Any Melco streamer fans here? Looking for your input.

joeinid

joeinid

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I was recommended the MELCO N1ZH. Any users here?

http://soundorg.com/melco/

http://www.melco-audio.com/products/

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I started carrying Melco a little while ago and have been very impressed. I've been using the N1A which is superb value in the Melco lineup. I've been connecting it to the T+A DAC8 DSD via usb. They're easy to use, are definitely better built than the impression you get from the pictures and are dead quiet in operation.

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I've had a N1A for over 6 months now, using it with my USB DAC on my main system as well as a server for other streamers in the house. I installed MinimServer in it instead of Twonky which bring a cleaner interface . Minim works extremely well with BUBBLEUPNP as control point on an Android device, Arcam MusicLife for IOS.

What I love about the N1A is that digital noise is very low, relatively inexpensive, it very easy to use and quite versatile. Ultimately I know it's a computer but it's purpose built.

I'm more into analog but this is the closest sounding I have heard using digital. Considering the amount of digital music available that isnt available in vinyl it was inevitable for me to go that route, and I thoroughly enjoy it.

The DAC I'm using is a Forssell MDAC-2 with a few unlisted options, OPPO BCT 101CI as transport.

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I love my Lumin, but am looking toward the future.

The Melco offers an Ethernet out connection which, I think, is becoming a preferred method of hookup.



Jack said:
Joe

Just curious what appeals to you about the Melco as opposed to Lumin?
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When used with the Lumin A1, the Melco N1A (which replaced the Synology NAS) brought a quieter, more relaxed presentation to the sound. The sound stage was bigger and, generally, more airy. I was quite skeptical at first but the proof is in the sound!

Since it has a USB output, it can also be used as a USB server. Compared to the SPDIF output from the Lumin A1, fresh out from the box and using generic USB cables, sound from the USB output is almost as good as the SPDIF output from the Lumin.

The sound from the Lumin is more detailed and defined, tighter in the bass but does not flow as well as the USB output from the N1A. The sound from the USB output mirrors the LAN output - the soundstage was bigger and, generally, more airy. Smoother and less grainy. All relative, of course. When I tried the Ansuz A USB cable with the Melco N1A, the sound was better still with, for example, the texture on snare drums being more discernible, and a more immediate and dynamic sound.

Once MinimServer is installed (in place of the default Twonky), the Lumin and Kinsky apps can be used. Very useful though I have yet to find a way to save playlists.

I would think that the N1ZH (with HDDs) would be the sweet spot of the range, with the better and more solidly built casing of the N1Z series but without the exorbitant cost of the SSDs in the N1ZA. Plus, the N1ZH has dual power supplies (compared to single power supply the N1A), which are supposedly "medical grade". If only they could sub-contract the design and manufacture of the case to Aurender, that would be fantastic! Wishful thinking though...
 
Q3Di said:
Can't wait to see your review. I 'd like to see the comparison between the Melco N1ZH and the Aurender N100H.
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For sure. It's going to be about 8 weeks for my Ayre QX5 DAC to arrive and I will order the Melco then. I had a long discussion with Ayre about the new QX5 and it seems that this is one killer piece. All the inputs were optimized for best performance. I'm anxious to compare the USB (Aurender) with ethernet (Melco). It's interesting that the Melco can use any app - including the Lumin app.

It should be notes that the new Ayre QX5 can stream directly from your network - without needing a Melco/Aurender in the middle, but many feel that a Melco/Aurender can improve sonics, ease of use, flexibility, etc. I will be trying it all ways!
 
Mike said:
I'm anxious to compare the USB (Aurender) with ethernet (Melco). It's interesting that the Melco can use any app - including the Lumin app.

It should be notes that the new Ayre QX5 can stream directly from your network - without needing a Melco/Aurender in the middle, but many feel that a Melco/Aurender can improve sonics, ease of use, flexibility, etc. I will be trying it all ways!
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The Melco has both USB and ethernet outputs so it would be interesting to see a comparison between the USB outputs of the Melco and the Aurender.

While it is possible to stream directly from a network server, many have reported that placing the Melco (as a "switch" and a NAS) between a DAC and a server/computer makes a significant difference.
 
Well if you do not have USB output then right there is a huge difference since my understanding is that DSD cannot go out over SPDIF. USB is the best option! I also love the improvements that the W4S Recovery does for the USB signal and the W4S Remedy does for SPDIF (especially when playing Redbook CDs out through Coax).
 
Melco puts out such a pristine signal over usb that I wouldn't think a W4S Recovery would add any benefit. However, you never know for sure until you try.

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Exactly, you never know until you try, however I have heard several people with extremely high end gear be surprised in how much this little inexpensive piece helps...
 
I've had the Melco N1A for just over a year now. I got it as I gave up on the Devialet AIR function.


It sounds great to me and every bit as good as AIR if not better . It's solid and reliable which was my main priority.
My one moan is the lack of the app. It's been imminent for a year now and it's rather frustrating. I use an ipad so I use the Kinsky app and it's rather dated. This sort of spoils the user experience for me.
 
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