Computer Audiophile Pocket Server - C.A.P.S.

Hi Lior - The case you linked to seems really nice and looks like it will work. Just remove the fan(s).

All 'n all it was pretty straightforward to put this together. If you're thinking of doing this, here are a couple of points to bear in mind, following on from what Chris has already outlined.<br />

<br />

1. Like Chris, I've used the 12v DC input on the motherboard. The mobo has a 2.5mm power socket and my PS has a 2.1mm plug - typical! So I had to buy a 2.1mm to 2.5mm adaptor. I've taken the original power pcb and power cables out of the case as I don't need them. As Chris stated, this will render the front display of the case inoperable. But that's OK by me. Be aware though that you will still have to connect the power switch and power LED to the mobo. But the pins are clearly labelled.<br />

<br />

2. My biggest issue was installing W7! I had bought a 3-licence pack quite a while ago and have installed it twice on two different PCs with no issue. But on this occasion, the Product Key just wouldn't be accepted. After a couple of unsuccessful tries, I realised that my pack is an 'upgrade' product. Doh! So, I had to install a full version of Vista first, and then W7.<br />

<br />

I haven't really had a chance to do much listening yet, but will report back once I have.<br />

<br />

Thanks again Chris for making this so easy.<br />

<br />

Mani.

Chris,<br />

<br />

During your research on boards did you compare the effect that dual core vs single core CPU MOBO's have on the sound? <br />

<br />

I ask because Gary Koh, from Genesis Advanced Technologies wrote, what is IMHO, a very helpful white paper, "Building an Absolute Fidelity Music Server" which can be found at:<br />

<br />

http://www.genesisloudspeakers.com/whitepaper/Absolute_Fidelity_Music_Server.pdf <br />

<br />

At the top of page 3, he wrote on the subject of single core versus dual core, "You do not need very much computing power, but dual-core is a distinct sonic advantage". He said in the footnotes that he could not explain it and he did not understand why but there was a definite sonic advantage.<br />

<br />

In doing your research did you find any passive cooling, dual core MOBO's and did you compare their sound to your single core selection?<br />

<br />

Hi Mani - This work-around should negate the need to install a previous OS with the Windows 7 upgrade media. I had the problem on day one. Then I called Microsoft and they walked me through this work-around. Also, We should open a thread to discuss the CAPS server in the forum. I've been working on mine a bit more and may have some other interesting thoughts for playback etc... I'm sure you will as well.<br />

<br />

Open regedit.exe (start run regedit)<br />

<br />

HKLM/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Setup/OOBE/<br />

<br />

Change MediaBootInstall from "1" to "0".<br />

<br />

Open cmd (start run cmd) to display a shortcut to the Command Line utility. Right-click this shortcut and choose "Run as administrator." <br />

<br />

Type: slmgr /rearm<br />

<br />

Hit ENTER and reboot. When Windows 7 reboots, run the Activate Windows utility, type in your product key and activate windows.

Hi av_passion - I would love to say that I have compared single to dual core processors without anything else changing but I think it's nearly impossible. To compare these one would need to have both a single and dual core processor or the same speed and identical specs. The test would consist of swapping the processor only. Or, one could have two computers that matched perfectly except for the processor that matched perfectly but one is single and the other dual.<br />

<br />

It also depends on how each application uses the processor(s). For example the Merging Technologies Pyramix / Mykerinos music server I have locks the CPU at 100% no matter how powerful it is. This is a special way of guaranteeing the app has the resources it needs and can stop other processes from using CPU time.<br />

<br />

Plus, Processors are very complicated. Quoting single v. dual core as the difference is really a misnomer. It's like saying all 16/44.1 is worse than 24/96. There is so much more to it. For example a processor design involves - <br />

<br />

datapaths (such as ALUs and pipelines)<br />

control unit: logic which controls the datapaths<br />

Memory components such as register files, caches<br />

Clock circuitry such as clock drivers, PLLs, clock distribution networks<br />

Pad transceiver circuitry<br />

Logic gate cell library which is used to implement the logic<br />

(source <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CPU_design#Overview">Wikipedia</a>)<br />

