Building a DIY Music Server

[Nenon]

12 minutes ago, ASRMichael said:

@Nenon Is the plan to have separate case for V2 & V3 unregulated LPS? If so will the dimensions of the Taiko now change to a smaller footprint? Enough to cater for full ATX mobo & Taiko ATX?

 

The Taiko chassis will remain the same large size. We can figure out how things fit inside later. The idea is to have an all purpose / no compromise chassis for DIY experiments (or to be able to build a dual CPU Asus SAGE server). 

I would like to have the unregulated power supply right next to the Taiko ATX with very short cables in my build. The only downside of that is having a transformer in the same chassis as the motherboard. That was always audible in my past experiments. But according to Emile there are ways to take care of that, and that's something I will be consulting with him on. 

It's nice to have a one chassis server again... haven't had that in a long time. 

[seeteeyou]

On 6/9/2021 at 6:10 AM, LTG2010 said:

I remember reading that the JCAT XE was modified to work on Extreme, something with the power supply. After this mod the transparency increased substantially(over sage usb port) according to Emile. Don't know what the mod was? but it might be an option for JCAT and Taiko dc- atx/ Sage users, since the Taiko USB is not available.

 

FYI - it's only mentioned here but no in-depth information seemed to be available

 

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/taiko-audio-sgm-extreme-the-crème-de-la-crème.27433/page-248#post-681482

Quote

It did provide a noticeable improvement in transparency after a modification to work from the Extreme's internal power supply.

 

And then it's interesting to read this from the same reply, in addition to another similar one afterwards

 

Quote

Internally powered does a better job, but of course it's designed to work best that way (not a fan of external power supplies with separated ground planes btw). It needs both 5V and 12V.

 

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/taiko-audio-sgm-extreme-the-crème-de-la-crème.27433/page-277#post-697090

Quote

It's designed to perform very well as a single supply. Of course you could use two, but there are considerable downsides to having 2 separated power supply ground planes powering circuits with a common ground plane. All sorts of undesirable things can happen.

 

---

 

That reminded me something about an externally powered JCAT NET Card FEMTO versus an internally powered Solarflare SFN8522

 

https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/58164-building-a-diy-music-server/page/62/?tab=comments#comment-1102227  

On 1/13/2021 at 8:56 PM, StreamFidelity said:

The JCAT NET Card FEMTO is well behind Solarflare. I don't have the XE version.

 

https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/58164-building-a-diy-music-server/page/63/?tab=comments#comment-1102261

On 1/13/2021 at 10:53 PM, StreamFidelity said:

Yes, with the JCAT Optimo 3 Duo. An absolutely excellent LPS. And yet, powered by the motherboard, the Solarflare 8522 card is so much better.

 

---

 

BTW, I just posted something about the ultra low latency of Ethernet cards from NVIDIA Mellanox / AMD Xilinx Solarflare etc. versus relatively high latency of network components with RJ-45 connectors here

 

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/taiko-audio-sgm-extreme-the-crème-de-la-crème.27433/page-382#post-727348

[seeteeyou]

On 9/16/2020 at 1:25 AM, Nenon said:

Software changes on this computer make almost as much difference as a clock. I keep tweaking it and it keeps sounding better and better. The last experiment I've done, inspired by @austinpop and @romaz was to install HQplayer with affinities on one CPU and NAA with affinities to the other CPU. It's good to have two processors! I also created a loopback interface with ipv6. And I used ipv6 via the loopback interface to stream from the HQP to NAA.

 

https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/58514-diy-project-high-performance-audio-pc-with-high-quality-wiring/page/11/?tab=comments#comment-1088648

On 11/9/2020 at 4:38 AM, Nenon said:

Thank you for the report. Solarflare NICs are widely used in the financial sector where low latency is a key. I've used thousands of them and always had it on my list to try one on my server (i.e. the 8000 series in particular).

 

Since Solarflare cards should be more Linux-friendly, what's your viewpoint on these hardware offloading features offered by the Windows driver (i.e. WinOF-2) from NVIDIA Mellanox?

 

https://docs.mellanox.com/display/winof2v26051000/Virtualization

• Hyper-V with VMQ
• Single Root I/O Virtualization (SR-IOV)
• VF’s DHCP Redirections
• Virtual Machine Multiple Queue (VMMQ)
• Network Direct Kernel Provider Interface
• PacketDirect Provider Interface
• Data Plane Development Kit (DPDK)

https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/Socket3647/WS_C621E_SAGE/Manual/E15242_WS_C621E_SAGE_UM_V5_WEB.pdf#page=75

Quote

This option enables or disables Single Root IO Virtualization Support if the system has SRIOV capable PCIe devices.

