Alrainbow was one of the first people to understand the importance of a server. He walked me through modifying my computers with HD Plex interior power supplies as well as exterior LPS to feed the HD Plex. He also helped me load Win Server software as well as Audiophile Optimizer. More goes into a server than a PS.
I remember the days all the MSB select people were using laptops or small green Computers. They were so smitten with their DAC. They all claimed the DAC was so great the server did not matter. They are all using a Taiko now and swear up and down its a game changer.
All changes make a difference. What you have to remember is that software is critical. Some of the most profound server improvements for me came when the manufacturer of my Mojo Audio updated the software. Your Mac is not running a very minimal, singular focused on music reproduction software. Its performing hundreds if not thousands of other tasks while playing music. You probably can not stop this from occurring.
A laptop with a reclocker or other devides can help. But its not so easy to undo a damaged signal. Its best to keep it intact from the start.
I have not heard the life expectancy of a server. I don't hear too many people saying they fail after 5 years of so. Mine runs 24x7 for 4 years now. I think you could get a used Antipodes of Innuos and have it last many years. I think you will be shocked. If you stream, you have to be aware how the modem, router and switch are fed. I would also get a switch such as a Ether Regen or equivalent.
The power feeding your digital is critical. Servers can be very influenced by a power cord.
You would also very much here your modem,router and switch fed by LPS with those all plugged into a good isoltion transformer. Even triplite can help.
I guess what I am saying is it all matters. A good server will do much to make a violin more palpable and real. It will help bring out the details of lips blowing the reed on a Saxophone.
Digital is many small parts that compound upon themselves. Each correct alteration brings you closer to the sound of good vinyl. I believe a server is as critical as the DAC. Your server and DAC should be on a dedicated electrical circuit. That circuit had to be on the same electrical phase as the amps, preamp and other gear. Same for the modem, router and switch.
I remember the days all the MSB select people were using laptops or small green Computers. They were so smitten with their DAC. They all claimed the DAC was so great the server did not matter. They are all using a Taiko now and swear up and down its a game changer.
All changes make a difference. What you have to remember is that software is critical. Some of the most profound server improvements for me came when the manufacturer of my Mojo Audio updated the software. Your Mac is not running a very minimal, singular focused on music reproduction software. Its performing hundreds if not thousands of other tasks while playing music. You probably can not stop this from occurring.
A laptop with a reclocker or other devides can help. But its not so easy to undo a damaged signal. Its best to keep it intact from the start.
I have not heard the life expectancy of a server. I don't hear too many people saying they fail after 5 years of so. Mine runs 24x7 for 4 years now. I think you could get a used Antipodes of Innuos and have it last many years. I think you will be shocked. If you stream, you have to be aware how the modem, router and switch are fed. I would also get a switch such as a Ether Regen or equivalent.
The power feeding your digital is critical. Servers can be very influenced by a power cord.
You would also very much here your modem,router and switch fed by LPS with those all plugged into a good isoltion transformer. Even triplite can help.
I guess what I am saying is it all matters. A good server will do much to make a violin more palpable and real. It will help bring out the details of lips blowing the reed on a Saxophone.
Digital is many small parts that compound upon themselves. Each correct alteration brings you closer to the sound of good vinyl. I believe a server is as critical as the DAC. Your server and DAC should be on a dedicated electrical circuit. That circuit had to be on the same electrical phase as the amps, preamp and other gear. Same for the modem, router and switch.