<br />

There are a few dual core passive cooling solutions but they require heat pipes etc... That was beyond the scope of this build. See the two linked articles in the main part of this story for Zalman & hFX builds.<br />

<br />

<br />

Chris this system is almost perfect.<br />

Would it be possible for you to post a build list of things you would change for a dedicated USB DAC system with J. River as the player.<br />

Also with video out to take advantage of the theater view.<br />

Thanks for the best design I've seen yet!, Russ

Chris, is there any reason not to use Winamp for playback software in your design? I really like the iTouch control capability through the iAmpRemote application. Thanks. JCR

Hi Russ - The only think I would change for a USB based system is the Lynx card. You can remove the AES16 and save over $600. This system already has analog (dSUB) and digital (DVI) video output so Theater View will work great.<br />

<br />

Hi JCR - Winamp should be just fine on this system. I haven't used Winamp in a long time so no guarantees.

This motherboard can't handle decoding Hi-Def video by itself. You'd need to add an mpeg decoder mini-pci card to accommodate that (or a dedicated video card), and then make sure you were using a software suite that can actually leverage the card when decoding video. The logic supply website Chris linked in the article does also have a decoder card as an option, not sure what software supports it.

This board does have plenty of power to output video for Theater View without the Broadcom hardware decoder. I have the decoder and I've linked to it in the original article.

I have serious issues with this article. I'll try to articulate my concerns in the order that the author writes them.<br />

<br />

*Computer Audiophile Pocket Server - C.A.P.S.*<br />

<br />

The title of the article references a computer server that is pocket sized. The specifications of the original "carry on luggage" server are never mentioned. The PDF for the author's Origen*AE mini-ITX case state measurements at 240x106x250mm. Hardly "pocket sized" in my humble opinion, but what I don't understand is this: Why --when computer music server technologies are still in their infancy-- should the article's title reference the server's pocket-ability, and why do home music servers have to be small? Shouldn't criteria 9 ("Small size.") be eliminated considering the fact that the the server "is a bit larger today"? Why should a pocket server have to accommodate a PCI card? Why should the same be asked to handle 24/192 source material, when that material and the DAC that are capable of decoding said material still considered esoterica? Wouldn't a 24/96 limitation been more realistic at this stage of the game? <br />

<br />

*Requirements*<br />

<br />

There are 13 highly specific requirements. Again, considering that the infantile nature of this technology, why is the author heaping so many requirements for a specific "pocket server"? With so many demands placed on a "C.A.P.S", it seems as he has fulfilled the thing he was trying to avoid in paragraph 2: Jack of All Trades Master of None.<br />

<br />

*Operating System*<br />

<br />

Disclaimer: My household has been a Linux only shop for the last 14 year, although I have never been professionally involved in earning a living using computers in any capacity whatsoever. And even though I advocate the use of Linux and other OSS software for moral, practical, and philosophical reasons, I'm still and ardent believer in using the best tool for the job; whether that's a Microsoft or *NIX/OSS based operating system. With that said...<br />

<br />

With reference to Windows XP: What does the phrase "Copies of Windows XP (OEM) are still floating around some of the online shops" mean? Are copies of Windows XP available via retail channels to the consumer? What exactly does "floating" around mean? Even as computer savvy individual I can't decipher what exactly is meant by "floating around" because it's not elaborated on by the text. What is Microsoft's official position regarding XP? Do I have to get an illegal copy or can I get it via a legit retail channel? <br />

<br />

In regards to FreeBSD, the author quickly dismisses the OS "After using it for a few hours as a music server I concluded FreeBSD was better left to host web servers..." Really? A few hours of experimentation with no further details or elaboration? I really wanted to know more about the BSD's (as I've never used them before) and all I got was "squeezing a square peg in a round hole"? Am I supposed to accept what little you say on OS's seriously? Moving right along...<br />

