Dedicated HQ player computer

[Unomelodica]

So i was bored , decided to have a go at an audio only PC. Considered the off the shelf options but oh my so expensive
Primarily a HQ player dedicated to pull off files from my server and then into my office based system

I butchered an old pc which was just sitting there not doing much , the only caveat it was water cooled and ideally i wanted to continue with this approach,
there lieth the iproblem. Most modern day PC cases which typically house htpc’s tend not to be suited to a watercooled system ,however, I wasn’t phased, well he said !

Definitely my dremmel is being used quite extensively, from an full tower to a HTPC in a Silverstone case with full water-cooling.

My thought process was to use as much of the components from the previous build as possible as i didn’t want this to turn into a bespoke money pit ! famous last words . Thus far, I have reigned in the cost.

The start of the build process , I’ll keep updating for reference .

Best

G


https://i.imgur.com/aUelGvw.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/AdovIG1.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ZFm35zj.jpg

[JohnG]

This is a way to replay digital media that has an appeal to me.
I was looking at the Two Computer set up, this was a advice given on Computer Audiophile that got my interest.

A main day to day computer has all the files stored as a standard practice, this computer will supply a Second Computer a file to replay, the second computer will be used to replay from the RAM into a DAC.
There are benefits that were discussed with this replay set up that I can't quote at present.
That is as far as I got with the process, as I ended up going down a slightly different but similar replay route, as I now use a PS Audio CDT Memory Player.
I look forward to reading up on your progress, as I still intend on using the above method or a evolved one, there is a new Tower Computer sitting idle waiting to put into service.

[Unomelodica]

john yes i agree , ill be using using windows server 2016 as the OS should play happy with HqPlayer

The Power supply will be a HDplex 400w dc / powered by an external Linear power supply - Audio out from USB to a Gustard USB decrapifier - then onto a modified LKS 004 DAC - bel canto monos - B&W N802n (although these may change to some dynaudio confidence)

The difference between embedded and Network attached is what i think you are reffering too ie, the 2 computer method - using a control point to run media through something like a RAMDISK setup on a win machine has its advantages but
again also has its disadvantages

Now back to routing cables !

G

[Gazjam]

Looks very cool.

One thing I’d ask, the Display screen can give off quite bad RFI/EMI?
I’d make sure you were covered for that.

Windows Server is better than stock windows, but not near a stripped back Linux install imo.
Also BIOS settings can have a large impact.

[struth]

I use a laptop [emoji41]

[Sherwood]

Will you be using audiophile water in the cooling system? I hear that Apollinaris provides a sparkling midrange! :D

[Stryder5]

Will you be using audiophile water in the cooling system? I hear that Apollinaris provides a sparkling midrange! :D

Demineralised is better, takes away the hard sound:eek:

[Unomelodica]

yes may try unbuntu havent striked off the list yet or even a ram disk

Thanks for the headsup re interference .

Geoff yes i thought about deinozed gin but couldnt be doing with the effects of slurred vocals !

G

[Gazjam]

yes may try unbuntu havent striked off the list yet or even a ram disk

Thanks for the headsup re interference .

Geoff yes i thought about deinozed gin but couldnt be doing with the effects of slurred vocals !

G

Not Ubuntu,
go more hardcore than that.

Everything matters if your chasing the best build.

[Unomelodica]

any suggestions gaz ?

G

[Hibster_2000]

My thought are that the water cooling pump and fans could add noise to the signal, especially if using PWM.
When I built my cheap audio PC, I did it with no moving parts in the build. It is air cooled, but has no fans.

[Unomelodica]

kev i think i have that covered 2nd small pico 80w, (I had lying around) dc psu to power pump / fans no mechanical drives will be fitted .

Main psu will be a HDplex 400w Hifi Dc - powered by Linear power supply

Best

G

[Gazjam]

I tried a few different Linux builds for my Roon Core pc, including stripped back Server builds (no UI), and it came down to this one as the best sounding OS.
AP Linux.
https://www.ap-linux.com/

Bit trickier to set up than Ubuntu, but the website has a easy to follow install guide.
What is really good is that once it’s installed it just works with no issue, no faffing around.
Has a file manager and a browser too, and can access remotely from IPad or whatever.

Best solution I’ve found, had a play with a lot of the others.
I’d discount anything Windows right off the bat.

Hope this helps a bit, try it see what you think.

[Gazjam]

Good shout on not using mechanical drives, unless your storing your music in the server SSD drive cost doesn’t need to be too great.
A 256GB for a Linux OS install is overkill.

I’d lose the fans if possible, found they were detrimental.
Passive cooling is the way to go, I always used Streamcom cases in my Server builds, and it’s what I would use if I was going down this route again.

https://www.quietpc.com/st-fc10-alpha?product=3756

[Hibster_2000]

I tried a few different Linux builds for my Roon Core pc, including stripped back Server builds (no UI), and it came down to this one as the best sounding OS.
AP Linux.
https://www.ap-linux.com/

Bit trickier to set up than Ubuntu, but the website has a easy to follow install guide.
What is really good is that once it’s installed it just works with no issue, no faffing around.
Has a file manager and a browser too, and can access remotely from IPad or whatever.

Best solution I’ve found, had a play with a lot of the others.
I’d discount anything Windows right off the bat.

Hope this helps a bit, try it see what you think.

I will have to give that a try.

[Unomelodica]

Thanks for the suggestion - the fans noted i thought about streacom maybe next build ! I wanted to give this a whirl first
with parts i had lying around , minimal cost being the mantra for this build .

The two Dc PSu's route should hopefully isolate any issues.

Heard some good things about server 2019 datacore edition , may have to give that whirl aswell

Best

G

[Stefano74]

I suggest you have a look at https://www.audio-linux.com/ as well.

As a non linux expert I find it unbeatable. Through a simple system menu you can easily control all system settings and parameters that can influence sound quality, even to the very extreme, such as IRQ priorities, assign single CPU threads to specific applications, etc.. It also has an headless version, and can be fully managed remotely.

It comes with a little cost (which sounds really strange in the open SW league) but that covers for support and maintenance; Piero, the developer, is constantly working on its finetuning and update, and always replies in minutes to any support request.

PS: just to make it clear, I have no personal connection and/or interest in the software above. I'm just a very happy user.

[Unomelodica]

stefano thankyoi i have Audiolinux and euphony on the ' to check' out list

G

[Stefano74]

Will you use a separate NAA for HQPlayer playback? I found it way better than directly connecting my DAC to the PC

[Unomelodica]

NAA which is a ultrarendu + LPS , does sound particularly good in my system

I will keep this chain

G