Audio server for hifi streamer

[Puma Cat]

Because better ethernet does improve sound quality. Look at switches, it is already proved that audiophilic switches sound better then normal consumer switches. Now use a server with a lan output. Why does this cable connection not matter anymore?

To my ears a better server does improve SQ, even when a second streamer is used connected via lan.

Agreed, consistent with my experience. Even the power cord powering the power supply for the music server computer makes a difference (as does grounding it properly).

 

[Elberoth]

Why would ethernet not make a difference vs USB? That is not clear to me. And what would you recommend for optimal SQ?

Because when using Ethernet, your streamer and your server are not directly connected. They are connected via a switch and Ethernet is galvanic isolated by design.

USB connection on the other hand creates a direct path for all the noise from the computer to enter your streamer / DAC.

Does it mean Ethernet is 100% bullet proof and cannot be imroved upon? No, but:

- the difference will be quite small (not worth the time and effort for 95% of the systems in my experience)
- you are more likely to gain sth with a better switch (and/or optical Ethernet for ultimate in isolation), than a better server.

Which brings me back to my initial point, i.e. don't invest in a audio server in your case, at least not if the reason for investment would be getting better sound. There is more to be gained investing your money into other parts of your system.

 

[Bogdanozaurus]

I used a QNAP NAS with Celeron processor and 8 GB RAM with ROON Core and I had no problems, I didn't feel any differences between QNAP and PC. However, I didn't like Roon so I finally gave up on it. The sound quality is very good, but the music collection is managed very badly and in addition they made it more expensive. Euphony seems to me to be better in terms of sound and unlike Roon, it lets me listen to everything in my collection.

 

[Mr Peabody]

I don't use Roon I have friends who do, their experience is quite different. They wouldn't give up Roon due to the great management of their library and streaming.

I used a QNAP NAS with Celeron processor and 8 GB RAM with ROON Core and I had no problems, I didn't feel any differences between QNAP and PC. However, I didn't like Roon so I finally gave up on it. The sound quality is very good, but the music collection is managed very badly and in addition they made it more expensive. Euphony seems to me to be better in terms of sound and unlike Roon, it lets me listen to everything in my collection.

 

[Bogdanozaurus]

Roon is an American product and in the USA there are very high taxes, maybe that's why I have fewer tracks than in Audirvana, which is European

 

[Alkyogre]

High taxes in the USA? Which taxes are you talking about?

I bet you don’t have to pay 2,30/ liter for petrol and a new Volkswagen up! Is nowadays over then 20k euro and that is without any extra luxury.