# Best server/streamer and path for MSB DACs **URL:** \ **Category:** Other Audio Components\ **Created:** [August 7, 2024, 4:28am UTC](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/t/best-server-streamer-and-path-for-msb-dacs/108 "2024-08-07T04:28:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![luca.pelliccioli](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/user_avatar/forum.msbtechnology.com/luca.pelliccioli/32/47_2.png) [@luca.pelliccioli](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/u/luca.pelliccioli)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2024, 4:28am UTC](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/t/best-server-streamer-and-path-for-msb-dacs/108/1 "2024-08-07T04:28:09Z")
Glad to know which path and components are preferred by members around here. In my case: Innuos Statement Next Gen with Sense App USB Pro - Pro ISL connection (hope soon directly via new Pro ISL output module) - with STEALTH Dual Tune USB cable NA Muon Pro filter - with Pink Faun Ethernet cable NA Tempus switch - with STEALTH Ultra Ethernet cable Dedicated router only for the system via fiber wire from the external of the house All power cords STEALTH ---
**Author:** ![Daniel\_Francis](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/user_avatar/forum.msbtechnology.com/daniel_francis/32/681_2.png) [@Daniel\_Francis](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/u/Daniel_Francis)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2024, 2:17am UTC](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/t/best-server-streamer-and-path-for-msb-dacs/108/2 "2024-08-08T02:17:18Z")
This will be interesting to get more feedback on sources. One of the more diverse topics for us. ---
**Author:** ![AaronD](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b5a626/32.png) [@AaronD](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/u/AaronD)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2024, 3:40am UTC](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/t/best-server-streamer-and-path-for-msb-dacs/108/3 "2024-08-08T03:40:13Z")
Hi, from router I go into a telegartner switch then into Dual pink faun ultra servers with a usb output into a skogrand usb cable into pro usb then a 20mtr fiber optic to the select digital director, it’s great having the flexibility to have the servers in another room to avoid clutter. ---
**Author:** ![Daniel\_Francis](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/user_avatar/forum.msbtechnology.com/daniel_francis/32/681_2.png) [@Daniel\_Francis](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/u/Daniel_Francis)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2024, 11:35pm UTC](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/t/best-server-streamer-and-path-for-msb-dacs/108/4 "2024-08-08T23:35:31Z")
I love hearing the fiber distances getting used like this, glad to hear you are taking advantage of it! ---
**Author:** ![Easyglider](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/user_avatar/forum.msbtechnology.com/easyglider/32/87_2.png) [@Easyglider](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/u/Easyglider)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2024, 12:50pm UTC](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/t/best-server-streamer-and-path-for-msb-dacs/108/5 "2024-08-15T12:50:46Z")
Hello, For my streaming from Qobuz and Tidal, i have from the internet service provider’s fiber cable connection to home Router to Intel NUC-11 (with Roon Rock installed for Roon server and player) via a Jorma Reference Ethernet cable, then from USB output via Jorma Reference USB cable to MSB Pro USB module, then 25 metres of fiber optic cable to the Pro ISL module on the Cascade Digital Director in the listening room. The Intel NUC-11 mini computer server/player is located in a closet behind the listening room where the home router and electricity breaker box is situated. I have been using this streamer/server setup for my previous Premier DAC, then Reference DAC. ---
**Author:** ![LarryD](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/45deac/32.png) [@LarryD](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/u/LarryD)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2024, 7:02pm UTC](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/t/best-server-streamer-and-path-for-msb-dacs/108/6 "2024-11-29T19:02:45Z")
Great topic! I’m using first gen Sonore gear (I’ve had it before purchasing my wonderful Premier DAC): Sonictransporter i5 streamer ethernet to the optical converter fiber optic to the opticalrendu connected to the Pro USB with a Cardas Clear USB cable. The existing set up has two conversions to optical which I’m not sure is necessary and am looking to simplify and upgrade. I’ve been looking at the latest versions of the Sonore gear (opticalrendu deluxe and sonictransporter i7 from Small Green Computer and the Auralic Aries G2.2. Any thoughts/suggestions would be appreciated! Best, Larry ---
