Digital music server

dlb2

dlb2

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Currently I use a Mac Mini as a music server to take care of all my digital needs. I'm a Mac guy and having other Apple products means that everything works well together and going between my MBP, iPad, iPhone etc... is seamless. I can also access the NAS on my wireless network without a hitch. Lately though (thanks Mike!) I've been thinking more and more about trying something like a CAPS 3.0 server. I've been reading a few threads over at Computer Audiophile but still have a ways to go in terms of understanding it all. It seems as though those who have gone this route are very satisfied with the sound quality.

I know that the CAPS unit can be ordered, like Mike did, pre-made. I'm wondering if anyone knows how difficult it would be to assemble this on their own. Is it a plug everything together properly install the software and off you go (I know there's more to it than this), or does it need soldering and other skills?

I'm also curious about those who have either done their own build or bought something else entirely. I'm trying to get ideas how to go about this new server and hope to get lots of different options.

...and there's that dreaded PC software too :).
 
Doug,

I was very fortunate to had help from E. with the build on my own music server. Also, we wanted to use the much rave about SOtM tX-USB Audiophile PCI to USB Audio Card, but after reaching out to the company I basically got a very arrogant replied back from them which was a turned off and we end up scrap that idea. It took me about 2hrs to have the OS installed and all updates done.. So far it has been working flawlessly without any problem as of yet and i'm very happy with it.:D..

silentbox.jpg


silentbox.jpg


bryston.jpg
 
That's a beauty Dewey. I like the looks of of as well as it having a transport for ripping. So you bought all the individual parts, with E's help, and put it together yourself?

btw...those 28's look like beasts! :)
 
I consider the 28's "The Sleeping Giant" :D

And you are correct in your assessment Doug.
 
Doug - if you stick with the CAPS 3.0 Carbon, its pretty straight forward to build. If you get into the ZUMA, things get a little more tricky. The question is this: if you want DSD, then CAPS (or sticking with the Mac) is the way to go (of course, there are other options as well). What kind of DAC are you using? If you haven't invested a terrible amount in a DAC and don't give two hoots about DSD, then I would get a Linn DS (like MDP reviewed for us today) and be done. One box, sounds great, ipad interface. Done.

If you want DSD capabilities, then the CAPS 3.0 is the best sounding music server for the money. The SoTM sound card and JRiver, IMO, are the real keys to its success. I'm sure the power supply and all the other jazz is important, but you're really paying for that killer sound card (it looks like no other sound card I've seen!). Any sound card that can and does have its own power supply, is definitely different then the stock sound card in the Mac. I'm a big big Mac fan, it it was painful to have to jump back into Windows and all its BS. But, admittedly, it sound much better than my Mac Mini. It sounds less digital, fuller, deeper, richer and most importantly, more musical. I've had no desire to go back to the Mac Mini and its sitting right next to the CAPS 3.0 I did my A/B and I was convinced.

Mike
 
Nice looking unit D and it looks like E did a great job. It looks way better than the Olive.

......any chance on getting a shot of the rear?
 
I'm new to all this. How fancy is this CAPs hardware? How thick is the manual because I have a problem reading you know.
 
Mike said:
Doug - if you stick with the CAPS 3.0 Carbon, its pretty straight forward to build. If you get into the ZUMA, things get a little more tricky. The question is this: if you want DSD, then CAPS (or sticking with the Mac) is the way to go (of course, there are other options as well). What kind of DAC are you using? If you haven't invested a terrible amount in a DAC and don't give two hoots about DSD, then I would get a Linn DS (like MDP reviewed for us today) and be done. One box, sounds great, ipad interface. Done.

If you want DSD capabilities, then the CAPS 3.0 is the best sounding music server for the money. The SoTM sound card and JRiver, IMO, are the real keys to its success. I'm sure the power supply and all the other jazz is important, but you're really paying for that killer sound card (it looks like no other sound card I've seen!). Any sound card that can and does have its own power supply, is definitely different then the stock sound card in the Mac. I'm a big big Mac fan, it it was painful to have to jump back into Windows and all its BS. But, admittedly, it sound much better than my Mac Mini. It sounds less digital, fuller, deeper, richer and most importantly, more musical. I've had no desire to go back to the Mac Mini and its sitting right next to the CAPS 3.0 I did my A/B and I was convinced.

Mike
Click to expand...

Mike, I have an ARC DAC8 that I really enjoy so I'll be using that with whatever I go with. I've been looking at the different CAPS 3.0 builds and trying to decide which version fits my needs best. I also like the set-up Dewey has with a unit that has ripping capability. Then there's the Linn DS. Decisions, decisions... I'm planning on making this my summer project so I have plenty of time to pour over enough info. to make myself nuts...

Mike, how do you find the JRiver app? Are you accessing the server through a keyboard/monitor or some type of tablet? One of my main fears in switching over is not having the accessibility/ease/comfort that I get now with my Mac stuff.
 
Dewster said:
Doug,

I was very fortunate to had help from E. with the build on my own music server. Also, we wanted to use the much rave about SOtM tX-USB Audiophile PCI to USB Audio Card, but after reaching out to the company I basically got a very arrogant replied back from them which was a turned off and we end up scrap that idea. It took me about 2hrs to have the OS installed and all updates done.. So far it has been working flawlessly without any problem as of yet and i'm very happy with it.:D..

silentbox.jpg


silentbox.jpg
Click to expand...

The utter speed and stability of this box is insane. Even I patted myself on the back on this one. ;)
 
-E- said:
The utter speed and stability of this box is insane. Even I patted myself on the back on this one. ;)
Click to expand...

It is impressive just by looks alone. Is that the same motherboard and processor that are used in the CAPS Zuma build? If you choose not to answer that I understand. I don't want to expose any of your intellectual property.
 
Doug,

If I remembered correctly MB are the same, but for processor we use the I3-3220T vs CAPS I3770S.
 
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