For those of you who switched from a laptop connected to an external DAC to a dedicated music server, did you hear any audible improvements? I’m considering an Aurender N150, but it’s $3200, then I’d need an internal hard drive for file storage (a 4TB SSD is about $320), then I’d need a router extender since the Aurender is not wireless, so another $150 or so. Altogether that’s a chunk of change, and I’d hope for some level of improvement.
I found loading files onto a dedicated Mac mini into a good DAC is really all you need. Unless you plan to use streaming rather than native files, it'll do the job for way less $$.
If you're nervous about the cost of the Aurender you could always try a Bluesound Node first. I have one and it's honestly the first time my ripped cds sounded as good as the cds themselves. Plus, it fits right into your system, is out of sight and is easily controlled from the app on your phone/ipad. I don't have the Aurender but I'm sure it would sound even sweeter than my Bluesound.
I'm using a mini PC running JRiver Media Server through a Schiit Modius DAC and I think it sounds fantastic. CD's ripped to FLAC sound like the original CD and HD audio files sound incredible. Besides the excellent sound reproduction, I love the flexibility it provides. I typically control it through the TV... Using a mini keyboard... But can also control it from my laptop or IPad... I even created a McIntosh theme to match my system...
Unless the laptop is dedicated solely to music, I'd recommend a server of some sort, simply because using the laptop for other tasks will compromise playback in some manner (however minuscule). In my case I have my collection stored on a Synology server that is wifi accessible by both the Bluesound Node in my system and Sonos elsewhere in the house.
As mentioned above there are plenty of streamer alternatives to Aurender many of which are less $$. I went the Auralic route and glad I did as I like their product, in my case an Aries Mini, but just as importantly I love their LDS app. I did find that going from using storage attached to my laptop to an outboard Synology NAS was a nice jump in sound quality.
The Mac mini is out--needs a monitor and keyboard plus the memory is too small except for the Mac Studio Mini, but a 4tb version of that is the same price as the Aurender. It also needs to play up to DSD 256. I'll look into other servers that have built-in or user addable HDs. Thanks for the replies.
A Synology NAS and Bluesound node is all you need. No limitations on number of music files, which is my issue with Sonos, plus hi-res playback.
I would think, for as many benefits as a server offers in distribution and storage and ergonomics, expecting an audio benefit as well? That's like buying a luxury vehicle and expecting to arrive at a better destination than you could with your old Ford Focus. Nicer drive, but the grocery store parking lot doesn't change (although, maybe you could pick up somebody in Produce easier...)
You can use your Chord Dac with the Bluesound or most any other streamer they pretty much all have digital outs.
I think Blusound has optical out.. I owe Auralic Aries Femto, it got server software and there own client for iPad/iPhone. You alco can use it as a I client. It has myriads of choices, USB, AES/EBU, coax and optical out, on the flight DSD and other conversion, equalization if you care, support for MQA if you care (proprietary unpacking), etc, etc and less then 1K on used market. And you save tons of money on Synology or other NAS. which is better and safer way to store music. Or attach a drive to it.
Shouldn't be an issue as others have said. In any case, I doubt there is any innate sonic advantage using a server instead of a laptop. Where the signal goes to or through is far more important. But a server gives you more options and flexibility, including for a multi-room setup.
Looks to me like the Node does audio out over USB 2.0. https://www.bluesound.com/products/node/ edit - still doesn't do DSD though.
There's also the iFi Zen Stream that can do PCM384 and DSD256 over its USB output. Should work with the Chord to do both PCM and DSD. I haven't used the IFi Zen Stream. Just mentioning it as a possible option. iFi Zen Stream: ZEN Stream by iFi audio - The high-performance, flexible and affordable Streamer from iFi audio
I upgraded my music server 3 times. Each time, I thought there were positive improvements. Of course they could be purely psychological. I believe that every piece of equipment matters... So I think you should upgrade. It's only money.
I use a Lindemann Limetree as a bridge between my Portable Hard Drive and Amp. Using a high quality interconnects. Advantage is I can operate it using the Limetree app via my iphone or ipad. Limetree will also stream from Spotty, Qbuzzy, Tidal & Roon. I rip all my CD to the hard drive and they sound better than on my CD player.