<br />

The author blames the Linux OS for the failings of the various drivers of several of the hardware pieces mentioned, i.e., the MAYA44 and RME sounds cards. I disagree.<br />

<br />

There are manufacturers who release the appropriate API's and/or hardware documentation to Linux developers, and there are those who don't. I don't know what the current situation is regarding the drivers for the aforementioned cards, and since music servers will forever be inter-twinned with some type of of operating system (even if that means we have specialized micro-controllers integrated and/or feeding our DAC's), it behooves those who claim to write with authority on this subject to do their best to elaborate on the details. Does the manufacturer officially support Liunx, FreeBSD, etc? Is the author experiencing problems because the drivers are reversed engineered (without help from the hardware maker) by the ALSA team? Do we really blame the OS for the failings of the hardware manufacturer? I think not. Just as the author claims that "There are bits and pieces of outdated user generated documentation all over the Internet...", I feel as I am left to search for the same after reading this article.<br />

<br />

*Windows 7*<br />

<br />

I must adamantly state that Windows 7 (or XP, 98, ME, 3.1, or DOS) does in fact *NOT* "work with more hardware than any other OS". If there has been *any* operating system that comes with and includes drivers for the majority of new and/or legacy hardware today, then that would unequivocally be Linux. Kernel after kernel, Linux has been the first to support more hardware than any proprietary OS. Just one example: http://broadcast.oreilly.com/2008/10/how-linux-supports-more-device.html Linux is not only capable of easily allowing bit-perfect playback, but is also extremely modular, e.g., we can run a minimal music server OS *without* a GUI, which is something that we can't do with any version of a monolithic version of a Microsoft OS.<br />

<br />

*Hardware*<br />

<br />

Quite simply, the hardware for the stated purpose of a "pocket server" is overly complicated and expensive. Conspicuously missing from the itemized bill of materials is the cost of Windows 7! A cursory search on Newegg.com reveals that the cost of a full retail copy of Windows 7 will cost the audiophile $268 to $291 (Pro vs Ultimate) USD, inflating the cost of the C.A.P.S. even further.<br />

<br />

I've read the article more than a few times before posting this long winded reply, and I can't exactly grasp what the objective is. $1500 for a server (or $1500 for a server plus $~270 for an OS) is not exactly "inexpensive" for a small, pocket server. In the end it's not exactly a pocket server, whatever that term was supposed to encapsulate. I would have much rather read a series of article detailing several different versions of music servers that cater to specific needs, e.g., the pocket server could have been a small PC Engines ALIX, or the Intel mentioned mentioned in the article, that is focused on feeding a high quality USB or Firewire DAC. <br />

<br />

Just as specific audiophiles have different needs when it comes to particular pieces of gear (guys with bigs rooms and full range speakers vs. the mini-monitor near field folk vs. the super sensitive horns geeks), so should the music serve crowd be catered to.<br />

<br />

Again, my comments are made in the most respectfully and in a manner that hopes to inspire constructive debate.<br />

<br />

Sincerely,<br />

<br />

Nick L. aka nyc_paramedic<br />

<br />

<br />

<i>"The title of the article references a computer server that is pocket sized. The specifications of the original "carry on luggage" server are never mentioned. The PDF for the author's Origen*AE mini-ITX case state measurements at 240x106x250mm. Hardly "pocket sized" in my humble opinion"</i><br />

<br />

<br />

The title does not reference the literal size of the music server. The name Pocket Server is no less accurate than the name Compact Car. As I said in the article - "Along the way this server was named the Pocket Server by a colleague who was very surprise at its small size when I pulled it out of my carry-on luggage. The server is a bit larger today than it was at that time but the name hasn't changed. " A colleague named the server because it was so small not because it actually fits into a pocket. I elected to keep the name, going with the spirit of the name not the letter of the name.<br />

