How good is your PC/Mac server?

I recently picked up a CompuLab Utilite Pro to experiment with. It is interesting. There is currently a version of Volumio for it and it should also run other player software made for these ARM devices. These devices are basically what are being used in AIO streamers. Signalyst Hqplayer, (I believe Tony use this) has a Linux version.

http://utilite-computer.com/web/utilite-pro-specifications

RE: How good is your PC/Mac server?, posted on April 19, 2014 at 15:19:37

Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012

Uh, been repeatedly saying that here for a long time now..reliance on commercial o/s and consumer grade computers is tail chasing endeavor.

Purpose built for high end audio products are miles ahead.

In just bought a Bryston BDP-2 and will never use another digital source for file playback.

My Naim steamer served me well, but the Bryston, based on the Auraliti architecture, is SOTA.

If you have not auditioned a BDP-2 you have not covered all bases IMO.

100% Google chromecast and chrome OS, posted on April 19, 2014 at 20:26:10
bullethead	Google Chromecast to HDMI to SPDIF converter into a Yaqin DAC-K9 using a tube buffer output stage. Controlled from a Samsung Chromebook. Chromecast is slimmed down linux server, as is the Chrome OS running on both. It is the best IMHO, started with Linux Audio in 1997, thank universe for google to figure it out for me.

RE: 100% Google chromecast and chrome OS, posted on April 19, 2014 at 21:19:34
Bob_C Audiophile Posts: 2667 Location: NY Joined: July 31, 2000	"Google Chromecast to HDMI to SPDIF converter into a Yaqin DAC-K9 using a tube buffer output stage. Controlled from a Samsung Chromebook. Chromecast is slimmed down linux server, as is the Chrome OS running on both." Curious? What converter are you using, and where are you storing and streaming the data from?

RE: How good is your PC/Mac server?, posted on April 19, 2014 at 22:04:59

fmak
Audiophile

Posts: 13158
Location: Kent
Joined: June 1, 2002

I have been listening to W8.1, then 8.1x64 then Server2012R2 (same hardware). Amazingly, there is a very significant improvement in clarity, tonality and sound staging with the server devoid of any programs and roles other than having player software. Watching the no of threads and handles go down appears to have quite an effect. This is also the case with Server 2012 as features are stripped away, even to the extent of getting rid of .net frame 3.5. Certainly not having Antivirus and Firewall is a prerequisite to better sound.

The answer to your post is: who knows?

RE: How good is your PC/Mac server?, posted on April 20, 2014 at 04:48:56
Mercman Audiophile Posts: 6581 Location: So. CA Joined: October 20, 2002	The Totaldac d1-Monobloc with server feature allows me to listen to the Linux server and then my computer setup. The comparison is not a definitive answer to anything, but allows one to see how close the computer and it's associated accessories compare sonically to the server.

RE: How good is your PC/Mac server?, posted on April 20, 2014 at 07:07:55
fmak Audiophile Posts: 13158 Location: Kent Joined: June 1, 2002	Closeness or otherwise. This is the problem. Who knows what the reference should be?

RE: How good is your PC/Mac server?, posted on April 20, 2014 at 07:12:11
Mercman Audiophile Posts: 6581 Location: So. CA Joined: October 20, 2002	There is no reference as you stated. It just allows you to compare your computer to a dedicated slimmed down OS.

RE: How good is your PC/Mac server?, posted on April 20, 2014 at 07:56:34

mwheelerk
Audiophile

Posts: 434
Location: Gilbert, Arizona
Joined: December 27, 2005

I auditioned the original Bryston BDP-1 and while I was very satisfied with the audio quality, which is the singular most important think there are a couple of other things that put me off from purchasing it and from pursuing others.

Price: Most of us have some budget limit we have to deal with. With what I have invested in my Mac Mini, software, cables and external HDD I don't believe I can buy (but I certainly might be wrong) as complete and functional a self contained server as what I have.

User Interface: This is a big deal to me. I like the interface of what I have now either on my HDTV or my iPad. I have found that the user interfaces I have seen for these servers, save one from Linn, were really lacking. I simply didn't like them.

