Building a DIY Music Server

[Soul Analogue]

So my improved AMD EPYC build has almost been completed..

 

This is a shot of discrete regulators inside the main chassis

And a shot of the regulators under testing

[Gavin1977]

Apologies if this has come up before....

 

I am just thinking that if you install USB and network PCIe cards which are externally powered by a linear power supply and they only use PCIe lanes which are direct to CPU, then is the quality of ATX power really that important anymore?  Could it be that just powering just the CPU EPS with a really high quality 12v linear is the most important aspect in this scenario?

 

I guess the downside of doing linear to EPS only would be that the memory and any storage that goes through the motherboard chipset wouldn't benefit.  Is this is only downside?

[seeteeyou]

https://www.xingcore.com/resource/XingCore_UsbAudio_v4.86.0.exe

 

https://www.xingcore.com/?page_id=12

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PCM 1.536MHz (bi-stream)

 

FYI - just found this alternative for Chord fans (without the blessings of Thesycon U-HEAR / XMOS) who might benefit from this potential solution — it could still get a chance to take advantage of the custom ASIO driver from Taiko Audio

 

https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/digital-line-level/361176-purchase-usb-i2s-converter-2.html#post6373052

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You see, I am not theorizing. I bought several (well, more than several) USB boards to evaluate. Same for dac boards. Reverse engineer most of them, sketching out circuits from following traces and ringing out connections with a meter. Many listening tests performed too. After enough time and effort invested, one gets to know a lot about how dacs, USB boards, etc. are designed just by looking at at pictures of them.

 

https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/digital-line-level/361176-purchase-usb-i2s-converter.html#post6366228

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Best sound quality I have found is either I2SoverUSB or the latest Chinese USB board with Accusilicon clocks. The latter board can be found at: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001033056460.html

Also, JL Sounds makes an optional oscillator board that allow use of alternative clocks with I2SoverUSB. There are clock footprints that can work with Crystek 975 or the large case size Accusilicon AS318-B.

 

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/singxer-su-6.902272/page-25#post-15997150

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I'm now using this new board with the most expensive clocks option. Denafrips actually licenses the XING hardware. It's easily one of the best DDC I've had.

 

I guess that latest Chinese USB board could be somehow mounted next to the Taiko USB card? Though we still have to convert its I²S output into DX outputs (i.e. 16fs) and here's another example with ComTrue CT7601

 

https://audiowise-canada.myshopify.com/products/src-dx-usb-to-dual-spdif-interface

 

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Owners of other non-Thesycon / non-XMOS DACs with an I²S input might also consider going that route by adding BridgePi + FifoPi + TransportPi (or HDMIpi)

 

https://github.com/iancanada/DocumentDownload/tree/master/Adapters/BridgePi

https://github.com/iancanada/DocumentDownload/tree/master/FifoPi

https://github.com/iancanada/DocumentDownload/tree/master/TransportPi

https://github.com/iancanada/DocumentDownload/tree/master/HDMIpi

[seeteeyou]

FYI - it's pretty hilarious that quite a few copycat switches were "inspired" by this thread below

 

G-Switch auf Basis des Zyxel GS-108B v3
https://www.aktives-hoeren.de/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=11581

 

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https://community.naimaudio.com/t/english-electric-8switch/8345/1095

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Then offer it themselves–with an inexpensive upgraded clock replacing the $0.30 oval crystal–as the Silent Angel Bonn N8 at €400.

 

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They also offer it in a nicer case to other manufacturers, still with exact same circuits and clock. Here it is as the Nuprime Omnia SW-8 at €499

 

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And then as here it is branded by English Electric as the 8Switch
£450 (note currency change & difference) but ships with a 0.75m C-Stream cable worth £40.

 

https://community.roonlabs.com/t/value-of-audiophile-network-switches/129611/207

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It is actually the same as a ZYXEL GS-108B v3, and many many more.

ThunderData is a small OEM manufacturer in Guangdong, China. They designed a basic switch. Here is the board. It is pretty simple, nothing fancy, probably not more than about $30 assembled.

 

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OTOH, his €4,165 JCAT M12 Switch Gold might not be necessary anymore

 

https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/30376-a-novel-way-to-massively-improve-the-sq-of-computer-audio-streaming/page/656/?tab=comments#comment-1053701

On 5/22/2020 at 3:11 PM, darkfrank said:

I must say that even I'm already using the Telegartner M12 switch, by using ROON to play local file only, unplug the network cable still improve the SQ for about ~20%.

