DIY Digital Music Server based on Silent PC concepts. Technical Considerations for the Novice & Experienced.

Re: DIY Digital Music Server based on Silent PC concepts. Technical Considerations for the Novice & Experienced.

Here's the beginnings of my assembly.

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Re: DIY Digital Music Server based on Silent PC concepts. Technical Considerations for the Novice & Experienced.

Nice Ray, pretty much what I was going for. Now, however, I'm kind of wondering... what about a wifi to USB converter, then just beam my music to the DAC? Maybe not need a server box there at all, but could use any one of several boxes I have in the house.

So when I first saw this thread I realized I'd made a terrible mistake when I ordered my silent PC. I forgot to pick the silver case! I can't believe I didn't really even notice. (Since my system is still not set up, I suppose. I never gave a thought to the case being black. Setup, however, will happen for sure next month, but that's another thread.) My whole goal was to get a horizontal profile and silver case. I got the computer and it has sat in the box. I took it out long enough to register Windows and transfer my music library.

If any one is interested, I'd make a killer deal on this so I could re-purchase one with the silver case. The price I paid is shown.

> 1 Streacom FC5 Evo Slim Fanless PC
> 1 Intel Core i3-4150 3.5GHz 54W Dual-Core CPU
> 1 8GB (1 x 8GB) Kingston PC3 1600
> 1 Windows 7 Professional Edition DVD 64 Bit
> 1 ASUS Gryphon Z97 Socket 1150 Intel Motherboard
> 1 Streacom FC5 Evo Micro ATX Fanless Case Black
> 1 No Optical Drive
> 1 Samsung 250GB SSD 840 Evo Series (Solid State Disk)
> 1 150 Watt Fanless Power Supply
> 1 No PCI Express Sound Card Installed (use onboard
> sound)
> 1 No Thunderbolt Card Included
> 1 No Office Software
> 1 No Anti-Virus Software Installed
> 1 No Keyboard and Mouse
> 1 No Silent Computer Mouse
> 1 No Speakers
> 1 No LCD Monitor
> 1 Standard Processing- Ship within 5-10 Business Days
> 1 One Year Parts & Labor Warranty
> 1 Restore Disk
>
> ORDER TOTAL
> $1,361.00
 
Re: DIY Digital Music Server based on Silent PC concepts. Technical Considerations for the Novice & Experienced.

Looks great Steve!
 
Re: DIY Digital Music Server based on Silent PC concepts. Technical Considerations for the Novice & Experienced.

Steve, I can't tell how much RAM you have in that box, but you've populated all the slots... overkill for just a music server? Also, what processor did you choose? I know the Streamcom case prefers low wattage cpus.
 
Re: DIY Digital Music Server based on Silent PC concepts. Technical Considerations for the Novice & Experienced.

Steve, I can't tell how much RAM you have in that box, but you've populated all the slots... overkill for just a music server? Also, what processor did you choose? I know the Streamcom case prefers low wattage cpus.

Guys...I don't mean it as a criticism; after all...to each their own, and we are audiophiles. 500-watt amps, for 12' listening rooms...and $10,000, for a 3-watt SET. Point is...excess is not uncommon, nor unwelcome ;)

But I am always amazed, at some of the really stout builds; put together, for simply playing music files. It's a pretty low-overhead endeavor; and in some ways...the more moving parts and power you're trying to generate, the more undesirables that come along for the ride too.

Here's my humble box; my 3rd or 4th iteration:





It handles everything, from the rare, lowly mp3; to DSD128...without so much as a hiccup :)
 
Re: DIY Digital Music Server based on Silent PC concepts. Technical Considerations for the Novice & Experienced.

Just a quick point relating to "stout builds" for playing music...

In my case, using Theater View, with J-River... when using for example Atom based or other slightly more capable motherboards, which are plenty stout enough to play music, the user experience of navigating the user interface can suffer in JRMC.

With an oversize CPU/RAM... obviously still no issue handling any type of Audio resolution....and the user interface experience is improved.
IMHO.
 
Re: DIY Digital Music Server based on Silent PC concepts. Technical Considerations for the Novice & Experienced.

Bob... Yes 32GB voltage adjustable RAM is overkill. (you will make out the spec & timing in the pic above). The Sniper has an i7 3770T 2.5GHZ 45W TDP. Not your typical pairing! Low wattage, nice performance. I can push it up to 3.2GHZ with this board & the box can still handle the heat. But more importantly for this application, I can underclock a bit. Nice to play around with clock speeds & voltages to see it makes much of a sound difference. So, it all falls under the Nano 150w power limits.

Yes all overkill. I wanted to give myself the option to repurpose this machine should I tire of this project & decide to go for a Lumina, Aurender, Whatever.

Either way, it will make for an awesome Windows Server 2012 R2 machine. I've hung a drive off it & done some preliminary general testing to check out the heat, power & stability levels. It runs like a frickin' beast!
 
Re: DIY Digital Music Server based on Silent PC concepts. Technical Considerations for the Novice & Experienced.

Nice build Ray; and your GAT isn't too shabby either ;)

But if you really believe in minimal over-head...and I agree, it's the right way to go; ever thought of going 2-box JPlay?

I considered having a go with JPlay awhile back, but never actually did anything. I became so very satisfied with my current "plan" that I decided to simply listen to music for awhile. :) I suppose next time I get the bug to start playing again, I'll have to have a look at various JPlay setups.
 
Re: DIY Digital Music Server based on Silent PC concepts. Technical Considerations for the Novice & Experienced.

I considered having a go with JPlay awhile back, but never actually did anything. I became so very satisfied with my current "plan" that I decided to simply listen to music for awhile. :) I suppose next time I get the bug to start playing again, I'll have to have a look at various JPlay setups.

Amen; my approach as well. There's a time for chasing the dragon...and there's a time for good enough is good enough; and sit back and listen.

But...when you do get the bug; post. Maybe we'll go through it together. Two heads are better than 1...and; misery loves company ;)
 
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Re: DIY Digital Music Server based on Silent PC concepts. Technical Considerations for the Novice & Experienced.

About the only thing, I don't like about my Lian Li case; are the cheap...hard...plastic footers that come with.



Anyone have any thoughts...about where to find a suitable replacement? Kind of like a Herbie's Baby Booty Baby Booties Isolation Feet but (female) threaded.
 
Re: DIY Digital Music Server based on Silent PC concepts. Technical Considerations for the Novice & Experienced.

Interesting to come across a garage consultant that is baiting individuals on the "other" forum who innocently seek help with build configuration. Obviously to extort consultation fees for pertinent or specific information. When it comes to forum participation with like members, I think this is a new low. "Doin' it right" - NOT! Arrogant - YES. I'm glad I haven't seen it here.

Another reason why I encourage technical participation on this thread. Put it on the table. The vendor specific information is readily available elsewhere anyway.
 
Re: DIY Digital Music Server based on Silent PC concepts. Technical Considerations for the Novice & Experienced.

You can find ANYTHING; if you know how to Google right!
 
Re: DIY Digital Music Server based on Silent PC concepts. Technical Considerations for the Novice & Experienced.

CD. ^^^^^^ :thumbsup: & if we've come across it before or know the answer, this forum will point
you in the right direction for FREE because that's what Audiosharks do!
 
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