 

In order to take advantage of the powerful ASIC with ultra low latency, does Hyper-V Virtual Switch actually make sense if we're giving VM access only to the primary CPU so that network traffic between HQP and NAA could be handled by NVIDIA Mellanox instead of the loopback interface?

 

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/virtualization/hyper-v-virtual-switch/hyper-v-virtual-switch

 

FYI - here's something available that could be useful

 

https://pastebin.com/raw/xJ1Beus5

https://forums.mydigitallife.net/threads/windows-editions-reconstruction-project.80939/page-30#post-1621129

Quote

17763.1 Hyper-V Server 2019 Desktop Experience

 

17763.1_Hyper-V_Server_2019_Desktop_Experience.zip
SHA1: 935ACB5744E7AEDAB99767B313F53EACE924C564

https://www.mediafire.com/file/zy0yhrpswzof9pm/17763.1_Hyper-V_Server_2019_Desktop_Experience.zip/file

 

17763.1_Hyper-V_Server_2019_Desktop_Experience_Full.zip
SHA1: D461D16DFEC85C59B7E35DBF1E74197F23A3224F

https://www.mediafire.com/file/spzt9fpekjdrx7g/17763.1_Hyper-V_Server_2019_Desktop_Experience_Full.zip/file

 

[HowTo]

 

1. Extract 17763.1_Hyper-V_Server_2019_Desktop_Experience.zip.

 

2. Export install.wim of ServerDatacenter to 17763.1_Hyper-V_Server_2019_Desktop_Experience folder.

 

PS.
Index 4 of xx_windows_server_2019_x64_dvd_xxxxxxxx.iso.

 

3. Extract content of Server language pack to 17763.1_Hyper-V_Server_2019_Desktop_Experience\lp folder.

 

4. Run Start-As-Admin.cmd as Administrator.

 

Remin project notes

https://pastebin.com/raw/VEsWDQpc

https://osg.wiki/books/servicing/page/remin-project-notes

https://twitter.com/npc_dyna/status/1366413867266564102

[seeteeyou]

Well, this game really is all about hedonic treadmill and just wondering if this guy were actually superior to SGM Extreme?

 

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/new-wadax-atlantis-reference-dac.27860/page-16#post-725420

Quote

By the way my DAC has been playing for about 2 weeks or so and I cant describe what it is doing. Everything you thought you knew and assumed about digital is just wrong. The ability to put images in space and allow the listener to hear the music and the spaces between the notes is other worldly. Wadax has IMHO has not just pushed the envelope they tore it up! Listening is believing. I called Oliver Göbel last week and my words to him were simply you have not heard what a Divin Marquis is capable of until you hear it with this.

I am really having a hard time walking out of that room even for lunch or to go home at night.

 

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/new-wadax-atlantis-reference-dac.27860/page-16#post-727271

Quote

The server is running and playing overnight. First impression of the whole system is just SICK.
Every time I walk in there I loose time and walk out like I had smoked a bowl of hash.
This is something every music lover should experience. It is not priced for everyone I am very aware of that but it is TRULY a statement item.

 

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/new-wadax-atlantis-reference-dac.27860/page-16#post-725397

Quote

US price is 59,000 for the server

 

Yet another paradigm shift or something?

 

https://www.audioexotics.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/TAS-Wadax.pdf#page=13

 

Given the size of Wadax, it wouldn't be all that surprising if both DAC and Server were based on an ASIC that's manufactured by Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

 

https://www.audioexotics.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/473_Wadax_Atlantis-Reference-DAC.pdf#page=6

Quote

Javier 自己開發了一份名為 musIC 在時域操作的前饋（Feed-forward）修正處理線路，芯片是委託日本松下電器代為獨家生產

 

If that were the case, in theory maybe there's no way for general-purpose CPUs to compete with something like that?

 

In other words, even having a so-called "perfect" motherboard etc. could only get us so far IMHO.

[genvirt]

Hi!

After one month and a half of break in on my shelf:) Today I’m finally mounted Taiko ATX on my PC.

Taiko atx took place instead of my HDPlex 800, that work couple of month and I really liked the sound till Taiko comes...

Mmm...  It’s just better, really it’s not my “new toy placebo effect comes out”, improvement was reported here not once, but now I can say it too - straight out the PC starts sounding more airy (I was missed it a bit), deeper  clearer, stage came forward. Can’t tested it really in a deep way and surely here is some break in, but for this moment I’m really like an love the result.

Some pics added.

 

 

[MarcelNL]

I finally found an AM4 socket heatpipe adapter in copper and it arrived

 

Now only to find a suitable heat sink to connect it to and build a case to fit everything in....and likely something to replace the heatsink on the Xilinx card as that thing gets incredibly hot with the current weather.

 

[MarcelNL]

@genvirt What did you use before the HDPLEX 800? And what did you feed it with? 