**Author:** ![ernie-master](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a183cd/32.png) [@ernie-master](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/u/ernie-master)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2024, 6:07pm UTC](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/t/best-server-streamer-and-path-for-msb-dacs/108/7 "2024-12-24T18:07:27Z")
Hi Daniel, my local music is stored in an Antipodes Oladra music server and I use Roon ( lifetime subscription ) as the server software and squeeze as player software. When I started with an Antipodes server a few years ago, this Roon - Squeeze combination sounds better to me than Roon server with roon player. The connection to my Reference Digital Director is done by a Stealth USB-T Select cable which feeds into a ProUSB input. When I stream music ( Qobuz ) my router is a good but normal router of AVM ( Fritzbox ), followed by a WLAN bridge to an AVM repeater in the upper floor. From there a 3 m Refine Audio ethernet cable towards an Innuos switch PhoenixNET and then with an AB-Tech REN - Ethernet Isolator into the Antipodes Oladra. Before introducing the Digital Director into my system ( december 2023 ) my opinion was that streamed files might sound a little bit less good as files locally stored in the Antipodes Oladra. But with the Digital Director it is very hard to distinguish whether the music is streamed or played from local files. ---
**Author:** ![tdx44](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3da27b/32.png) [@tdx44](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/u/tdx44)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2024, 8:53pm UTC](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/t/best-server-streamer-and-path-for-msb-dacs/108/8 "2024-12-24T20:53:53Z")
I had a somewhat similar experience as you. I was using an ANtipodes K50 G4 into my Premier DAC and really liked the uptick in sound it brought over running Roon straight from my regular PC. But once I inserted the Digital Director in the chain, I A/Bed extensively with and without the Antipodes (and also Pro USB vs Renderer V2) I could not hear any differences between all combos, the DD equalized all my sources and inputs. So in the end I sold the Antipodes and now just use my PC through the DD to the Premier. End result couldn’t’ sound any better and as an added bonus I don’t have to worry about upgrading my server in the future… ---
**Author:** ![Daniel\_Francis](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/user_avatar/forum.msbtechnology.com/daniel_francis/32/681_2.png) [@Daniel\_Francis](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/u/Daniel_Francis)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2024, 7:02pm UTC](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/t/best-server-streamer-and-path-for-msb-dacs/108/9 "2024-12-27T19:02:44Z")
Agreed, much of what we have done with the DD is to make streaming technology sound on the same level as local. Streamers have always been too noisy network wise and the DD helps eliminate that contamination into the analog domain. ---
**Author:** ![Hubbman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/71e660/32.png) [@Hubbman](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/u/Hubbman)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2025, 3:06pm UTC](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/t/best-server-streamer-and-path-for-msb-dacs/108/10 "2025-04-12T15:06:08Z")
I find that following these post is very confusing. I would love to see a visual diagram of how these various components are used. Perhaps MSB would consider drawing some of these up with their most recommended configurations? I want to get the most out of my new Premier DAC, and I’m constantly wondering if my set up is cheating me out of some experience. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Dan](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/user_avatar/forum.msbtechnology.com/dan/32/39_2.png) [@Dan](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/u/Dan)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2025, 3:51pm UTC](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/t/best-server-streamer-and-path-for-msb-dacs/108/11 "2025-04-12T15:51:53Z")
Hi Mike, I can’t give you a direct comparison because I have a Cascade, not a Ref/DD. However there are a lot of simililarities, I think, in how the inputs to the DD and the inputs to the Cascade are handled. My setup is pretty simple. I have a Nucleus Titan plugged into a ordinary Netgear switch on my home network. There is a lot of noise and activity on my home network. I connect the Titan to the Cascade in two different ways. I have the a Renderer module (i.e. network interface) and a USB Pro/Fiber interface (connected to the USB output on the Titan) on the Cascade. I, and no one I have had over to listen, can tell the difference between the Renderer or the USB Pro/fiber connection. I’ve also trialed a Aurender N20 that I connected to the Cascade using the AES/EBU connection, along with the Word Clock and a high-end digital cable. That didn’t produce any improvement over using just the plain ol’ Nucleus Titan. One more fly in the ointment… I have a DJM Activ Audio filter on the ethernet connected to the Cascade Renderer. I now use the Renderer interface all the time just because it is more convientent. My conclusion is that, at least for Cascade inputs, it does not matter how you conect to the Cascade or what the source of the bits is, as long as the bits you send to it are not corrupted at the source. It seems like timing makes no difference either, as long as the bits make it there in time. Just MHO, Dan ---
