Best server/streamer and path for MSB DACs

Other Audio Components
21

Hope to be setting up my humble system (provisional) this weekend. The movers coming in 2 days.

Initial Setup

Server closet (in basement)
UniFi Network
Intel NUC running ROCK (Roon) as server, with SSD - Plugged into main switch

Man Cave
UpTone Audio etherRegen

  • Renderer V2 (Triode Wire Labs Ethernet cable)
  • Oppo BluRay
  • AppleTV
  • Samsung TV (all audio goes through TV to TOSLink to DAC)
  • WiFi to the W4S Sonos Port (Coax SPDIF to DAC)
    (UniFi recommends not mixing wired and wireless Sonos, so this will be WiFi)

Premier DAC with DD

In the past, while I was still working, I turned my system off, as I mainly listened during the weekend. Going forward, I may leave the DAC on full time.

I used to run USB to the DAC from my desktop computer, in the past, but may not this go round, as there is not much need for this.

3 Likes
22

Definitely not convinced this is the most user friendly setup for my requirements, Spotify Connect for my wife and I am stuck with Roon (which I am not keen on but have a lifetime subscription.

3G fiber connection to UniFi GW, then 10G Fiber to backbone switch, dual 10 fibers to Synology NAS (running Roon on SSD) , 10G to Distribution Switch, DJM Activ Audio to the Rendered v2 in the Cascade.

The SQ is fantastic, the user friendliness isn’t but I decided this weekend that I will leave it as is until next year, I want to see what happens with Spotify HiRes and Tidal before making a decision but I am leaning towards the Aurender N50 or Innuos Nazare due to the ProISL interface as it means I can place them out of the way, unless MSB releases my ideal renderer with connect capabilities in which case I likely stick with that approach.

But I need to make sure I can control the volume using the Connect application (Tidal/Qobuz/Spotify) before I contemplate “upgrading” and the second aspect is to make sure the SQ is better, the point @Dan raises makes me wonder if a very high end music server is really the way to go.

PS. I should add I have a Bluesound Node X conneted via Toslink for my wife use for Spotify

2 Likes
24

Dear Peter, Are you using the DJM Activ 10G ethernet filter ? Which 12V power supply? What did you hear as the contribution of the DJM Activ? Thanks

25

I believe it’s DJM ACTIV Audio Ethernet EMI filter not the new 10G filter but I would have to check and not sure on the Power, I can look after the 10th of Sep.

I heard nothing :wink: which is what I wanted, ie prior to the filter the noise floor was higher when I put very high power wireless devices very close to the cables (admittedly not a normal approach, but to test I took wireless AP’s (5 of them) and stuck them under the wire, the noise floor dropped when the filter was engaged which was all I wanted.

1 Like
26

I want to recommend a source that I’m using with my MSB Discrete, the Innuos Stream 3 without the PhoenixUSB module, but using the dedicated DAC USB out on the Stream 3. That is paired with the ProUSB / ProISL on the Discrete. A wonderful combination; sounds amazing. And it took away the intractable issue I had pairing the Aurender N200 with the Discrete; I don’t have the transient tick anymore when bit-depth changes between tracks. Everything is now seamless and sounds more relaxed / musical.

2 Likes
27

An old thread resurfaced. This topic comes up a lot here. My experience is there is no need to overthink it. A roon core running on whatever hardware solution you find most convenient, a working wired ethernet network, an MSB DAC with a Render V2 module, and a tablet to control Roon. Done. I run Roon on a Synology NAS that sits on the IT shelf in my basement and is plugged into a managed 16 port core Ethernet switch on the same shelf. The Roon core has my Tidal login and all my local music files. There are managed 5 port access Ethernet switches sitting on the racks of both of my stereo systems. The MSB Discrete DAC in my main living room system has a Renderer V2 module plugged into the access switch next to it. There is a wireless access point mounted on the ceiling in my living room that my iPad connects to. There is no noise, RFI, or mischievous sound quality gremlins at all. Only perfect music playback. This configuration has been totally trouble free and awesome sounding for nearly six years, allowing me to just sit back and enjoy the music. :smiley:

4 Likes
28

The following is a review comment by Jim Austin of Stereophile when reviewing the streamer I use, the Innuos Zenith NG. “This review has been a bit different from most Stereophile reviews, with relatively more emphasis on technical features and usability, less on sound. This is deliberate, since in my view, usability is a server’s main function—and it’s an area where proprietary software has struggled.” It follows my perspective and experience with streamers. The most important feature is usability not SQ improvement as there is likely very little if used with a great DAC like MSB.

4 Likes
29

I did get my system setup. I have also dabbled with variations of equipment, and software.

My network involves a UniFi router, and 16 port main switch. Excellent WiFi in the house, and a new copper Ethernet run to a jack behind the stereo. I have Premier DAC with Digital Director loaded with Renderer V2, the basic USB (sometimes connected to desktop), and optical SPDIF (video input) 99.99% music listening via Renderer V2

Equipment trials

Roon core on NUC Rock (music database on NUC, QNAP, and UniFi NAS)

Ethernet straight from main switch, and with a switch at the stereo system rack (all video components getting WiFi connection)

Software trials

Roon (ran on QNAP and NUC)

JPlay (via MinimServer on QNAP)

Audirvana (running from QNAP and PC)

Qobuz Connect

I have a modest system (ModWright tubed pre-amp, Atma-Sphere Class D monoblocks, and Daedalus Audio Muse Studio speakers). I also have 67 year old ears with a Texas history of rifle and shotgun use (I was, finally, using hearing protection during my sporting clay years), and a 40 year history of power hand tool use as an orthopedic surgeon.

I could tell little to no difference in sound quality in all the above experiments. My theory is that the combination of Digital Director and Renderer V2 levels the playing field. As noted above, usability, and user experience, is what wins the day. I am finally seeing that with some Roon competition shows up now and then, and seems to be gaining. I’m seeing more and more integration of AI into the mix. AI is the only thing, to me, that will be the magic bullet to getting appropriate new music suggestions.

I don’t have, and don’t plan to have, any sort of high end streamer box, using the different USB, or SPDIF/AES, connections. I don’t doubt they are wonderful, but not for me.

My next trials

Loading Linux onto my NUC, and hosting Roon core, and MinimServer. Music files are already located on the UniFi NAS. If I can get this up and running, the QNAP will be relegated to backing up the UNAS. Lots of learning, and experimentation, to go. Building DIY Aleph J amps currently though, so music server work on the back burner.

5 Likes
30

I now see that Bones13 is not a Star Trek reference :grinning_face:

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31

Double entendres :vulcan_salute: :smiling_face_with_sunglasses:

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