been curious about using a PC as a source. So this past Saturday, I loaded J.River Media Center (JRMC). Once I figured out I needed to use the WASAPI driver in Windows 7, the sound quality intrigued me. I'm rather impressed with JRMC, and the Gizmo remote app works great.

So the hunt for a quiet PC started. That's when a friend turned me onto the CAPS v2 build. It looks to be a fantastic machine, so I'm seriously about to order all the parts. However, I'm on a tight budget, so there are a few things I wanted to ask those in the know. One thing that I will omit to start is the add-on USB card that I understand is vital to the sound quality, but I'm ok to start without it as I expect this machine will out perform my not tweaked at all netbook I'm using right now. I'll upgrade to the add-on card in a few months when I can afford it.

The case is where I want to start with my questions. The recommended case looks perfect, however, it is my understanding that the build does not utilize the display, so why not buy the cheaper case without the display? Am I missing something?

firedog · « **Reply #1 on:** 22 May 2012, 05:33 am »

You'd probably be better off asking questions about the CAPS at the original thread on the ComputerAudiophile site.

WGH · « **Reply #2 on:** 22 May 2012, 05:10 pm »

I build modified CAPS v.2 similar to what you are thinking of building. Yes it is completely silent and works great. The low powered, fanless music server uses a Jetway JNF96FL-525-LF Intel Atom D525 (1.8Hz Dual Core), 4 GB ram, and a OCZ Vertex 60 GB solid state drive. I'm running Windows 7 and networked to .flac files on my office computer in another room. I substituted a Lite On DVD drive (no Blu-Ray) and a Silverstone ML03B case ($59.99) for a total price of $546.05 including shipping. I'm using a cheap flat screen monitor, keyboard and mouse I had laying around.

Feeding the DAC is a KingRex UC192, a much higher quality converter than the HagUSB I had been using.

Wayne

Tyson · « **Reply #3 on:** 22 May 2012, 07:20 pm »

3 most important things in PC audio, IMO - the quality of the USB Card, and the quality of your USB-SPDIF converter, and having a dedicated server. Moving from my laptop to the CAPS was a giant step up for me. Getting the dedicated USB card was another step up, almost as big.

I've always had a great USB converter, but you should budget for one if you don't have one already. Whether you go CAPS or mac mini, you'll need a good one.

TJHUB · « **Reply #4 on:** 22 May 2012, 07:26 pm »

I have an Eastern Electric MiniMax DAC Plus. Thus far, I find the USB input VERY good, but I'm not done playing with things.

In the meantime, I've been reading everything I can find on the CAPS v2. I have yet to read anything that is stopping me from ordering the parts to build one.

Tyson · « **Reply #5 on:** 22 May 2012, 08:47 pm »

One other nice thing about the CAPS v2, if you ever go hirez and want to play native DSD files, I believe it's a lot easier to do on it than a mac mini.

Jazz and Baroque · « **Reply #6 on:** 24 May 2012, 07:59 pm »

I am planning to put together something like the CAPS v2, but starting with this case:

http://www.hd-plex.com/H10.ODD.html

and then using a more powerful CPU, a Sandy Bridge i3, 35 watt. Unfortunately, the case is not available until a new batch is made, probably July. I will wait and see, but the case looks great for a silent server.

TJHUB · « **Reply #7 on:** 1 Jun 2012, 11:36 am »

Since this circle is a little slower than I expected, I figured I'd liven it up a bit. I ordered all the parts for an official CAPS v2 build. The parts are all being delivered today according to UPS and USPS tracking. I'm pretty excited about the build.

I was going to test it both with and without the SOtM USB card, but I'm thinking I'll just build the thing as it's supposed to be and not waste more time monkeying around. I do far too much of that with audio anyway, so I don't need to add more.

I'll post pics of the build when it's complete this evening or tomorrow.

WGH · « **Reply #8 on:** 1 Jun 2012, 01:16 pm »

Quote from: TJHUB on 1 Jun 2012, 11:36 am

I was going to test it both with and without the SOtM USB card, but I'm thinking I'll just build the thing as it's supposed to be and not waste more time monkeying around.