**Author:** ![Daniel\_Francis](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/user_avatar/forum.msbtechnology.com/daniel_francis/32/681_2.png) [@Daniel\_Francis](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/u/Daniel_Francis)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2025, 3:30pm UTC](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/t/best-server-streamer-and-path-for-msb-dacs/108/12 "2025-04-14T15:30:30Z")
Only if we could nail down a few recommended configurations… perhaps we could provide some starting setups, but the customization and optimization is all part of the game. Figuring out what works with your room, power, speakers, amps, etc. This can be all part of the fun. ---
**Author:** ![Hubbman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/71e660/32.png) [@Hubbman](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/u/Hubbman)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2025, 3:40pm UTC](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/t/best-server-streamer-and-path-for-msb-dacs/108/13 "2025-04-14T15:40:23Z")
Then perhaps some suggestions of things you should NOT do when setting up your connection to your DAC? My biggest worry is having the switch in my listening room connected to a wireless access point as opposed to a direct Ethernet cable connection back to my router. I want to ensure the signal in my listening room is getting the full bandwidth coming into my home. ---
**Author:** ![Daniel\_Francis](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/user_avatar/forum.msbtechnology.com/daniel_francis/32/681_2.png) [@Daniel\_Francis](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/u/Daniel_Francis)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2025, 2:06pm UTC](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/t/best-server-streamer-and-path-for-msb-dacs/108/14 "2025-04-15T14:06:05Z")
Hahaha, valid. Thanks for the input. I suppose it is worth stepping on some toes as long as it generally steers folks in a good direction. ---
**Author:** ![akro](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/user_avatar/forum.msbtechnology.com/akro/32/57_2.png) [@akro](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/u/akro)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2025, 9:50am UTC](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/t/best-server-streamer-and-path-for-msb-dacs/108/15 "2025-05-04T09:50:12Z")
@luca.pelliccioli , How warm/hot does the Tempus get…in active use vs at rest? ---
**Author:** ![luca.pelliccioli](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/user_avatar/forum.msbtechnology.com/luca.pelliccioli/32/47_2.png) [@luca.pelliccioli](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/u/luca.pelliccioli)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2025, 6:22pm UTC](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/t/best-server-streamer-and-path-for-msb-dacs/108/16 "2025-05-04T18:22:13Z")
Mine is always on 24/7 and have just touched it to be sure: it’s “cold” just like a piece of metal in an empty winter room! My Tempus has HRS Nimbus as footers and Dampening Plate on top of its chassis. ---
**Author:** ![akro](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/user_avatar/forum.msbtechnology.com/akro/32/57_2.png) [@akro](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/u/akro)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2025, 6:42pm UTC](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/t/best-server-streamer-and-path-for-msb-dacs/108/17 "2025-05-04T18:42:37Z")
Power supply is external? Power box warm? My LHY unit runs quite warm even when hifi/computer off. Toroidal power supply is internal. ---
**Author:** ![luca.pelliccioli](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/user_avatar/forum.msbtechnology.com/luca.pelliccioli/32/47_2.png) [@luca.pelliccioli](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/u/luca.pelliccioli)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2025, 12:14pm UTC](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/t/best-server-streamer-and-path-for-msb-dacs/108/18 "2025-05-05T12:14:03Z")
The external PSU is as cold as the switch chassis. ---
**Author:** ![akro](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/user_avatar/forum.msbtechnology.com/akro/32/57_2.png) [@akro](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/u/akro)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2025, 1:39pm UTC](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/t/best-server-streamer-and-path-for-msb-dacs/108/19 "2025-05-05T13:39:39Z")
a cold power supply, never had the pleasure ---
**Author:** ![Daniel\_Francis](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/user_avatar/forum.msbtechnology.com/daniel_francis/32/681_2.png) [@Daniel\_Francis](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/u/Daniel_Francis)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2025, 9:38pm UTC](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/t/best-server-streamer-and-path-for-msb-dacs/108/20 "2025-05-05T21:38:16Z")
Hahaha, I feel ya. Keeping equipment running cool is most of my job. [Next page](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/t/best-server-streamer-and-path-for-msb-dacs/108.md?page=2)