My new music server.

[brian2957]

As this will probably be read by quite a few folks contemplating this route Gary, would it be possible to post up the parts used as a example???.

As to the build Brian, looks good and suits the gear... Glad you finally got it sorted out. See told you it was easy.... as long as you know a lad in the Hamilton area... (Ok Gary, other side of the 74 ).....
Enjoy the music.....

Aye mate , it's easy as long as you know somebody who knows what they're doing. I'm listening to my system just now and the wife keeps asking me why I'm grinning like a Cheshire cat

[Welder]

Yay! I’m glad you’re sorted now Brian and even more pleased that apparently you think the hassle has been worth the trouble.

@Garry.
Interesting that you find a purpose built server better than the Touch as it pretty much reflects my findings.
I know you hate it, but Linux is the next step.
I've just replaced my USB server sockets with locking Neutric DIN sockets on my server having finally got sick of poor connections and accidentally yanking the bloody plugs out.
It also gives you the option of using the fifth pin to run a continuous shield from source to Dac.

[brian2957]

Aye John , sometimes I'm a bit of a ' doubting Thomas ' . I have to say ,however , that the server Gary has built for me has been a bit of a revelation. I agree with you on the connector/plug issue also . I now use WBT connectors on all my cables .
Linux , never say never John .

[Marco]

Thanks Marco , AOS has certainly enhanced my listening experience no end.

Nice one, dude. That's precisely why we do what we do. It's always nice to hear when we achieve our aim and someone's enjoyment of their favourite music is subsequently improved

Marco.

[Tim]

Really pleased to hear it has all worked out Brian and that the perseverance has paid off

It does take an open mind to accept that you really can get quality audio from a computer, but more and more folk are learning that you really can, once you commit to investing a little time and effort. Having a dedicated player is certainly the way forward and I love the Windows 7/JRiver combo as well (that's what I currently have). I you fancy experimenting with drives, I found that installing an SSD and moving the music 'off board' made a difference too.

Anyway, glad you are enjoying file based audio and glad to have helped in a small way too - as Marco says, that's what AoS excels at. My system has improved immensely since joining as has my enjoyment of music. I also seem to have bought a not insignificant number of CD's since joining too

[brian2957]

Hi Tim , my CDs seem to be multiplying too The beauty of having a computer expert on your side has become evident in the design of my server . Gary insisted that I use a SSD for the server but house my music files on an external drive. So this is what has happened . Perhaps that is why it sounds so good .Thanks for taking an interest once again and thanks for the advice.

[Tim]

Gary insisted that I use a SSD for the server but house my music files on an external drive.

That was very good advice

[Gazjam]

Building the server my main aim was best audio performance for the lowest cost, but I didnt want to overlook any potential "foo" improvements that might actually work!

I recently had the surprise of hearing the improvements better usb cables can make to usb audio (yes...really :-)) so had an open mind.
One thing I tried was installing JPlay along with JRiver, which according to those who swear by it say it elevates pc audio to the "as good as it gets" stage.
Cynical?

So was I so the 30 day trial got installed.

It does something to the sound, but I preferred Jriver on its own.
The creators if Jriver in fact say it sounds better on its own and I agree.
Jplay shuts down background window services leaving only audio related ones, but it leaves you unable to even access your computer when listening to music.
And it costs £100.

http://www.windowsxlive.net/fidelizer
Use a free alternative Fidelizer instead which does the same job in Windows, but actually improves the sound AND lets you browse albumart, queue up your next playlist, whatever.

The combination of Jriver and Fidelizer is hard to beat imho.

[Ali Tait]

Gaz, Brian,

Well the garage will be keeping the car for yet another week ( that's 5 weeks now..) which means I don't have to pay for it yet, so the TFS will be here next week. I won't be home until Friday, so will get it set up then. Fancy coming over on Saturday?

Anyone else that would like to come are welcome.

[RichB]

Yes the server really looks the part, are you still using it with the hot audio USB dac? I use one of these on my desktop PC with an old A400 and Ditton 15s... sounds pretty good to me!

I'd also be interested to see a parts/build list for the server as I've built a few PCs in the past but like the form factor and primary audio function of this.

Great thread.