 

https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/61249-the-ultimate-network-solution/?tab=comments#comment-1108489

On 2/10/2021 at 10:43 AM, darkfrank said:

Yes, I tried this method and its the best method that SQ is almost as same as to unplug the network cable.

Since I only play local files, I installed a second JCAT Femto net card on my normal PC, enter a separate subnet other then the Internet and connect to my server though a Lan cable. Install the ROON remote on this normal PC, create a pair of .bat file to enable network adapter>start ROON UI, select songs as usual, then click another .bat file to kill ROON process and disable network adapter.

 

http://www.headphoneclub.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=737776&page=5#pid5303362

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小弟現在已經連交換機都不需要用了，買了一個貝爾金的Lightning轉RJ45轉換器，直接從專機JCAT網卡拉網線到轉換器上，再通過一根2米的Lightning線接到IPad/Iphone上作遙控。
這樣你手機選完歌后扔一旁，立刻就自動斷網了，干擾為零
聲音嘛，明顯比接上M12的時候更通透純淨，少了一層紗霧，也去掉了接上網絡周邊時線電、電源線、接地等帶來的各種附加染色。

 

http://www.headphoneclub.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=737776&page=5#pid5304013

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由於iphone/ipad待機的時候會把外設斷電，所以轉接器甚本上是處於關掉的狀態。
就算不拔那根Lighting線，在Windows上的網卡上顯示為斷開
聽感上拔掉心理作用上會好點，但實際應該沒啥區別

 

Once M12 Switch Gold was gone, it's obvious to notice the increased transparency / purity of the sound. There's one less layer of fog, while getting rid of the coloring of PSUs / power cables / grounding for those network peripheral devices.

 

Basically he simply connected a network cable plus this Belkin adapter to his Apple device and picked some tracks to play from local storage

 

https://www.belkin.com/us/p/P-F8J227/

https://9to5mac.com/2019/02/04/belkin-ethernet-lightning-adapter/

 

Then iOS was put to sleep and the status of JCAT NET Card FEMTO on the other end was changed to "Disconnected" afterwards.

[NanoSword]

On 2/7/2021 at 6:15 PM, Nenon said:

Unregulated LPS

Due to some traveling and supply problems, my tests are going a little slower than anticipated. But I am slowly making progress and have a potential version nearly ready already. If someone has the Asus SAGE motherboard with dual Xeons already and is comfortable soldering some components and building the power supply I have in mind and is willing to work with me on the voicing part (meaning buying a few parts to change and test), please let me know in a PM. I might be able to get you an early unit. There will be a couple available soon. 

Transformers for the unregulated LPS were ordered, and those also take a couple of months. While I may share a simple version of what I am doing prior to the chassis, I would be doing the final voicing after I receive the chassis. 

Hi Ninon,
I am impatiently waiting for your updates about Taiko ATX + Unregulated LPS.

Have you tried it with another server running  Euphony ??

I am sure it will revolutionize the DIY world specially for processors that needs more power .

[Gregory]

On 3/8/2021 at 3:20 AM, Gavin1977 said:

Apologies if this has come up before....

 

I am just thinking that if you install USB and network PCIe cards which are externally powered by a linear power supply and they only use PCIe lanes which are direct to CPU, then is the quality of ATX power really that important anymore?  Could it be that just powering just the CPU EPS with a really high quality 12v linear is the most important aspect in this scenario?

 

I was wondering the same.
Why use  filtering before a component that will generate noise anyway? Seems like a waste.
I'm probably just missing the point: high end server: filter everything :)
 

[seeteeyou]

On 3/5/2021 at 4:07 AM, Nenon said:

Taiko's new USB card:

 

Source: https://whatsbestforum.com/threads/taiko-audio-sgm-extreme-the-crème-de-la-crème.27433/page-325#post-707914

 

 

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/taiko-audio-sgm-extreme-the-crème-de-la-crème.27433/page-329#post-709331

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The retail price has turned out higher then what we originally aimed for at EURO 1600 excluding sales tax where applicable, but I do feel it's performance more than warrants its price tag.

 

I expected that would cost around 2,000 bucks since it should be able to beat everything else out there, and then it's also mighty interesting to read this

 

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I will not disclose specs but it exceeds the performance of a reference OCXO which on its own exceeds the entire USB card retail price, without the use of an oven!

 

PCIe cards don't require an extra USB cable so that's something to be taken into consideration, and then it's also important to pick the right CPU-direct PCIe slot when we're running a pair of Xeon Silver processors.

