What is MSB’s take on using LINUX vs WIndows with Audirvana Studio? The Ubuntu server has a low latency feature and may run “quieter” than the minimal Windows services.
Are you using USB, or ethernet streaming?
Clearly, the type of operating system, and USB implementation, will affect the sound quality. Perhaps less so with ProUSB and Digital Director.
I am not convinced that it matters as much when streaming from a server via ethernet to the MSB Renderer, particularly when using a Digital Director.
I have tried Roon from NAS, Roon from a MAC, Roon from a PC, and Roon from a NUC loaded with the ROCK operating system (lightweight linux). I could not tell the difference when used via the Renderer. I currently use the NUC with ROCK because of the stability, and “setup and forget about it” nature of its use.
Things that I have noticed that improved my digital system sound quality:
- Implemented ethernet streaming to a microRendu, moving away from a PC streamer using USB (Pre MSB for me).
- Used a fiber ethernet segment, just prior to the streamer
- When I first inserted the etherRegen ethernet filter (fed by fiber).
- When I implemented the Digital Director for the Premier MSB Stack.
The list would be longer for an USB implementation, including the server OS.
Hi, I’m using USB into the MSB. To quiet things down: separate Ethernet switch powered by Shanti LPS (5v), ifi Ethernet silencer at PC end, ferrite core at switch end, JCAT usb card, powered by the 2nd 5v Shanti 3a LPS, and then uptone regen for USB at DAC end.
Have thought about going to proUSB to replaced uptone. Also tried fiber to Ethernet converter for network side, no noticeable difference (maybe more harsh because fiber to cat7 converter) with current setup.
I have read several reports of improvement from standard USB to the PRO USB input. A lot of bang for the buck there.
That being said, a well set up and run “OS A” will be better than poorly implemented “OS B”. At this point in my life, I like the bulletproof custom Linix server (ROCK by Roon) over a headless PC/Mac, that takes a lot of time keeping going. Just my experience over time. You may do better. It would take a bit of time for me to learn Linux well enough to install Linux, correct drivers, and Audirvana on a PC, and keep it stable. Not impossible, but not in my plans atm. There are several versions of “audiophile” linux available. I might give those a try.
Be sure to have a driver for your USB card for whatever operating system you choose.
Hi @Bones13 ,
Thanks - I have inquired, but will take a look at the Pro USB. On the OS A vs B, I’ve tried ROON and didn’t like its presentation vs Audirvana and JCAT software, even though I think the user interface is best. For LINUX, even though Audirvana outlines a simple install, its not that straight forward. I got it to work, but not without some manual intervention and knowledge of access rights on LINUX for music on local drives . So, on the streamer front, sticking with Windows given all of the other mechanisms to quiet down any network or USB noise.
One of my conceptual projects is to learn some Linux, and try the Audirvana server, or to setup a true Minimserver uPnP server and use JPlay iOS interface.
My usage is quite different than yours, as I am only providing network transfer of files to the Renderer, and am not needing to provide a specific environment for USB in the PC. My issues are ethernet hygiene, Server functionality, and the Interface. Different experiments for me.
Hi Michael - when ready, let me know as I can probably support questions as I’ve setup an Ubuntu server (multiple times and methods - virtual machines, on bare metal, etc.), Minimserver (for my locally stored and NAS based music files), used JPLAY on Windows with Minimserver and the JPLAY IOS App. I also stream QOBUZ. I switched back to Audirvana because of issues with JPLAY that weren’t resolved. You can PM me with contact info.
Thanks so much. My system is still in storage since early December. We retired, and moved from Mobile, AL to Seattle to help with an 18 mo old grand daughter. We have procured a house, and we are getting it ready for move in mid May. (New boiler system for radiant floors, A/C installation this week, installing some internet cabling, and a circuit for the system, then a bit of painting) I ended up with a spectacular room, something I was not expecting.
It will be mid summer before I start fooling around with things. I will be playing with the room till at least then,
I will let you know if/when I start other projects.
Question, would a Raspberry Pi be enough of a computer, with external HD to run a small Ubuntu MinimServer?
I might have an older NUC that I hope made it into the move box vs the toss box while packing this fall. That would be the perfect experiment box.
Thanks again for the offer to help. I learned Basic programming in 1975, and have been as much of a computer nerd since then, given that I was an orthopedic surgeon with a 3 kid family. I never put the time into learning Unix/ Linux. Heck, I ran Windows 1.0 on a dual 5.25 floppy disc PC XT.
Hi Michael,
Good luck with the new house!
While Ubuntu can run on a Pi I don’t think minim server does. I suggest you use an intel or AMD box.
Talk in August.
Regards,
Ian
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@Jonathan_Gullman will probably have to answer you on this one, but typically we encourage whatever sounds best. Every implementation has its merits.
Minimserver has packages for Linux on arm. It should run on raspberry
And as for computing power, the pi4 or pi5 sounds more than enough for minimserver.
I believe I have a pi4 with Ubuntu lying around somewhere. If I am able to find it, I will try running minimserver and report back.
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