<br />

<br />

<i>"why do home music servers have to be small?"</i><br />

<br />

The don't. Please see the two articles, I linked to in this article, about larger silent music servers.<br />

<br />

<br />

<i>"Shouldn't criteria 9 ("Small size.") be eliminated considering the fact that the the server "is a bit larger today"?"</i><br />

<br />

Hypothetically speaking - Increasing the size of one's music collection from one CD to two CDs doubles the original size. The new size is not only "a bit larger" but it's much larger. I still consider the two CD collection small. This music server went from very small to s bit larger than the original size. I also still consider such as server small.<br />

<br />

<i>"Why should a pocket server have to accommodate a PCI card?"</i><br />

<br />

It doesn't. I elected to use a PCI card for all the reasons stated in the article.<br />

<br />

<i>"Why should the same be asked to handle 24/192 source material, when that material and the DAC that are capable of decoding said material still considered esoterica?"</i><br />

<br />

Because I listen to all kinds of music at every sample rate imaginable. This music is available from numerous sources. Countless DACs available today handle 24/192 nicely. I also didn't want to lead people down a path that required a hardware change next month when they want to listen to an HRx album at 24/17.4. Based on the large number of downloads of the free HRx tracks available here I can only assume tens of thousands of people are interested in playing sample rates higher than 24/96. <br />

<br />

<i>"Wouldn't a 24/96 limitation been more realistic at this stage of the game?"</i><br />

<br />

For the reasons stated above, No. However realistic is very subjective and I cannot argue with anyone's opinion about what they think is or isn't realistic. I have mentioned to readers only interested in USB DACs, that currently max out at 24/96, they can save over $600 without the Lynx card.<br />

<br />

<i>"Again, considering that the infantile nature of this technology"</i><br />

<br />

I speak with Mastering engineers weekly who have been using computer music sources for nearly twenty years. I don't consider this infantile. <br />

<br />

<i>" why is the author heaping so many requirements for a specific "pocket server"?"</i><br />

<br />

Like everything in life it was a personal choice. I'm not into mediocrity and I don't rest on what I've done in the past. I constantly strive for the best. I could have relaxed the requirements and wound up with a simple Dell computer similar to the one I wrote about on 11/23/2008 in my Audiophile Reference Music Server For A Song article. Again it's personal choice. <br />

<br />

<i>"With so many demands placed on a "C.A.P.S", it seems as he has fulfilled the thing he was trying to avoid in paragraph 2: Jack of All Trades Master of None."</i><br />

<br />

I don't consider this music server a jack of all trades although your are certainly free to call it what you like. This server can do little other than play music. It doesn't have other applications on it and it isn't running many services. <br />

<br />

<i>"I'm still and ardent believer in using the best tool for the job; whether that's a Microsoft or *NIX/OSS based operating system."</i><br />

<br />

Excellent, we are on the exact same wavelength about using the best tool for the job.<br />

<br />

<br />

<i>"With reference to Windows XP: What does the phrase "Copies of Windows XP (OEM) are still floating around some of the online shops" mean? Are copies of Windows XP available via retail channels to the consumer? What exactly does "floating" around mean? Even as computer savvy individual I can't decipher what exactly is meant by "floating around" because it's not elaborated on by the text. What is Microsoft's official position regarding XP? Do I have to get an illegal copy or can I get it via a legit retail channel?"</i><br />

<br />

Windows XP is sparsely available at some online shops like NewEgg. Floating around is a term of art meant to describe, in this scenario, an operating system that can possibly be purchased through an online retailer or legally purchase off eBay or from a colleague etc...This is one reason why I elected to not use XP. Floating around really doesn't have anything to do with being computer savvy, so don't worry that you couldn't decipher its meaning. I have no need to elaborate on Windows XP's availability because my article was not about Windows XP's availability. <br />

<br />

<i>"In regards to FreeBSD, the author quickly dismisses the OS "After using it for a few hours as a music server I concluded FreeBSD was better left to host web servers..." Really? A few hours of experimentation with no further details or elaboration?"</i><br />

