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RE: Thoughts for next upgrade: CAPS music server or power treatment?

Posted by Bob_C (A) on September 20, 2013 at 11:21:03

In Reply to: Thoughts for next upgrade: CAPS music server or power treatment? posted by LewinskiH01 on September 15, 2013 at 06:01:22:

"My thinking is I should either improve on the server, so to avoid using the USB board both for streaming and HDD access, to use a SotM-like card, etc,"

This IMO would be a necessary upgrade. Your notebook is a limiting factor. Using USB for audio and HD access is not a good idea. My take would be to upgrade to a CAPs server, either a low power ATOM or a higher power I7. If you are strictly staying with JRiver MC the the ATOM is ok. If you have any inclination to try Jplay the added power is useful. Higher power is also useful for DSP etc. I have both and I would recommend building a higher power system, at least an I3.

I am using a PPA Studio USB card and find it a clear improvement over the MB USB. I run headless and I also turn everything else off that is not necessary on the MB. There is no real way to do this with a notebook.

I would also suggest you look at the OS. I have been amazed with the improvement I realized by going to Sever 2012, Jplay and the Audio Phil optimizer.


"or else tackle power regeneration/filtration for the whole setup. Would appreciate your opinions as to bang for buck and improvements to expect from doing either."

I use both batteries and linear supplies in my system. Clean power is important also, but IMO no matter what you do power wise your current system will still be a limiting factor.

regards
Bob

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