Budget Audiophile Server/Renderer Options?

[timequest]

Is it truly necessary to spend a significant deal of cash on a server in order to get great music from an already great DAC? I want to trade my 'PS Audio PWDII/Bridge' for the new PS Audio 'Direct Stream.' My music library consists of Redbook and hi-rez PCM files in Flac and Wav stored on a 2TB hard drive (I will definitely want to be able to stream DSD files too). I want to stream from my hard drive directly to the Direct Stream. Since the current Bridge does not accommodate gapless (and for other reasons), I prefer not to go that route.......and the 'Bridge II' hasn't seen the light of day.

 

For me, budget is a significant factor. I won't be able to purchase one of those great looking audiophile servers. I do not, however, want to impede sound quality (or the potential for better sound quality). Are there some reasonably priced (i.e.: under $600.00) options that are recommended by 'computer audiophiles?'

 

Thank you.

[esimms86]

The Auralic Aries Mini for $399. Should be available in september.

 

http://www.audiostream.com/content/auralic-ariesmini

 

 

Esau

[Audio_ELF]

Any interest in the BeagleBone Black or Raspberry Pi options Chris played around with?

[rn701]

Asus or Lenovo small form factor PC, about $250, plus JRiver, about $50.

[Paul R]

A basic Mac Mini and JRMC would do a great job there for you. As would an Intel NUC, though you would need to add in a SSD and some memory. Check out the links for more information on each device.

[MikePM]

In addition to Chris' take on the Raspberry Pi streamer, you might look at the recipe described over at Confessions of a Part Time Audiophile which adds a linear power supply and uses the Linux based Moode software to run it - all for under $200.

 

Review: Raspberry Pi 2 as Music Streamer | Confessions of a Part-Time Audiophile

[timequest]

Wow! Excellent answers. Thank you all. That Auralic Aries Mini for $399 looks perfect! I am anxious to learn more about this product!!

 

Thanks again.

 

_Ben

[tony22]

This may have already been discussed in another thread, but has anyone made an I2S output for the Raspberry Pi with its own precision clock?

[melomaniac]

As cute as the Pi boards are, I think many audiophiles have grown used to the range of options and implementation quality of devices like the Logitech Transporter - several digital inputs, balanced outputs, high quality DAC, versatile use...

 

But in the meantime, even as my (original, not SE) Transporter still runs fine, I have grown worried about what should eventually replace it. So far I have no real candidates in mind...

[firedog]

SOtM mini server (recently discontinued) would fit the bill if you can find one used. I'd keep an eye on SOtM, they will probably come out with something similar. The Sonore Sonic Orbiter would also fit the bill, but it is a little above your budget.

[tony22]

I just found out my DAC needs the Master Clock from an I2S server in order for the client side on the DAC to work properly. Near as I can make out that means the Pi even in its latest form is a no-go.

 

For me, a SOTA server with Ethernet in and I2S out (DAC not needed) would be great, assuming it could handle up to DXD / DSD128.