[pardales]

I've used various Mac computers as my digital music server since 2004. I have been able to hear differences between the different MAC's i've used. I'm beginning to think it might be worth trying some of the other, non Mac or  PC based computer music servers that have hit the market in the the last few years. I am referring to products such as the Bryston BDP-1, Salkstream, Aurilati, etc.. If you read down the first page of the thread 'skunark' made some nice distinctions: I am referring to digital audio players (DAP's) .

I'd like this thread to serve two purposes. 1) To create a list of such products and 2) to share end-user experiences with these products and any comparisons that can be made.

Hopefully this will be informative for everyone. Okay, here is the list so far:

- Auraliti PK90 - USB ($599)
- Auraliti PK100 - SPDIF BNC ($799)
- SalkStream Player - USB ($1295)
- Sonore Music Server - Signature Series - USB, I2S, SPDIF, AES/EBU ($1899  and higher w/options)
- Bryston BDP-1 - AES/EBU, SPDIF BNC ($2195)
- WideaLab Aurender S10 - AES/EBU, SPDIF, Optical (Approx. $5,700)

[TomS]

I'm a little confused by what you're looking for as those examples are all Linux based computers 

Do you mean those that are just dedicated to serving as opposed to general purpose computers (OSX, Windows)?

[pardales]

I'm a little confused by what you're looking for as those examples are all Linux based computers 

Do you mean those that are just dedicated to serving as opposed to general purpose computers (OSX, Windows)?

Yes. I'd like this thread to discuss products that are dedicated music servers for audio, not personal computers (MAC, PC, etc.). I've adjusted the title of my original post to help clarify this.

[TomS]

Yes. I'd like this thread to discuss products that are dedicated music servers for audio, not personal computers (MAC, PC, etc.). I've adjusted the title of my original post to help clarify this.

Great topic!

[skunark]

I feel that there are at least four groupings here:

Personal Computers Audio Players: (SPDIF, USB DAC or line out to pre-amp and needs a display)
     *This includes Windows, Mac OSX and Linux Desktops
Network Streaming Audio Players: (SPDIF or line out to pre-amp, requires a server)
     *Sonos, Squeezebox, Airport Express, DLNA devices.
Digital Audio Players: (SPDIF or line out to pre-amp) - can be used like a cd player or transport.
     *Bryston BDP-1, Olive, Sooloos...
Multi-function Devices: (SPDIF, HDMI or line out to pre-amp) - plays/streams files + other functions
     * Apple TV, PS3, XBOX 360, Oppo Digital, NAD and Marantz digital tuners and other random devices.


So out of this grouping are you only after 'digital audio players"

[pardales]

I feel that there are at least four groupings here:

Personal Computers Audio Players: (SPDIF, USB DAC or line out to pre-amp and needs a display)
     *This includes Windows, Mac OSX and Linux Desktops
Network Streaming Audio Players: (SPDIF or line out to pre-amp, requires a server)
     *Sonos, Squeezebox, Airport Express, DLNA devices.
Digital Audio Players: (SPDIF or line out to pre-amp) - can be considered used like a cd player or transport.
     *Bryston BDP-1, Olive, Sooloos...
Multi-function Devices: (SPDIF, HDMI or line out to pre-amp) - plays/streams files + other functions
     * Apple TV, PS3, XBOX 360, Oppo Digital, NAD and Marantz digital tuners and other random devices.


So out of this grouping are you only after 'digital audio players"

Nice distinctions! Yes, I am interested in this thread being about digital audio players.

[highfilter]

I agree, great topic and somewhere I am looking to head within a year. I've been happy with my Mac Mini but think greater results could be had with something specifically built for high quality audio playback.

Here's a list of some devices that have caught my interest (sorted by cost):

- Auraliti PK90 - USB ($599)
- Auraliti PK100 - SPDIF BNC ($799)
- SalkStream Player - USB ($1295)
- Sonore Music Server - Signature Series - USB, I2S, SPDIF, AES/EBU ($1899 and higher w/options)
- Bryston BDP-1 - AES/EBU, SPDIF BNC ($2195)
- WideaLab Aurender S10 - AES/EBU, SPDIF, Optical (Approx. $5,700)

All of the above are running some kind of Linux setup, and the Aurender seems to be the most heavy duty of customizations.

[skunark]

I agree, great topic and somewhere I am looking to head within a year. I've been happy with my Mac Mini but think greater results could be had with something specifically built for high quality audio playback.

