Grover Gardner wrote:
I'll start again here. So Jim, what are you using for a server in your highly efficient system?
I've been using a DLNA renderer (Sonore) servered from my NAS as described above, and as Charlie does. Lower noise floor and more dynamic range than coming off a PC.
However, my system (speakers/amps) can't reproduce a reasonable 3 dimensional soundstage, rather it's 2 dimensional. It has depth and width, but not the 3rd dimension of complete transparency with instruments layered.
Charlie's system has the ability to be very 3 dimensional. I heard it with his analogue set up when we 1st met, but his digital rig didn't do it at that time. Now, his digital is as good or better than the analogue.
Because we both serve music from our NAS the same way, and are using DLNA devices, we can drop mine in his system or vice versa easily. Put mine in his system it becomes 2 dimensional. Put his in my system, it stays 2 dimensional. Put his in his system without the LPS, it becomes 2 dimensional. Hope that makes sense.
I recognize these kinds of observations are annoying. I'm sure there's nothing to be measured that can explain it. Most of us probably don't have systems capable of exposing the difference, but if you do, his server/renderer is a good model to follow and not crazy expensive.
No, I understand what you're saying.
If I'm not mistaken, Charlie has a custom-built server with Minimserver and MPD installed, is that correct?