reburns

Thanks Mr. Hifidelit - I'm assuming it's a Intel DH77EB board. I'll only use wifi for a few weeks until I get a LAN cable routed properly, so ordered a TL-WN722N USB adapter. I ordered a HDPlex supply because it's more budget, has a higher current rating, and matches the mini Zuma case anyway. I'll see if it can power a cable set-top box with as well. Thanks so much for the links to read up on remote desktop - it's homework time! Cheerio - Ralph ascent-design.com/audio/

I ordered one this afternoon. Andrew of Small Green promptly answered my questions, so hopefully sharing helps all: 1. 60GB mSATA is just for the OS your data is stored on a NAS. This is the best configuration. 2. 8GB of RAM is fine for almost anything you want to do with the CAPS but you can add more later if you want. 3. The OS CD and license are included in case you want to re-install. You can use a USB CD or USB key. 4. I always ship a supply with the unit just to make sure it's working. If you're interested in getting a Linear supply you can get it from me. I will put a Aerospace GX16 connector on the CAPS so you get end to end shielding. 5. Remote desktop works well with all versions of Windows

G'day - First some background then the newbie questions: I'm looking to move away from my trusty Squeezebox to better handle DSD files on my main system. I'm looking at using JRiver to translate on the fly into a PCM USB DAC. Someday I might consider a DSD DAC or a two-processor DAC, but for now I'm happy with a Hegel HD25. I've used Squeezebox for years from a ReadyNAS, and so far I still plan on using other SBT's in my home office and workshop, but can foresee some frustration when future DSD files are not available there. Also I'm no videophile, although we are getting a Sony 4K 850B TV tomorrow, so it could be good if the CAPS server could do duty for some video streaming or storage unbeknownst to me, and very handy if the TV functions as a computer monitor for setup control plus play vacation photo slideshows. The music server and streaming video are my only sources, and I like the simplicity. I want to continue using a smartphone to run the main system, and have zero experience with JRiver, but it comes recommended and has smartphone apps. Due to space restriction, I'm leaning very heavily towards the Small Green v3 micro Zuma. I surfed this site for hours and hours yesterday but still have pesky newbie questions: - how large a mSATA drive is appropriate? There's 60GB, 250GB and upwards at a cost. I have a spare 256GB 2.5" SSD, but Andrew at Small Green tells me that it won't fit so I won't quibble. The music and photos are on the NAS. - how much RAM? 8GB? 16GB? - My main laptop computer on the home network is Windows 7; will I have any trouble controlling the CAPS Windoze 8.1? - If I ever wanted to re-install the OS, how is that done without an optical drive? A USB thumb drive and the bios is set to point there first? - Do you leave these CAPS on 24/7? How do you power up/down & reboot? Sometimes we have power outages here and I'm not keen on adding spendy and large battery power to the CAPS. - is there recommended wifi hardware? Via a USB dongle? It'll be a few weeks before I'm able to hard-wire in Ethernet. - I'm not convinced that a LPS is necessary, and it'd be great to do A/B, but if I get one I'm leaning towards Teddy Pardo 12/4 for size and apparent quality and will let the MB power the SOtM. If there's smaller options then I'm keen to know. I know that's a lot. I'm ready to order and looking forward to some gentle guidance to help reduce growing pains. Thanks so much - Ralph ascent-design.com/audio/

Hello, Is it that the signal occupies 24-bits, and in the case of some DACs with higher bit processing that the extra bits are reserved for digital volume control without bit truncation? I.e. From the NAD M51, according to NAD, "The extreme headroom afforded by the 35-bit architecture allows for a DSP-based volume control that does not reduce resolution. Even with 24-bit high definition signals, the output can be attenuated by 66dB (very, very quiet) before bit truncation begins." FWIW, I've owned three DAC's: NAD M51 AMR DP-777 Hegel HD25 And the Hegel stands head & shoulders above the other two. The hegel has very well-behaved tonality, with slight feel-good warm bump, and I'm guessing around 150Hz. The other two had some tonality unevenness; the M51 sounded dry or mechanical, and the DP-777 had some tonality unevenness, sounding thin. The Hegel HD25 is a keeper!