[ttan98]

Hi,
I haven't been catching up on the latest updates on the hardware and OS combo to use as a basis to construct a music server. Currently, I am thinking of using
1. Macmini based using apple OS and extra audio software e.g. Fedelizer,
2. using windows 10 or 11 and extra audio software e.g. JRiver, Fedelizer, etc
3. NUC using windows or Linux OS.

Can Anyone advise me or direct me to website(s) which have the latest info.? BTW I have a WiiM streamer already.
Thanks in advance.

[WGH]

Audiophile Style is the best place to learn about music servers.
https://audiophilestyle.com/

What is your goal? Basic average sound quality like the Wiim or state-of-the-art with 3-D soundstage?
Have you built a computer? Is that what you meant by construct?
Do you plan to stream music from services like Tidal or Oobuz only?
Do you have a library of ripped CD's you want to play?
Do you want to stay with 16bit/44.1 kHz (Redbook) ripped CD quality?
Do you want to play hi-rez downloads? 24bit/96 kHz to 768 kHz?
Do you want to play DSD files? Ripped SACD disks are DSD64
Do you want to upsample all music to DSD256 like I do?
Do you have a DAC that can handle hi-res and DSD?
Do you plan to network the music server with other computers in the house?
Do you have a budget? My homemade server cost about $2000 in parts and software.

[ttan98]

thanks for reply.

I don't do upsampling or DSD or ripp SACD. Normal CD quality is good for me.
I forget to include I listen to my ripped lossless and mainly to Youtube music(more variety music than other streaming service but audio quality may not as good as Tidal) also
 I also subscribe to Tidal which I can stream from WiiM which I cannnot connect to stream Youtube a pity. Currently listen
to youtube from laptop which then stream to my WiiM.
I intend to may a higher quality music server to play Youtube and also connect this server to WiiM.

Added:
1. Is i5 CPU from 6 or 7 gen sufficient? If not which model CPU is good enough.
2. Do NOT want to build from scratch prefer off the shelf build such as fanless mini PC or still laptop or MacMini? but which model is
preferable, ie i5 or even i7  or more powerfuls CPU. The off-shelf build can be Intel NUC or or brands from Lenovo or Dell ie their mini PC series or Apple MacMini which model?
3. I am NOT after super performance PC just high performance for my usage.

you see so many variables.


Any other comments from you, Thanks.

[WGH]

you see so many variables.

Each variable adds to the cost of a music server. Based on your needs the HAL MS-6 at $450 would be a perfect fit. The HAL MS-6 uses an Intel Atom processor. The Atom has plenty of power to do what you need like run YouTube, Tidal, Qobuz and JRiver. The HAL MS-6 is fanless, quiet and doesn't take up much shelf space. A server with an i5 or i7 processor will require a bigger case with bigger heat sinks to remain fanless plus all that extra power will never be used.

Usually the HAL-MS6 would be used with external storage like a 500GB hard drive to store a music library. I store all my music on a different computer that is networked to the music server. Both computers run Windows 11. I wouldn't want to try networking an Apple to a Windows PC.

Introducing the HAL MS-6 Music Server/Streamer
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=175173.msg1847374#msg1847374

The HAL MS-6 - A brief review (and why you should buy one)
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=178354.msg1876015#msg1876015


There are numerious options for affordable music servers but other members will have to chime in and make recommendations. Low powered, low cost music servers are not in my field of expertise.

[HAL]

WGH,
The HAL MS-6 has been discontinued,

Most of the streaming services like Qobuz need more CPU power for use. 

I am recommending people get NUC style PC's with Windows 11 and a minimum of an Intel i5 to use as a music server/streamer instead.  Some are available fanless, so no mechanical noise.

[JakeJ]

Well, everyone should get a giggle out what I am using for a "server".  I use a little MeLE 3C fanless PC running Win 11 Pro and JRiver MC 31.  I have had excellent remarks on the soundstage reproduction from friends that have heard it.

[Tyson]

Roon ROCK is a great sounding OS for a Roon server.

[ttan98]

Many thanks fellows for your responses.

[rif]

I use daphile installed on a low power mini pc.

https://www.daphile.com/