<br />

Exactly, a few hours and no elaboration. The percentage of Computer Audiophile readers interested in me elaborating on BSDs suitability as a music server is less than 0.00000000001%. Many more may be interested in its suitability as in Yes or No it is or is not suitable, but not a dissertation about its suitability. <br />

<br />

<br />

<i>"I really wanted to know more about the BSD's (as I've never used them before) and all I got was "squeezing a square peg in a round hole"?"</i><br />

<br />

I can happily point you to a number of BSD related sites where there is more information than any human can possibly read. BSD is a wonderfully documented operating system. Because I did not select BSD I saw no purpose in elaborating on its unsuitability as a C.A.P.S. operating system. <br />

<br />

<br />

<i>" Am I supposed to accept what little you say on OS's seriously?"</i><br />

<br />

Absolutely not. Accept whatever you are comfortable accepting. This article is my opinion based on my research and experience. Please accept a full refund of your purchase price to read the article.<br />

<br />

<br />

<i>"The author blames the Linux OS for the failings of the various drivers of several of the hardware pieces mentioned, i.e., the MAYA44 and RME sounds cards. I disagree."</i><br />

<br />

This is absolutely untrue. Please provide examples. I blamed the MAYA44 card for its lack of 24/176.4 hardware support when I said - "I was unable to pass 24/176.4 digital audio out of the ESi MAYA44. The MAYA44 data sheets proclaim support up to 24/192, but the user manual states clearly on page 34, "Sample rate supports : 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, (192)kHz *Coaxial Output only." Without 24/176.4 the MAYA44 card failed the requirement." This was clearly a hardware problem and stated in the article as such. As for the issues I had with the RME card I have no clue why anyone would think I blamed the OS. Linux is what it is. Most people on the planet could never configure an RME card to work with Linux. It doesn't matter why the card will not work. Whether its the lack of manufacturer support or openness or the lack of an easy to configure Linux driver, it doesn't matter and I have no interest in laying blame.<br />

<br />

<i>"I don't know what the current situation is regarding the drivers for the aforementioned cards"</i><br />

<br />

I highly suggest you pick up an RME 9632 and look further into the current driver situation. There is no way an average Joe can use this card with Linux. I did not design this server to be used by Linux savvy people.<br />

<br />

<br />

<i>"and since music servers will forever be inter-twinned with some type of of operating system (even if that means we have specialized micro-controllers integrated and/or feeding our DAC's), it behooves those who claim to write with authority on this subject to do their best to elaborate on the details."</i><br />

<br />

<br />

I believe you are referring to me as someone who "claim to write with authority on this subject." Please provide example where I claim anything close to that. Also, this is not a Linux article. I am writing an article solely about Linux and music servers, but based on your thoughts provided above I suggest you don't read it. I don't think I can make you happy or satisfy your requirements. I satisfy my own requirements and look out for the readers of CA. <br />

<br />

<br />

<i>"Do we really blame the OS for the failings of the hardware manufacturer?"</i><br />

<br />

Not sure who the "We" is in that sentence. I certainly have never blamed an operating system, Windows, OS X, or any Linux distribution for the failings of a hardware manufacturer. That would be like blaming the iPhone operating system for AT&T's lack of coverage in the U.S. It's nonsensical.<br />

<br />

<i>"Just as the author claims that "There are bits and pieces of outdated user generated documentation all over the Internet...", I feel as I am left to search for the same after reading this article."</i><br />

<br />

I think this is a very healthy response to the article. A reader like yourself with 14 years of Linux experience should never gain all that is to be known from a basic article about a Windows based music server.<br />

<br />

<i>""work with more hardware than any other OS"</i><br />

<br />

I can clarify this statement a bit. Since the article is not about hardware such as SCSI cards, Scanners, Printers, etc... and it is about music servers with audio cards my statement was solely about audio card support (even a subset of audio cards such as Lynx, RME, ESi, Merging). I could have been clearer, but I also think that statement when taken out of context is somewhat misleading.<br />