Library Management: to me if these server devices are going to truly be an all-in-one device they must have complete capability to manage a library including ripping, downloading, streaming, metadata, artwork, video display etc.

My interest and need is not limited to the simple interface of a CD like playback experience. I have not looked at servers seriously for almost 18 months and technology advances quickly so my impressions may be dated.

I like the general concept of a server but I am concerned with the lack of an agreed upon standard of form and function and each manufacturer seems to have there own concept of what this is. If you buy a disc player you are pretty confident of what you are getting and what it does.

RE: 100% Google chromecast and chrome OS, posted on April 20, 2014 at 08:11:09

bullethead

I am using a J-Tech converter. I stream either FLAC from the chrome browser and cast that tab, or I stream google play music unlimited.

FLAC of course sounds better, but the google play music isn't that bad at 320kbps.

I have 3TB of FLAC files ripped, and another 3TB backup, so total 6TB stored. I use an Ubuntu 12.04 LTS server with 2 external HDDs. I encrypt them with LUKS and use the ext4 file system.

You can make html5 pages of albums and just load them into chrome browser and cast the chrome tab and it sounds wonderful.

I also enjoy using internet radio, to spice things up.

below is a link to html5 audio test, FLAC works in ChromeOS and Chrome browser on my chromebook.

HTML5 Audio Formats Test

RE: How good is your PC/Mac server?, posted on April 20, 2014 at 09:23:52

Bob_C
Audiophile

Posts: 2667
Location: NY
Joined: July 31, 2000

"The Totaldac d1-Monobloc with server feature allows me to listen to the Linux server and then my computer setup. The comparison is not a definitive answer to anything, but allows one to see how close the computer and it's associated accessories compare sonically to the server."

I would guess much of it's beauty is the uniqueness of design, filtering, re-clocker etc. The Linux server is pretty straight forward, low power, basic MPD. As you mentioned, you can compare by plugging the re-clocker into your server. Should be a fun comparison.

RE: How good is your PC/Mac server?, posted on April 20, 2014 at 09:30:09

Bob_C
Audiophile

Posts: 2667
Location: NY
Joined: July 31, 2000

"Watching the no of threads and handles go down appears to have quite an effect. This is also the case with Server 2012 as features are stripped away, even to the extent of getting rid of .net frame 3.5. Certainly not having Antivirus and Firewall is a prerequisite to better sound.

The answer to your post is: who knows?"

Well... in general the answer is, as we come closer to a stable optimized audio only OS the better. We keep moving in that direction. :)

Are you in core mode?

Were you able to get the drivers working?

regards
Bob

RE: 100% Google chromecast and chrome OS, posted on April 20, 2014 at 09:37:16
Bob_C Audiophile Posts: 2667 Location: NY Joined: July 31, 2000	"I am using a J-Tech converter. I stream either FLAC from the chrome browser and cast that tab, or I stream google play music unlimited." So Toslink out to the DAC? What frequency does to go up to, 24/96? You are using the Chromecast stock, not rooted? regards Bob

RE: How good is your PC/Mac server?, posted on April 20, 2014 at 10:35:27
Mercman Audiophile Posts: 6581 Location: So. CA Joined: October 20, 2002	It is a fun comparison Bob. Thanks

RE: 100% Google chromecast and chrome OS, posted on April 20, 2014 at 11:04:59

bullethead

I have the SPDIF version, the Yaqin at Toslink and SPDIF DAC goes up to 24/192

sounds great and I can switch between Solid State or Tube output stage, upgraded the tube to a Electro Harmonics...

I am good to go!

Also got a DAC that cost 6x the cost of the Yaqin, noticed that the SS Bel Canto is just too analytical for enjoyment, I use it when I want my head blown off....

have a good one! Chromecast is stock!

RE: 100% Google chromecast and chrome OS, posted on April 20, 2014 at 11:19:49
Bob_C Audiophile Posts: 2667 Location: NY Joined: July 31, 2000	"I have the SPDIF version, the Yaqin at Toslink and SPDIF DAC goes up to 24/192" You don't notice a loss in quality with toslink?

