BAASnotes.com – Bay Area Audiophile Society

Inexpensive Music Server – A Flawed Dell-based Solution

The most common question that I get asked – other than “Am I confirmed for the event?” – is: “How should I implement a good music server?”

Well, here’s a way to implement a great-sounding music server for about $1K. The key strategy in play here is to house a stellar Lynx sound card in a (very) cheap Dell box.

However, while this system has the capability of delivering great sound, I do not recommend it for most audiophiles.

Specifically, the system has the following weaknesses:

• It’s too geeky – both to build and to maintain;
• It’s noisy;
• It’s incomplete; and
  • (As described, it lacks keyboard, mouse, monitor, decent CPU, and ample storage, which would collectively add  $500 or more to the price)
• There are better ways to go (IMO), which would sacrifice little sonically.

What are these better solutions?

When I get some free time, I’ll outline my current recommendations for all to see (and hear)!

Bob

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