<br />

<i>"Quite simply, the hardware for the stated purpose of a "pocket server" is overly complicated and expensive."</i><br />

<br />

I can't argue with your opinion, but I do disagree with it. Complication and expense are very subjective and relative terms. I would have loved to include the ASUS card I talked about but the official driver has not been released yet. Sometimes it takes complicated tools to get the best sound. At first a Lynx card may seem complicated but there are numerous CA readers who use these cards without issue and who are not computer savvy people. Some readers can't wait for the Merging Technologies card to become available at a cost of several thousands dollars while other readers want a card that is $29.99. Expense is extremely relative. In addition there are not many cards that satisfy my requirements laid out in the article.<br />

<br />

<i>"Conspicuously missing from the itemized bill of materials is the cost of Windows 7! A cursory search on Newegg.com reveals that the cost of a full retail copy of Windows 7 will cost the audiophile $268 to $291 (Pro vs Ultimate) USD, inflating the cost of the C.A.P.S. even further."</i><br />

<br />

This was certainly an oversight on my part. I do find it interesting that you elected to use the full retail copy of Windows 7 in your example. Not many people who have a computer already will be required to purchase the full retail copy. I just browsed NewEgg where Windows 7 copies start at $75 depending on what the user requires (based on versions of Windows they already own).<br />

<br />

<i>"I would have much rather read a series of article detailing several different versions of music servers that cater to specific needs"</i><br />

<br />

OK nobody can argue with what you would rather have read.<br />

<br />

<i>"the pocket server could have been a small PC Engines ALIX, or the Intel mentioned mentioned in the article, that is focused on feeding a high quality USB or Firewire DAC."</i><br />

<br />

The pocket server could certainly have been a small ALIX based board but it would not have met my requirements at all. In fact people using a USB or FireWire DAC can simply eliminate the Lynx card and be on their way. Not rocket science but I understand the need to ask such a question.<br />

<br />

<i>"Just as specific audiophiles have different needs when it comes to particular pieces of gear (guys with bigs rooms and full range speakers vs. the mini-monitor near field folk vs. the super sensitive hors geeks), so should the music serve (sic) crowd be catered to."</i><br />

<br />

I think everyone who reads CA agree with you on that statement. I also think nobody who reads CA would ever like to see a single 100 page article that caters to every single need of the music server crowd. If you browse around this site you will see a number of different builds that cater to various needs of audiophiles and music loving readers.

So there you have it!<br />

<br />

Thanks Chris. Russ

Someone takes their Linux love way too serious. While I am no Linux expert I do play with it from time to time. Their driver support for servers and basic desktop configurations is fabulous, but overall better than Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 is debatable.<br />

<br />

I think all modern operating systems do a great job with built-in driver support, and after installing Windows 7 on half a dozen different configurations I have had no problems with it finding or using built-in drivers. As for 2008 and 2008 R2...I have installed those hundreds of times and have yet to have a driver issue no matter how old or new the hardware is. I still install the OEM drivers over the built-in drivers, but that is for support reasons (OEMs will often refuse support unless you use their authorized drivers and firmware).<br />

<br />

Furthermore, when building a new system you don't have to buy full retail of Win7. The OEM or "System Builder" version is what you want. The only difference between retail and system builder is the level of support included from Microsoft. But then if you are savvy enough to build your own system from scratch chances are you don't need support from Microsoft, so who cares. The Windows 7 upgrade path can be used as well.<br />

<br />

And lastly, you absolutely do not need Professional or Ultimate editions for a music server or even and HTPC. Home Premium is all you need, which is $105 from NewEgg is system builder form.<br />

<br />

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116754&cm_re=windows_7_system_builder-_-32-116-754-_-Product<br />

<br />

"Someone takes their Linux love way too serious."<br />

<br />

Please, let's avoid this type of personal comment. We've all seen on other forums how words like these can quickly lower the level of discourse.<br />

<br />

thanks<br />

clay<br />

<br />

<br />

No offense was meant towards anyone. I prefer Windows but I have no qualms with Linux or those who use it as their preferred operating system. I don't feel a need to be overly passionate about any operating system, nor become offended by those who prefer one over the other. They all have their purposes and places in the computing world.<br />

<br />

I apologize if my opening remark was offensive to anyone.

