Need Advice on music server and DAC

1

1kw

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Oct 9, 2014
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I recently sold my Mcintosh D1100 and Aurender N100h for no other reason then I would like to find something where I don't need my computer to rip my cd collection. While a one box solution would be very nice its not the most important consideration; sound quality and least amount of trouble to rip cd's are. I have also admired the esoteric brand and am considering getting a K-03XS CDP/DAC and a Aurender N10 however I would still need a computer to rip my cd collection. Aurender came out with the A30 which clicks all the boxes but I can't get past the price for what is basically a computer and know it will hold its value about as well as a used car with 100 k miles on it if I want to upgrade later down the road. Esoteric cd players just seems to hold there value better because the format is mature and I would still be able to pop in a cd if I want to even though its not likely once my cd collection is ripped to a server . I know Aurender offers the acs10 for ripping but it is basically a N100h otherwise. On another forum the silenzo was recommended but I read on this forum the parts are made from off the shelf components anyone can get on amazon and are not up to the same quality as other brands ? The silenzo does otherwise click the boxes as well, many seem to be happy however if something were to happen to E you have no customer service. Outside of the A30 vs Esoteric K-03xs/silenzo options of high quality DAC/streamer/music server with cd burner what else would you recommend ?
 
1kw said:
I recently sold my Mcintosh D1100 and Aurender N100h for no other reason then I would like to find something where I don't need my computer to rip my cd collection. While a one box solution would be very nice its not the most important consideration; sound quality and least amount of trouble to rip cd's are. I have also admired the esoteric brand and am considering getting a K-03XS CDP/DAC and a Aurender N10 however I would still need a computer to rip my cd collection. Aurender came out with the A30 which clicks all the boxes but I can't get past the price for what is basically a computer and know it will hold its value about as well as a used car with 100 k miles on it if I want to upgrade later down the road. Esoteric cd players just seems to hold there value better because the format is mature and I would still be able to pop in a cd if I want to even though its not likely once my cd collection is ripped to a server . I know Aurender offers the acs10 for ripping but it is basically a N100h otherwise. On another forum the silenzo was recommended but I read on this forum the parts are made from off the shelf components anyone can get on amazon and are not up to the same quality as other brands ? The silenzo does otherwise click the boxes as well, many seem to be happy however if something were to happen to E you have no customer service. Outside of the A30 vs Esoteric K-03xs/silenzo options of high quality DAC/streamer/music server with cd burner what else would you recommend ?
Click to expand...

I strongly recommend the A30. It has the same chips as the Esoteric Grandioso K1 (AKM 4497), with a better implementation and resulting sound IMO. The screen is huge and gorgeous and the ripping and control software is excellent. It definitely checks all the boxes for that one box solution and the sound is excellent. I can’t emphasize that last part enough. 10TB of storage to boot.
 
Ritmo said:
A couple more to consider would be Naim and Innuos.
Click to expand...

The NAIM UNITI CORE is excellent, but no DAC. I don’t believe Innuos has a DAC in the higher models and therefore would still require a DAC.
 
While the A-30 is a beautiful piece part of me wants to buy a esoteric K-03xs as a dac/cdp and get another network streamer. I did like the sound quality of my now sold Aurender N100h but did not like what I would have to go through using my computer to burn my cd collection so I did’nt bother.
 
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