 

Once we've added that USB card, expensive switches could be replaced by MUCH more affordable ones

 

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An unexpected side effect I did not anticipate is it dramatically changes the equation on the networking side of things. Where we managed to achieve a significantly reduced audibility of network components used in TAS, the USB card changes the equation. My favourite (currently available) switch for example is the Telegartner Gold M12 with its supplied CAT7 network cables, however with the USB card in the Extreme, it deteriorates performance compared to a standard Netgear GS108 switch with a standard CAT5/6 unshielded network cable, muting top end extension, decreasing overall clarity and detail levels and reducing dynamic impact and sound staging abilities.

 

[Gavin1977]

8 hours ago, Gregory said:

 

I was wondering the same.
Why use  filtering before a component that will generate noise anyway? Seems like a waste.
I'm probably just missing the point: high end server: filter everything :)
 

HDPLEX 500w linear now available for preorder, it’s a comparative bargain, so have put my order in... so we will find out.

[Exocer]

7 hours ago, Gavin1977 said:

HDPLEX 500w linear now available for preorder, it’s a comparative bargain, so have put my order in... so we will find out.

Looking forward to your impressions.

 

16 hours ago, Gregory said:

I was wondering the same.
Why use  filtering before a component that will generate noise anyway? Seems like a waste.

I also wondered this. All components generate some noise. From what I gather here, the noise can be "additive" in that if you are adding less noise before the component you will have less noise overall. This will result in better SQ. 

 

 

[Gregory]

7 minutes ago, Exocer said:

I also wondered this. All components generate some noise. From what I gather here, the noise can be "additive" in that if you are adding less noise before the component you will have less noise overall. This will result in better SQ.

I didn't thought about this additive aspect, good point, thanks.

[MarkusBarkus]

...sorry I cannot recall the thread(s), but some have stated that saving your "best" device and perhaps optical "leg" for the end of the line into your dac was the most efficient and effective method of sonic hygiene. 

[Exocer]

1 hour ago, MarkusBarkus said:

...sorry I cannot recall the thread(s), but some have stated that saving your "best" device and perhaps optical "leg" for the end of the line into your dac was the most efficient and effective method of sonic hygiene. 

 

I totally agree. I use my ER (SJ DC3 powered) as an FMC and have it connected to my server via fiber with Finisar SFPs. This was a step in the right direction for my system.

[Gavin1977]

SFN8255 now added - immediate increase in resolution / definition.  Big thanks to everyone and @StreamFidelity for reporting on this one.  Not even broke in yet, but 100% recommended.  With stock Buffalo GS2016 and finisar 1321’s it sounds way better than the EtherRegen I was using prior (again stock, I never got around to trying it with a linear supply).

I gave in and added a fan to the Solarflare  (noctua 40x20mm)... too hot for my liking in a passive system.  Easy to zip tie onto the existing heat sinks, completely inaudible at low rpm even with your ear up to it.  Drivers work fine in Windows LTSC, I will try onload at some point soon.

 

Asus Gene XI also highly recommended... noise floor seems slightly improved and music is smoother.  ASRock Phantom ITX perhaps had slightly more punch, but I think that difference is primarily because my JCAT USB XE is now going through the Z390 chipset rather than direct to CPU and this is maybe sapping dynamics a little.  I will try to evaluate shortly.

[StreamFidelity]

13 hours ago, Gavin1977 said:

SFN8255 now added - immediate increase in resolution / definition.

I assume you mean Solarflare SFN8522?

 

13 hours ago, Gavin1977 said:

Big thanks to everyone and @StreamFidelity for reporting on this one.

You're welcome and I look forward to your positive experience.

 

13 hours ago, Gavin1977 said:

I gave in and added a fan to the Solarflare  (noctua 40x20mm)... too hot for my liking in a passive system.

This is an interesting fan solution. With the new cover, however, it also works without a fan.

 

[Gavin1977]

1 hour ago, StreamFidelity said:

I assume you mean Solarflare SFN8522?

 

Yes, sorry @StreamFidelity it was a typo.  The other thing that strikes me is that you can already anticipate the improvement that will come once I supply linear power to the motherboard as well.  Your setup must sound amazing!

 

I notice that you use the Asus Maximus XI Formula - this seems to be a 4x2 VRM config, whereas the Gene XI is 5x2 - the XI Apex is actually the best for VRM specs 8x2 by what I read (importantly it avoids the use of doublers).  However, the Formula has "a dedicated onboard clock generator that supplies dynamic reference clocks to the CPU cores and major subdomains".  Any idea if this provides any benefit?