OK, Chris, so I am trying to figure out how to put together this network attached storage system. Here's the product list I am thinking of at the moment:<br />

<br />

Thecus N7700, as you suggested:<br />

http://www.eaegis.com/thecusn77007baynasstorage.aspx<br />

Price is $864.92 delivered<br />

<br />

Five 1.5TB drives, 32 MB cache, 7,200 RPM, SATA interface -- I am assuming at RAID5, this would provide 6+TB of storage after configuration, allowing for one drive at a time to fail. Not sure about these other file systems (zfs), but I guess that the "standard" ext3 (whatever that really is) works for under 8TB anyway. I am thinking of two different Seagate drives, but don't know which would be better:<br />

<br />

1. Seagate ST31500341AS 1.5TB drive<br />

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00066IJPQ/ref=asc_df_B00066IJPQ1041123?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=googlecom09c9-20&linkCode=asn&creative=380341&creativeASIN=B00066IJPQ<br />

Price is $114.99 delivered<br />

OR<br />

<br />

2. Seagate ST315005N1A1AS-RK 1.5TB drive<br />

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/592354-REG/Seagate_ST315005N1A1AS_RK_1_5TB_Barracuda_SATA_Hard.html<br />

Price is $134.99 delivered<br />

<br />

I would place the unit in a back room in my basement, from where I do have a CAT5 run to the area of my main audio/video system. However, I don't have a hard wired link from there to my router to allow access in the rest of my house, and over the internet through my Logmein/Orb connections, so I need to use either a Powerline or wireless option. It looks like reviewers are still suggesting that wireless is faster than Powerline, so I am thinking of a wireless N network adaptor to match the rest of my network devices:<br />

<br />

Linksys WUSB600N 802.11n wireless network adaptor http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124278<br />

Price is $62.96 delivered<br />

<br />

I would like the NAS to be able to serve up not only audio up to 24/192, but also video up to 1080p. Of course, I don't know if that would affect the choice of Powerline vs. wireless n networking for the non-Cat5 usage.<br />

<br />

I have my music currently stored across six different hard drives and my Winamp and iTunes playlists therefore point to different physical drives to function. I am wondering if I can set up the Thecus device to act as a virtual server, partitioned virtually so as to replicate the existing physical drives so that my players will continue to see the same drive letter associated with the playlists. I see that VMWare offers its VMware Server product for free http://www.vmware.com/products/server/faqs.html, so I'm wondering if that would actually work for this application.<br />

<br />

And how to actually configure this all up is currently beyond my understanding, so some step-by-step advice would be great.<br />

<br />

Whew! A lot to take on at once. Thanks in advance. JCR

It's a shame so many audiophile sites move away from budget priced items for servers. I suppose the average age is likely higher among people here because the sheer cost of this hobby demands a certain level of income. Almost every server here talks about that lynx card in the computer which is typically double the price of the entire computer itself. The linux part intrigued me, but the glossing over on voyage linux wasn't very informative. I did enjoy seeing a bit more discussion on specific computer components used in the computer. The mobo looks very interesting, as a more functional alternative to that alix board that nyc speaks of all the time. <br />

<br />

I'm not sure why you feel the need to cater to the largely Mac/PC and ignore linux. It's not that much harder than some of the stuff people are asked to do in windows/mac with respect to music. It sounds like you enjoy using linux and are knowledgable about computers, so why would you not put up a few more linux articles and maybe bring in different folks to add to the websites base. My only two alternatives for sites are the audio asylum that caters to an extreme level of tweaking, and this site that talks more about the lynx/julia card combined with mac or pc (using a bloated software like jmedia, itunes, etc).