[genvirt]

6 hours ago, MarcelNL said:

I finally found an AM4 socket heatpipe adapter in copper and it arrived

 

Now only to find a suitable heat sink to connect it to and build a case to fit everything in....and likely something to replace the heatsink on the Xilinx card as that thing gets incredibly hot with the current weather.

Try this one https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000107291369.html

I ordered this and modded , a bit ugly - but working:)

 

[genvirt]

2 hours ago, MarcelNL said:

@genvirt What did you use before the HDPLEX 800? And what did you feed it with? 

I started to feed HDPlex 800 with 200 ac-dc while I was on build my SJ based DIY LPS.

[RickyV]

On 6/17/2021 at 5:15 PM, seeteeyou said:

Well, this game really is all about hedonic treadmill and just wondering if this guy were actually superior to SGM Extreme?

 

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/new-wadax-atlantis-reference-dac.27860/page-16#post-725420

 

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/new-wadax-atlantis-reference-dac.27860/page-16#post-727271

 

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/new-wadax-atlantis-reference-dac.27860/page-16#post-725397

 

Yet another paradigm shift or something?

 

https://www.audioexotics.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/TAS-Wadax.pdf#page=13

 

Given the size of Wadax, it wouldn't be all that surprising if both DAC and Server were based on an ASIC that's manufactured by Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

 

https://www.audioexotics.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/473_Wadax_Atlantis-Reference-DAC.pdf#page=6

 

If that were the case, in theory maybe there's no way for general-purpose CPUs to compete with something like that?

 

In other words, even having a so-called "perfect" motherboard etc. could only get us so far IMHO.

If I had the money I wouldn’t buy Wadax those cabinets are really really ugly and way to big. I think you have be Russian to appreciate that style. 

[MarcelNL]

40 minutes ago, genvirt said:

Try this one https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000107291369.html

I ordered this and modded , a bit ugly - but working:)

 

For the Xilinx card or the CPU? think that I have the CPU covered.

[genvirt]

5 hours ago, MarcelNL said:

For the Xilinx card or the CPU? think that I have the CPU covered.

I thought You need it for adding to pipe holder (like I did). sorry for misunderstanding .

.

[hols]

Recently I have ordered a Taiko DC DC-ATX to replace my HDplex 800W DC-ATX to power my i9 9900K and Asus Rog Strix z490 E mobo with 8Tb Samsung 970 EVO nvme on a PCIe card requiring SATA power supply. And I am having problem to power up the 8Tb nvme with the SATA power from the Taiko DC DC ATX.  I can power the system up if I use a separate Teradak linear power supply to provide 12v and 5v SATA power supply to the nvme PCIe card. If I use the SATA from Taiko DC DC ATX then it cannot power up. Is it possible that the SATA power supply from the Taiko DC DC ATX is not powerful enough to power 8Tb nvme? Or is my Taiko DC DCATX having problem?

 

I used 16AWG hook up wires to make the SATA cable for the Taiko DC DCATX and I have checked three times that the pins out are correct.

I used a local deigned and made LPS with 1000VA transformer with 2 x 19V to power the HDplex 800W and now using one 19v to power the Taiko DC DCATX.

[MarcelNL]

14 hours ago, genvirt said:

I thought You need it for adding to pipe holder (like I did). sorry for misunderstanding .

.

No sweat, it's just that I do not fully understand what you meant to say...I have a set of heatpipes and clamps for the CPU and am thinking about a larger heatsink for the Xilinx card but am not sure if there is a real risk of damaging anything when removing the stock heatsink...

 

BTW: I removed some stuff from the bottom of the (open) case and the airflow to the xilinx card is def. better, temp dropped by 5-7 'C

[MarcelNL]

2 hours ago, hols said:

Recently I have ordered a Taiko DC DC-ATX to replace my HDplex 800W DC-ATX to power my i9 9900K and Asus Rog Strix z490 E mobo with 8Tb Samsung 970 EVO nvme on a PCIe card requiring SATA power supply. And I am having problem to power up the 8Tb nvme with the SATA power from the Taiko DC DC ATX.  I can power the system up if I use a separate Teradak linear power supply to provide 12v and 5v SATA power supply to the nvme PCIe card. If I use the SATA from Taiko DC DC ATX then it cannot power up. Is it possible that the SATA power supply from the Taiko DC DC ATX is not powerful enough to power 8Tb nvme? Or is my Taiko DC DCATX having problem?

 

I used 16AWG hook up wires to make the SATA cable for the Taiko DC DCATX and I have checked three times that the pins out are correct.

I used a local deigned and made LPS with 1000VA transformer with 2 x 19V to power the HDplex 800W and now using one 19v to power the Taiko DC DCATX.

