Moneual 972i HTPC

[V7Sport73]

Hello everyone. I’ve been following this site for some time now trying to learn about PC based systems. Just to give you an idea of the equipment I’m running these are some of my components, McIntosh C2300 preamp, McIntosh 501 amplifiers (5), McIntosh MCD1000 and MDA1000, Anthem DV2, Wilson Audio Max II.

I’ve been looking at several music servers trying to select one to add to my system. It seems to me that I can run a PC type system and get close to audiophile type results. I also like the idea that with a PC type system and can update it. I don’t want to pay a fortune for a music server that will be outdated a short time later. I want the system to be able to play internet radio while also having easy access to my music collection. Being able to play movies would also be great but my primary goal is quality sound. I’ve done a lot of looking around at different options. I’m leaning toward the Moneual 972i HTPC www.monshopper.com

 

Just want to know what is everyone thought on this and any suggestions you might have.

 

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

hi V7Sport73 - That looks like a pretty good case. I also recommend cases by OrigenAE. I just got in the M10 case and it's really nice. Here's a link to the OrigenAE site http://www.origenae.com/

 

[V7Sport73]

Thank you for the link to the Origen website. I think the Origen cases are some of the nicest out there. Probably even more desirable than the Moneual. My biggest hold back is that I have no experience with assembling computers from scratch. I don’t have the time to try to figure out all the hardware and software compatibility issues. So at this point I’m leaning toward a pre-built unit like the one Moneual offers. It has the Asus P55 LE motherboard installed with Intel’s i7 860, and the ATI Radeon HD 5770. The one thing I’m not to sure about is the motherboard. It uses Azalia instead of Realtek for the audio output. It supports DTS but I don’t see that it supports DD (not sure if that’s important?). Any thoughts on the Asus motherboard would help. Thanks.

 

[Audio_ELF]

The built in audio will not be an issue for you as for maximum quality you will be wanting to add a card such as Lynx AES16 (or one of the alternatives).

 

Eloise