Hi IamKirk - I am a big fan of the Lynx card because of its performance and nothing else. I would love to see a two channel version for far less money or to recommend many more audio cards if I thought they were just as capable. Fortunately the ASUS card is looking really good right now. I certainly did gloss over Voyage Linux in this article. It simply wasn't the main subject and I didn't want to get off topic talking about an operating system I did not select for this server. Future Linux articles are certainly planned. I do disagree with your comment, "[Linux is] not that much harder than some of the stuff people are asked to do in windows/mac with respect to music." There are a couple main issues. People are not familiar with Linux so it's like a completely different language to many. In addition it's really hard, if not impossible, for readers to purchase an off-the-shelf Linux solution that will work as a high end music server. Yes there are options but when the rubber hits the road most users will get stuck on something as simple as unzipping a file, installing a different playback application, or getting their existing monitor to work correctly. Personally I don't have a problem doing this and I'm sure a lot of readers don't either. But, this article was really not meant for Linux. Those articles are coming on a later date.<br />

<br />

I am a huge fan of Linux and let it be known at RMAF on the computer audio panel. I did take heat for what I said, but I stand behind it 100%. Each operating system has its place. <br />

<br />

Thanks for the thoughts.

Chris,<br />

<br />

Thanks very much for this. I'm going to do it. But I'd really like to have four gigs of memory, particularly with Windows 7. <br />

<br />

Would either of these boards do instead of the D945GSEJT?<br />

<br />

http://www.logicsupply.com/search?search_string=D510MO&search_in_description=on&x=7&y=7&page=1<br />

<br />

-- Daniel

<br />

"Those articles are coming on a later date.<br />

<br />

I am a huge fan of Linux and let it be known at RMAF on the computer audio panel. I did take heat for what I said, but I stand behind it 100%. Each operating system has its place."<br />

<br />

Thanks Chris, I"m looking forward to Linux information, as are others apparently.<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

Clay

Hi Daniel - There are a couple reasons I would not use the motherboard you linked to in your comment. Remember this is just why I wouldn't use it, not anyone else unless they agree with me :~)<br />

<br />

1. It required a standard computer power supply connected via 24 pin connector. This means spinning fans 99% of the time and noise.<br />

<br />

2. The processor heat sink appears really tall. This would likely hinder mounting a Lynx card in the horizontal PCI riser slot.

Daniel,<br />

<br />

I am looking to build something with similar requirements. <br />

<br />

In addition to the board you mentioned I have been looking at the Zotac ION boards. They have at least two versions that are passively cooled and accept up to 4 GB of RAM. Based on the reviews I read they appear to be built with better quality parts than the Intel boards but they use more power, have a PCIe slot but do not have a PCI slot.<br />

<br />

Item Audio has a page on building a music server using a Zotac ION board in which they make some good points. Here is a link to the page: http://www.itemaudio.co.uk/media_server_pc.html <br />

<br />

Zotac is rumored to be releasing a board based on the ION2 chipset in March 2010 which will use even less power and provide more features.<br />

<br />

I'm really interested in the new Zotac Synergy boards, too, which come with a single PCIe slot, BluRay capable video, and no SPDIF (only HDMI).<br />

<br />

I know Chris feels that a good PCIe card and driver is a better way to go than the onboard coaxial and stock Realtek or Nvidia drivers, and I wonder how much of the advantage conveyed to the Lynx card in his audition had to do with the AES/EBU breakout lead.<br />

<br />

Only very recently did I pick upon Genesis' recommendations for a music server (digital audio transport), in which a dual-core processor is reckoned to sound better than a single core, for reasons unexplained. This week, we'll be buying and auditioning single and dual-core versions of the Zotac Synergy board to run with the Asus Xonar STX or Lynx card, running Linux and W7, with a view to determining an optimal setup.