That makes 25 amps or so for each 19V winding, does it work if you switch on the NMVME a tad later than the MOBO?

 

What is the power draw of that * Tb monster? I see a Sabrent Rocket uses like 6Watt for a 50Gb copy, and is drawing 400mA when idle...hardly earth shattering amounts of power.

[MarcelNL]

the issue may be that the power left in one 19V section is not enough to start up your MOBO?

[MarcelNL]

I just added a linear PSU to my network switch...something that was low on the list of 'to do' stuff...but should have been higher up!

 

[auricgoldfinger]

In case anyone is looking to pick up some discounted storage:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RK2SR23/?coliid=I31D3R5SE7P2SZ&colid=1O2O3N2HH23ZK&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

Amazon Prime Day deal

[Gavin1977]

I have returned my HDPlex 500w linear.  Good customer service from Larry, but I waited a year for it to become available and the product just isn't up to scratch at the moment.

 

Anyone got any alternatives for me?

[ASRMichael]

2 minutes ago, Gavin1977 said:

I have returned my HDPlex 500w linear.  Good customer service from Larry, but I waited a year for it to become available and the product just isn't up to scratch at the moment.

 

Anyone got any alternatives for me?

All about budget. Taiko ATX & Sean Jacobs DC3? That’s what I’m using! Hence the response! 👍

[Gavin1977]

Indeed - I'd like to keep it around £1000 in total.  Taiko ATX would blow the budget to start off with and that's why I've been holding back.

 

I presently have a Corsair SFX750 - performs very well.  VRM on my Maximum IX Apex might well be helping.  My feeling is that NUCs are very much more sensitive to power, due to their more economical VRM, the PH SR5 gave a really nice boost in this case - I only witnessed a subtle boost in performance with the HDPlex 500w to the Apex.  The Apex is a v.good board, even the motherboard USB ports are pretty darn good for supplying your DAC.

 

My custom server (following the guidance given here on audiophilestyle) sounds very much like an Innuos Zenith - I have compared back to back - slight lack of delicacy compared to using a sean jacobs (I also know this because I've listened to the Phoenix and known sean jacob power supply 'character') but its livable. 

 

I just hate having the SFX power brick hanging off the back of my HDPlex chassis - was only meant to be temporary.

[Topk]

On 6/23/2021 at 10:27 PM, Gavin1977 said:

I have returned my HDPlex 500w linear.  Good customer service from Larry, but I waited a year for it to become available and the product just isn't up to scratch at the moment.

 

Anyone got any alternatives for me?

Same experience with me. Didn’t like the HDplex 500W. Performance was very disappointing. I like a trio of Keces P8. Alternatively, Teradak but only if you like a sound on the “harder” side of things.

[Exocer]

Brief update on the 4-wire EPS cable: If you have the 4-pin eps input on your motherboard and you only have the 8-pin EPS cable connected from your Taiko DC-ATX then I recommend you obtain a matching 4-wire EPS cable. The difference for me is not night/day but still worthwhile. I can't quite put my finger on what the difference was other than more "fullness" of sound.

 

I did not let the 4-wire EPS cable break in before making other changes in my system resulting in a far more drastic impact (in a good way).

[genvirt]

1 hour ago, Exocer said:

Brief update on the 4-wire EPS cable: If you have the 4-pin eps input on your motherboard and you only have the 8-pin EPS cable connected from your Taiko DC-ATX then I recommend you obtain a matching 4-wire EPS cable. The difference for me is not night/day but still worthwhile. I can't quite put my finger on what the difference was other than more "fullness" of sound.

 

I did not let the 4-wire EPS cable break in before making other changes in my system resulting in a far more drastic impact (in a good way).

Maybe I messed something in the thread prior, but I think this is have  some benefits if using both 8 and 4 wire connection from Taiko, if 8 ESP comes from external LPS here is possible misbalance power applying, no?

[Exocer]

12 minutes ago, genvirt said:

Maybe I messed something in the thread prior, but I think this is have  some benefits if using both 8 and 4 wire connection from Taiko, if 8 ESP comes from external LPS here is possible misbalance power applying, no?

 

My test was conducted to confirm if there are benefits in connecting the 8pin and 4pin EPS from the Taiko to the motherboard. No additional external LPSs were involved in this test. Only 1 19v PH SR7T rail was used. 

 

Here is the comparison:

1. 1 8 wire EPS cable from Taiko to motherboard EPS 8 pin input.

2. 1 8 wire EPS cable from Taiko + 1 4 wire cable to the 8 and 4 pin EPS inputs.

 

Scenario 2 was better than 1 per my ears/setup but not to a significant degree. Worthwhile for sure though.

 

Others have tested connecting two separate but similar/identical LPS's to the 8 pin and 4 pin EPS inputs with great success.