Here's a list of some devices that have caught my interest (sorted by cost):

- Auraliti PK90 - USB ($599)
- Auraliti PK100 - SPDIF BNC ($799)
- SalkStream Player - USB ($1295)
- Sonore Music Server - Signature Series - USB, I2S, SPDIF, AES/EBU ($1899 and higher w/options)
- Bryston BDP-1 - AES/EBU, SPDIF BNC ($2195)
- WideaLab Aurender S10 - AES/EBU, SPDIF, Optical (Approx. $5,700)

All of the above are running some kind of Linux setup, and the Aurender seems to be the most heavy duty of customizations.

Auraliti, Sonore, Bryston all run MPD under linux, curious what WideaLab and SalkStream runs... SalkStream appears to be unreleased...

[skunark]

Nice distinctions! Yes, I am interested in this thread being about digital audio players.

Would you mind editing your first post a running tally of the list?  I prefer the forums that keep updating the original posts. 

[ebag4]

I may be missing the point here but NYC Paramedic's Alix thread stickied at the top of this circle has more in common with these players than it differs:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=62364.0

This can be tried for less than $150., why not give it a shot and se if you like it?

Best,
Ed

edit: rereading the opening post I did miss the point, sorry.  Should the Alix be added to the list or should this only be preconfigured products?

[TomS]

You may need to segment these further, based on where they get their data from and where the "music player" app that actually drives the USB, S/PDIF or AES/EBU interface runs. The Auraliti, Alix, and Salkstream (all Linux) devices run a local music player instance (MPD) that typically gets its music file data (FLAC, WAV, AIFF, etc) from another source, such as a network based file server, NAS, PC, Mac while a BDP1 exclusively uses local USB drives to get its music file data. Some can also retrieve either network or local files.

[pardales]

I may be missing the point here but NYC Paramedic's Alix thread stickied at the top of this circle has more in common with these players than it differs:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=62364.0

This can be tried for less than $150., why not give it a shot and se if you like it?

Best,
Ed

edit: rereading the opening post I did miss the point, sorry.  Should the Alix be added to the list or should this only be preconfigured products?

I don't DIY so I am only interested in finished products. Whether the Alix should be included, I do not know.

You may need to segment these further, based on where they get their data from and where the "music player" app that actually drives the USB, S/PDIF or AES/EBU interface runs. The Auraliti, Alix, and Salkstream (all Linux) devices run a local music player instance (MPD) that typically gets its music file data (FLAC, WAV, AIFF, etc) from another source, such as a network based file server, NAS, PC, Mac while a BDP1 exclusively uses local USB drives to get its music file data. Some can also retrieve either network or local files.

Perhaps, but that may be a finer distinction than is needed. Let's see where this goes. Decent list so far.

[pardales]

We have a nice list started, not sure there are many more devices out there. So, anyone use or been able to compare any of these?  Plenty  has been written about the BDP-1 of course.

[catastrofe]

I used a demo version of the Sonore unit for a few weeks while waiting for mine to be built.  The unit had the SOtM USB card, which is the output card I selected for my server.

The sound was fantastic, and the server just works.  As soon as I connected it to my network it was available for use.  The MPOD and MPAD apps are great, and the unit performed flawlessly during the time I had it (just shipped it back on Wednesday).

I compared it to my current MacBook Pro running Pure Music, and I feel the Sonore sounds better.  It has clarity and presence that's just not there with my Mac.

The SOtM card supports 24/384 bit-perfect...I verified this on my MSB Signature DAC.

My unit will be in the Classic chassis with upgraded power supply as I don't need ripping capability.  It will also be customized to include software based up-sampling.  It should be delivered by next Friday. 

Also, Jesus is fantastic to work with.  I highly recommend that anyone interested in a dedicated server drop him an email.

[TONEPUB]

I've been a Sooloos fan since day 1.  Yes, it's more expensive and it isn't the best sounding one I've heard (but the sound quality is more than adequate for me) but it's by far the EASIEST one to use.  Takes care of all the backup automatically and if you have a large music collection (I've currently got about 8000 CD's) it's a breeze to access your music.

And the new QSonix isn't far behind.  Sounds a bit better and now they've ported their interface to the iPad which is very cool, but it currently only has a 2TB limit and you have to figure out your own backup strategy.

[highfilter]

Adding to the list, is the upcoming Wyred4Sound Music Server - SPDIF, Toslink, I2S ($1999). Supposed to be available in December.

Images and info can be found here: http://www.digitalaudioreview.net.au/index.php/news-blog-and-showcase/system-showcase/item/303-best-of-rmaf-2011-wyred4sound