RE: How good is your PC/Mac server?, posted on April 20, 2014 at 12:08:48

fmak
Audiophile

Posts: 13158
Location: Kent
Joined: June 1, 2002

Not yet in core modes but all Server functions save file are uninstalled.

No, I haven't solved the driver update issue. But it seems that Theyscon and XMOS drivers are different, although I can now fool 32 bit W8.1 into using the latest XMOS drivers with the old Theyscon CPL and Spy Tool stitched in. This allows me to change buffers and look at usb data transfer characteristics.

I think it is a case of 'wrong' customisation of drivers with Server 2012R2 but I don't want to buy their package on the basis of minimum no of licenses.

RE: How good is your PC/Mac server?, posted on April 20, 2014 at 15:37:42
Sprezza Tura Audiophile Posts: 4585 Location: New York City Joined: August 24, 2012	The BDP interface has improved dramatically and it is a pleasure to use now. Thankfully they do listen to user feedback on their forum and have made substantial improvements. They added Ethernet steaming and next up is DSD playback.

no (nt), posted on April 20, 2014 at 16:30:36
bullethead	.

RE: How good is your PC/Mac server?, posted on April 21, 2014 at 22:10:24
fmak Audiophile Posts: 13158 Location: Kent Joined: June 1, 2002	Very interesting discovery on drivers in 2012. Only the Theyscon driver (1.61) will install and work properly. All XMOS versions fail to install although they all work in 32 bit Win. I have managed to get 1.61 to work properly after meticulous clearing out of previous installs.

RE: How good is your PC/Mac server?, posted on April 22, 2014 at 01:07:25
fmak Audiophile Posts: 13158 Location: Kent Joined: June 1, 2002	You can slim youself with ease; install server 2012 with no extraneous functions other than to play music. A 20G install space is far more than adequate. They say 16G to install. After slimming, it's less than 10G.

RE: How good is your PC/Mac server?, posted on April 22, 2014 at 10:27:40
Bob_C Audiophile Posts: 2667 Location: NY Joined: July 31, 2000	"You can slim youself with ease; install server 2012 with no extraneous functions other than to play music. A 20G install space is far more than adequate. They say 16G to install. After slimming, it's less than 10G." This still does not amount to what the optimizer does. The optimized server in core mode is very different.

RE: How good is your PC/Mac server?, posted on April 22, 2014 at 11:13:17
fmak Audiophile Posts: 13158 Location: Kent Joined: June 1, 2002	I know, but things with me are slow.

RE: How good is your PC/Mac server?, posted on April 22, 2014 at 11:35:48

Bob_C
Audiophile

Posts: 2667
Location: NY
Joined: July 31, 2000

"I know, but things with me are slow."

We all are... :)

Seriously though, posted on April 22, 2014 at 21:43:46
fmak Audiophile Posts: 13158 Location: Kent Joined: June 1, 2002	Hardware 'optimisation' is as important as software 'optimisation' The 2 don't always meet. I do both simultaneously but reject miracle components in favour of getting basics right.

RE: Seriously though, posted on April 23, 2014 at 12:50:36

Bob_C
Audiophile

Posts: 2667
Location: NY
Joined: July 31, 2000

"Hardware 'optimisation' is as important as software 'optimisation' The 2 don't always meet."

I have not had too many issues. The Optimizer even has settings for use of the Mytek driver which I believe some have had problems with other OSs.

I am using an Intel server board with everything turned off, and a PPA Studio USB card. Other system is an Atom with the same USB. Even the keyboard is turned off. The Atom uses MSata, so not even a cable. Depending how serious you want to get, PPA has a MB clock upgrade. I have not tried it, but it has gotten positive feedback on the forums.

RE: How good is your PC/Mac server?, posted on April 24, 2014 at 10:34:21
audiogremlin Audiophile Posts: 292 Location: Calgary, Alberta Joined: October 10, 2006	Does Linux distribution matter? Which one are you guys using? Debian/Mint/etc?

Computer Audio Asylum

How good is your PC/Mac server?

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