[ebag4]

Hi Guys,
I posted this in the Discless Circle earlier but I thought I might get some additional info here.  So far the leading recommendation is the Logitech Touch which I may go for even though I would have to run slimserver on a separate PC.  Here is the OP from the other thread:


I have upgraded everything in my system from the preamp (actually a Dodd DIY Buffer) out, I am now looking at my source.  I am currently running an Egreat M34a Network Media Tank using MPD as my player for my FLAC files.  The NMT runs via glass fiber into my Havana DAC with a WE396a tube.  I hope to be test driving an EE DAC in the next week or so.  If I like the EE I will pick that up, that leaves the source.

I have considered the Logitech Touch, I previously owned a Bolder analog modded SB3 that I liked quite a bit, however I sold it to move the the Havana.  What I don't like about the touch is that I have to have a separate PC running for it to be at it's best.  If I have to have a PC running then I think I would prefer to simply use the PC as the source and skip the Touch.  I am considering a Mac Mini as I have read a lot of positive threads on the Mac as a source.  I am also considering a Linux PC, I like the way MPD works in my system and the low overhead of the Linux solutions.

So what do those of you that had heard or worked with these solutions think?  Is there another option I should be looking at?  I could go with another NMT but I am not certan that is the best solution, my current NMT will be moved to the HT so that I can use it's video functonality as well as the audio.

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

Best,
Ed

[JLM]

The Touch would require a Wadia 171 or equivalent too, so it'd run about $1,100 with a iTouch 64 GB to hold 160 CD's in lossless files.  Plus you need a computer to rip, store, and transfer files.

For the same price you can pick up a Mini, a iTouch 16 GB, and a pair of 1 TB hard drives.  That way you'd have a remote (the iTouch with free applications you can download), an extra portable player, a dedicated audio computer, storage for up to 2,500 CD's in lossless files, plus backup for those files.

In theory the Touch might sound better as it uses a solid state drive with less electronic self noise, but it wouldn't be nearly as convenient.

[ebag4]

The Touch would require a Wadia 171 or equivalent too, so it'd run about $1,100 with a iTouch 64 GB to hold 160 CD's in lossless files.  Plus you need a computer to rip, store, and transfer files.

For the same price you can pick up a Mini, a iTouch 16 GB, and a pair of 1 TB hard drives.  That way you'd have a remote (the iTouch with free applications you can download), an extra portable player, a dedicated audio computer, storage for up to 2,500 CD's in lossless files, plus backup for those files.

In theory the Touch might sound better as it uses a solid state drive with less electronic self noise, but it wouldn't be nearly as convenient.

Sorry Jeff, I should have qualified I was talking about the Logitech Touch, not the iPod (now clarified in the first post).

Thanks,
Ed

[skunark]

Hi Guys,
I posted this in the Discless Circle earlier but I thought I might get some additional info here.  So far the leading recommendation is the Logitech Touch which I may go for even though I would have to run slimserver on a separate PC.  Here is the OP from the other thread:


I have upgraded everything in my system from the preamp (actually a Dodd DIY Buffer) out, I am now looking at my source.  I am currently running an Egreat M34a Network Media Tank using MPD as my player for my FLAC files.  The NMT runs via glass fiber into my Havana DAC with a WE396a tube.  I hope to be test driving an EE DAC in the next week or so.  If I like the EE I will pick that up, that leaves the source.

I have considered the Logitech Touch, I previously owned a Bolder analog modded SB3 that I liked quite a bit, however I sold it to move the the Havana.  What I don't like about the touch is that I have to have a separate PC running for it to be at it's best.  If I have to have a PC running then I think I would prefer to simply use the PC as the source and skip the Touch.  I am considering a Mac Mini as I have read a lot of positive threads on the Mac as a source.  I am also considering a Linux PC, I like the way MPD works in my system and the low overhead of the Linux solutions.

So what do those of you that had heard or worked with these solutions think?  Is there another option I should be looking at?  I could go with another NMT but I am not certan that is the best solution, my current NMT will be moved to the HT so that I can use it's video functonality as well as the audio.

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

Best,
Ed

One thing about a mac mini is that you can easily run linux, windows and of course Mac OSX.   It has great hardware support for all choices, and as linux improves support gets better.  But for all things "new" linux isn't always cooperative.   

My mac mini is set up to be a file server to other devices though. I also task it to run a virtualbox linux session.    I personally opted for an airport express and an apple tv as I don't want a computer in the same room as my stereo but neither will playback high-resolution files.  I do plan to consider the Bryston BDP-1 when it's released and possibly the Naim Uniti for hi-rez playback.   I don't like to have a lot of crude around my stereo, so what I pick also needs to be user friendly and work with files I currently have.

[ebag4]

Thanks Skunark,
I actually have a 3G XP machine I can use as a server if I were to go that route with some type of reciever/player in the room such as the Squeezebox Touch.  I can't imagine the Mac would improve upon the XP machine in the server position from a sound standpoint but if others know better please speak up.

Best,
Ed

[Stu Pitt]

If you don't have high res music, the Apple TV may be a solution.  Synch your files to its hard drive, and no computer needs to be running.  No droouts, lag, etc.  Its basically a stripped down Mac mini.

It can be controlled with an iPod Touch/iPhone if you have one and/or don't want a TV in the room.

I'm pretty sure iTunes on a Mac can be controlled that way too.

Skunark -

the Naim Uniti is an awsome unit, sonically and functionally.  I have no idea why they don't get more mention on forums.  My dealer has sold a ton of them.

[ebag4]

Thanks for the reply Stu.  I am aware of Apple TV although I don't know the specifics, for some reason I was thinking it resampled 44.1 files to 48, this may be incorrect.

I haven't ruled out Hi Res yet, I have an EE DAC on the way and will try some high res files.  My current Havana NOS dac won't play the Hi Res so I am looking forward to hearing the difference.

Best,
Ed

[Stu Pitt]

If you're priority is high res, all bets are off with the Apple TV.  It'll store high res, but will down sample to 44.1/16 at playback.  I'm pretty sure it doesn't change anything to 48, because my old Theta DAC will only play 44.1/16.  Theta confirmed it won't play anything else (including 48).

If you have high res stuff or access to enough high res titles that you like, then its worth trying out.  I can't find much, if any, high res titles that I like.  The only high res CD I own is Tool's 10,000 days (HDCD).  Haven't heard the high res layer due to the scarcity of HDCD players and my unwillingness to get one for 1 CD.

My next DAC will be high res capable for future proofing.  Once high res becomes the standard, I'll gladly replace the Apple TV.  I doubt that'll happen any time soon.  Way too many high res formats have come and gone, which tells me there's very little demand outside of the niche audiophile market.  A shame IMO.