Quote:
Originally posted by jheoaustin
1. Could you lead me to some information of products/features/HDD capacities/prices of this kind(music server?). |
First, there are 2 different paradigms being talked about here. What I am referring to, is using a component like the AudioTron, which is plugged into the stereo (has ethernet connection to server). It is normal "stereo" width, has a remote, display, etc.
The other paradigm is an "HTPC" - a computer connected directly to a stereo (audio out from sound, into stereo). I have heard of some high-end sound equipment that allows for some form of remote-control, but you still need the PC pretty close. Not sure how you'd see what you are playing (no display on the stereo).
See below for more AudioTron info...
Quote:
Originally posted by jheoaustin
2. Is there any product that supports MLP encoding/decoding for more lossless music storage than WAV file? |
AudioTron does not support MLP, not sure if other (similar type products do). The AudioTron supports MP3, WMA and WAVE. However, it does not
yet support the new WMA "lossless" version, but I imagine it should soon. The AudioTron runs a custom WindowsCE (I think).
Quote:
Originally posted by jheoaustin
3. Have you tried to compare original CD and WAV file on server which is recorded from THE CD? Were you able to hear the difference if you tried? IMO, depending upon the jitter performance of the CDP+CD and the server, it could be better or worse if the server has the S/PDIF output... |
I have compared the MP3 directly to the CD. Got them both in sync, and switched the inputs back and forth. As I'd mentioned, I can hear the difference up to maybe about 200-bit. After that, I'm sure any differences are imagined, and due to the slight volume difference between the inputs.
I have not tried playing WAVE files via the AudioTron. My new Rocket speakers arrive tomorrow, so I imagine I will again be comparing the MP3s to the original CD's, to ensure that they are still a 100% acceptable alternative. It is sooo darn convenient to have the equivalent of my own "custom radio station", and instant access to every song in whatever order I want.
As for jitter, I have made 100% perfect digital extractions of music that has clicks and pops when played on a normal CD player (scratched CD's, etc). To do this, I use the application ExactAudioCopy, which does an "intensive" read - it takes about 12 minutes per normal CD, but damaged ones like my New Order Substance took 11.5 hours to do a perfect extraction. So, I'd argue that my WAVE files on the PC are 100% (unless the application notes a "suspect" timestamp) - which is better than any CD player. 100% is 100%; you can do extractions on different PCs with this application, and a binary comparison of the wave file will be
identical.
Quote:
Originally posted by jheoaustin
4. Is there any server that supports multichannel playback? |
Not that I know of - but, remember, I do not use a "HTPC"; I use the AudioTron, which plays MP3s - all of mine are normal 16-bit, stereo only.
***
As for the
AudioTron (continuing from question 1 above), to be brief, it can play MP3, WMA (any bitrate), and WAVE. It can also play "net radio" if you have broadband.
My 2 AudioTrons (1 in living room, 1 in bedroom with Rocket 150s) are both connected via ethernet to the "server" which is in the bedroom. A "server" is merely a PC; it does not need any real horsepower as all it does is feed bits off the hard drive and shove them out the ethernet port. My server is a P3-667, 128 RAM, 30 GB "OS" drive, and 100 GB "MP3" drive (a 5400 rpm drive, to be quiet). It is on 24x7, and the whole system runs with
no fans at all due to using excellent heat sinks. Very quiet.
The server has never hiccuped (ie, caused the AudioTron to skip due to waiting for data) - even though the PC is also my wife's e-mail / web surfing box, print server, and was also the internet connection sharing server (dual NICs).
AVS Forum has an
Audio MP3 Servers forum - drop by!