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Euphony ─ a new embedded, headless OS for music servers. I saw Matrix Audio is working on a music server and it will be running an OS called Euphony. Then I found out a German company just released a server called the Zenion and it also is running Euphony. After a little research I found out Euphony is also sold pre-installed on an SSD drive for DIY builders. So I got one and put it in a little Intel NUC computer to try it out. It required no installation or configuration at all. I just booted the computer and then was able to access the interface with my phone. You have full control of everything using just a web browser from any computer or mobile device on your network. You can go to their site if you want to see all the features and options. The main thing I wanted to share was how surprised I was that it sounds so much better then my windows 10 computer and corresponding playback software(s). I can't explain why, but it absolutely sounds much better ─ at least to me it does. I can guess all day, but that does nobody any good. Hah. Some of it is likely due to having less background processes while the other obvious one would be less components (especially fans) between my two systems ─ a gaming PC and an intel NUC. Some aspects of the sound really stand out to me between playback from Euphony and Windows 10 (using ASIO in my playback software of choice). Right away, the background is more black. I wouldn't say that I had an issue with the noise floor before either as my system is dead silent without humm, buzz, or hiss. The spatial image is noticeably wider, deeper, and taller ─ covering all three of the X,Y, and Z axis ─ which is likely what/why I'm hearing instruments and sounds coming from the darkest depths of the abyss compared to windows which is reproducing a smaller spatial image to work with in direct comparison. Having more space to work with, I find it easier to hear microdetail that can easily be overlooked or missed in manic musical tracks. I don't have to actively listen for the details either as they're simply there even when I'm having a passive listening session whilst multitasking or kind of tired from a long day. I've done a lot of A/B testing and honestly can't go back to windows audio after having heard Euphony ─ at least not for listening to music. "What has been heard cannot be unheard." I've had Euphony on a NUC for a few months now and couldn't recommend it more. I've not tried any competing operating systems or music servers, so take that for what it is. Some other users may have more insight to provide than I can in the coming posts of this thread. Oh ─ before I forget ─ I did most of my A/B comparisons with a PS Audio Dectet Power Conditioner, AudioQuest NRG-X3 AC Power Cables, AudioQuest Carbon USB A─B Cable, Violectric DAC V850, Violectric HPA V280, Audeze LCD-4 (200 Ohm), and ZMF Eikon (Padauk). My source files were primarily redbook 16/44.1 lossless CD rips with a couple of exceptions ─ those being a 24/96 remastered albums and/or TIDAL HiFi streaming (which is now native in Euphony at this present time). TNT Audio Review | HiFi Advice Review
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