 

I also forgot to mention - my comparison with the EtherRegen was based on copper CAT5 only, I never tried it with SFP.  So just bear in mind that my comments are not strictly like-for-like comparison.

[StreamFidelity]

1 hour ago, Gavin1977 said:

However, the Formula has "a dedicated onboard clock generator that supplies dynamic reference clocks to the CPU cores and major subdomains".  Any idea if this provides any benefit?

 

I think it depends on the purpose. With the HQplayer and the EC modulators I need at least 4GHz. Overclocking runs great on the ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula board. I've never had any problems with it.

 

I chose the motherboard because of its very good passive cooling properties. The backplate not only improves stability, but is also responsible for cooling 20 transistors. The Crosschill EK III cooler with copper fins cools the voltage converters and VRM and the ten coils very well even without water.

[ASRMichael]

On 1/13/2021 at 12:56 PM, StreamFidelity said:

 

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

 

 

Yes, I am aware of that. Solarflare is a Diva. 😄

 

I was happy to get it to run well. According to the manual, I have set the network card adapter to the lowest possible latency. Have a look at this: DSD 256 x 48. The sound is fantastic.

 

 

Can OnLoad also be set in Windows? As far as I know, this only works on Linux.

Hi, are you using a switch between your home network & solar? Or going direct? 

[StreamFidelity]

2 hours ago, ASRMichael said:

Hi, are you using a switch between your home network & solar?

 

Yes, this is my current setup:

 

 

At some point I will buy a switch with a SFP connection. One box less. 😄

[MarcelNL]

I just upgraded to an AMD 7 3700x (8cores) CPU on the GB Aorus 570 Elite MB, after a LOT of trouble I got it to work...turns out that the Ghent audio 8Pin Neotech cable I ordered is faulty/incorrectly laid out AND the two sticks of Apacer ECC Ram need to sit one bank....against the MB manual and lettering on the MB where it says A2 and B2 for dual channel using 2 sticks.

 

For now I'm going to give it a listen with both stick of Ram in slot A, probably need to order 2 more, but is there anyone who can shed light on this? is ECC RAM any different or is the MB screwed up? (seen plenty of reports of folks not being able to boot that MB after a new build, wish I knew before...) 

[MarcelNL]

interestingly enough the Bios version I downloaded and installed yesterday to ensure the Mb is compatible with most recent CPU's version F33c is no longer available now 32 is the latest...weird

 

[matthias]

On 3/14/2021 at 5:40 PM, StreamFidelity said:

 

Yes, this is my current setup:

 

 

At some point I will buy a switch with a SFP connection. One box less. 😄

 

Please can you share some details about your FritzBox 6590 mod?

Thanks

 

Matt

[StreamFidelity]

Hi Matt,

 

It is not a commercial modification. Beci does it for members in the German forum. A field report is here: Treffen der Generationen. FritzBox 7390-7530-7590 (Beci). He can be reached via the forum: https://www.open-end-music.com/member/2818-beci.

 

Gabriel

 

[Gavin1977]

I'll be testing the Asus XI Apex shortly.  No iGPU support.  Any PCIe graphics cards people can recommend with HDMI out which is significantly under 75w PCIe limit?

 

I would prefer to leave it in rather than remove it, even when I eventually run headless.  I like the idea of using a USB to HDMI adapted, but these are useless for accessing BIOS.

[matthias]

7 hours ago, StreamFidelity said:

It is not a commercial modification. Beci does it for members in the German forum. A field report is here: Treffen der Generationen. FritzBox 7390-7530-7590 (Beci). He can be reached via the forum: https://www.open-end-music.com/member/2818-beci.

 

Gabriel,

sorry for the OT remark, but I am curious how even the modded Fritzbox cable modems can sound good as ALL use the "bad" Intel Puma chipset.

 

Matt

[AME]

4 hours ago, Gavin1977 said:

I'll be testing the Asus XI Apex shortly.  No iGPU support.  Any PCIe graphics cards people can recommend with HDMI out which is significantly under 75w PCIe limit?

 

I would prefer to leave it in rather than remove it, even when I eventually run headless.  I like the idea of using a USB to HDMI adapted, but these are useless for accessing BIOS.

 

I use the Asus GT710 1Gb, very cheap and uses very little power.