That is completely unacceptable

We need a thorough report both with and without the SOtM.

TJHUB · « **Reply #9 on:** 1 Jun 2012, 01:24 pm »

Quote from: WGH on 1 Jun 2012, 01:16 pm

That is completely unacceptable
We need a thorough report both with and without the SOtM.

I was hoping that the SOtM card was not going to show up until next week as it was shipped USPS vs UPS. I had planned to build and listen to the CAPS server without it, then add it in next week. However, since everything is showing up today, I figured why deprive myself of the "best" sound I can get from it? Now I know.

I will consider the comparison, but time is tight for me these days.

WGH · « **Reply #10 on:** 1 Jun 2012, 01:49 pm »

I understand, looks like I'll just put a SOtM USB on my list of things to buy and do the review myself.

What music player are you going to use? I really like Mike Galusha's free FlacWavLoader: http://www.mikegalusha.com/

Here is the thread Mike started, it gives more information about this little memory player:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=100921.msg1019038#msg1019038

Wayne

TJHUB · « **Reply #11 on:** 1 Jun 2012, 02:22 pm »

Quote from: WGH on 1 Jun 2012, 01:49 pm

I understand, looks like I'll just put a SOtM USB on my list of things to buy and do the review myself.

What music player are you going to use? I really like Mike Galusha's free FlacWavLoader: http://www.mikegalusha.com/

Here is the thread Mike started, it gives more information about this little memory player:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=100921.msg1019038#msg1019038

Wayne

My plan was to use J.River Media Center, and maybe Jplay. I'll check out Mike's player. I vaguely remember seeing that thread, but I never looked at it seriously. I will do that today.

gkinberg · « **Reply #12 on:** 1 Jun 2012, 02:51 pm »

What case did you end up going with? I am intrigued by the Realan E-I7 case and may go with it. http://www.minicase.net/product_E-I7.html
But I may just buy one premaid from JDUB. We'll see.

Garth

TJHUB · « **Reply #13 on:** 1 Jun 2012, 06:09 pm »

I went with the Wesena ITX6 in black as seen here:

http://www.shop.perfecthometheater.com/HTPC-ITX6-Black-Mini-HTPC-aluminum-chassis-HTPC-ITX6-B.htm

The case was only $72 on sale, so I thought is was a great buy. That Realan case looks great. I'm sure it would be a great choice as well. How much is that case?

TJHUB · « **Reply #14 on:** 2 Jun 2012, 09:18 pm »

CAPS v2 build complete:

The parts (minus the SOtM card):

Some cover off pics:

Close up of rear:

Pic for size comparison:

And in its new home:

I need to give things a some time, but the sound is VERY good. I have a lot to learn, and a lot to tweak on. So far so good though.

mjock3 · « **Reply #15 on:** 2 Jun 2012, 10:38 pm »

Looks great Terry. Smaller than I though, which is a plus. Can't wait to see what you have to say after having a chance to listen to it for a while.

Mark

TJHUB · « **Reply #16 on:** 2 Jun 2012, 10:53 pm »

Thanks Mark. Actually, I can't find much of any faults with it. The only thing I'm not all that happy with is the control options. They fall a bit short of the Logitech Media Server, and I have no IR control like I had with the Touch. I miss them both already!

JohnR · « **Reply #17 on:** 2 Jun 2012, 11:49 pm »

Wow, that was fast!

What was total cost roughly?

TJHUB · « **Reply #18 on:** 2 Jun 2012, 11:55 pm »

Quote from: JohnR on 2 Jun 2012, 11:49 pm

Wow, that was fast! What was total cost roughly?

I'm at about $760 without the SOtM SATA filter, operating system, and J.River Media Center. I'm not planning to ever get the SATA power filter, I want to wait for Windows 8 to release, and I'll buy J.River Media Center when I need to...29 days from now.

Worth every penny in my opinion.

jtwrace · « **Reply #19 on:** 3 Jun 2012, 12:53 am »

Very cool and it looks great.

I've often thought about doing one to compare to my Mini but my Dac is FW and Mac only so it would have to be with another dac.