jstrouth

I've been long awaiting a solution to use both ROON and MQA on my MSB Dac V with network renderer. Roon decoding sounds like a good partial solution - since MSB are at this time implementing MQA decoding only through quad-USB input. But this doesn't help with ROON, since MSB won't read the RAAT standard. Hoping for MSB to go RoonReady, but don't know when/if... I really like the network renderer, and don't really want to have to go USB unless I have to...... Do I have any worthwhile options??

Can you share your setup with me? I'm trying to use Kazoo to access my library and Tidal, but Kazoo doesn't recognize the Pi. Both DS Lightning and Lumin see the Pi, but Kazoo doesn't. Lumin supposedly supports Tidal now, but darned if I can see how it does... thanks

Since this is renderer only, I presume that Kazoo can be used as player to push Tidal through this device? Or do I have something wrong? This is what I'd like to do......

MALTHUNDER SAID: "I've got LMS with the plugin installed on a Symbology NAS streaming via ethernet to a SOtM SMS-100 renderer outputting USB into a DAC on my audio system. " That's how I'm intending to implment Tidal also, except into MSB network renderer. What are you using for control point? Does Lightning DS handle this combo, or is something else better??? thanks

Sounding like DSD might be the future (survival) of the SACD process. I saw somewhere that the Meitner will soon support DSD playback...and wondered if the Auraliti will be able to carry it?? Thanks Demian!

Are they compatible?

Anyone evaluated the JPlay player on a CAPS 2.0? Does CAPS have enough processing power to take advantage of jplay's hibernate and extreme modes? Thanks

Thanks Priaptor. Do you notice any latency with Splashtop? What makes you call JRemote the 'best' remote? What benefit is there to using a remote that specific to JRMC, instead of Splashtop? I am very interested in hearing your thoughts after trying JPlay with the CAPs. I've been interested in that player as well. Please let me know how that works out for you. I wouldn't think that JPlay would actually have any problems in 'audiophile' mode, but likely to in its 'extreme' mode, as they warn. This might be a great option, especially with JPlay and JRMC can 'talk'... Yes, the Goodwin's player is much more....but would it sound any better??? Would the extra processing power and memory capability actually buy you anything??

You folks are edging me toward the CAPS. :-) I'd like to ask WHY you wouldn't buy the Bryston, though. Is that based on SQ? Doesn't sound like it (sorry, couldn't resist). I presume that Small Green configures per Chris's specs and that there's no further tweaking needed. Or is there?? You folks using WASAPI or ASIO? Do most of you use splashtop to run the CAPS? I'd, of course, run JRMC...is there a standout in the crop of remote apps specifically for JRMC, or is spalshtop (or whatever else) good for all control? I guess we're talking latency and CPU/memory consumption as the factors? Any difference is using USB or eSATA external drives for music file storage? Anything else I don't know enough to ask about??? Thanks!

I appreciate - and understand - that you are all trying to be helpful. I wasnt't trying to 'make it hard'...actually, we're saying the same thing. I AM starting with the DAC and trying to determine the best source based on that. It may be USB (CAPS or Auraliti or Sonore), it may be AES (Bryston). FWIW, I'm leaning toward the Meitner DAC right now... all other things being equal (which, of course, they ultimately are not), it has the best array of inputs (of which I have multiple). Given its review by Chris, and its pedigree, I think its a pretty safe bet. Of course I can and will audition it in my system first. And it also appears to be very capable via either USB or AES....hence my question about player comparisons - which don't all provide the in home audition opportunity.

Not sure I agree that the USB vs AES/EBU decision should happen first. As I noted earlier, Firewire is not a consideration. The dacs I'm looking at each has asynchronous USB and well implemented (per reviews, anyway) AES inputs. Again, I agree that hearing them in my system is the only true answer. I haven't approached Small Green, but their CAPs builds appear to be custom as ordered... Does Auraliti have a no questions return policy? I didnt' see it on their faq. I'm sure I could arrange a trial with a Bryston dealer. Sonore? Of course, the other thing is having them all in house at the same time....

I'd love to have the opportunity to compare these players in my system. I totally agree that's the only 'sure fire' way to answer my question to my own satisfaction. For the reason you suggest, however, that doesn't seem likely. Hence my question.

I'm a little surprised that with so many readers no one can relate any crosscutting experience with these players. Am I missing something that makes this a no-brainer? Has no one tried these different players? Do folks just fix themselves in the 'Mac' or 'PC' or 'COTs' camps and go from there???

First, thanks for your thoughts as well as those from the other folks. I'm currently using JRMC on my all purpose laptop. I'm very comfortable with Windows. But I'd have no interest in the CAPS 2 if it weren't for Small Green. But given the good (albeit UN-optimized) results with JRMC, and the added potential of other players like jplay, the CAPS 2 is probably in the lead right now. Good thoughts from others about the power supply....although I'm not too interested in the DIY approach. DAC will in short order be one of the current crop of DACs such as the Meitner or Playback Designs, with flexibility of inputs including hi rez usb. I'm not too keen on a MAC solution, since its not really in my comfort zone. The CAPS seems like the way to go insofar as the PC vs MAC question is concerned. I especially like that Chris has so thoughtfully designed it for this sole purpose....something that doesn't appear to be possible in the MAC world. I also agree the Bryston or Auraliti sound like good solutions, but what are their sound differences - if any - I know they have similar development concepts. While I appreciate all the thoughts and opinions so far, I'd really like to hear from someone who's heard the different players and can compare their sound. Are you out there???

About to make the leap to ..... something.... but ultimately, which is 'better' sound quality? CAPS, Bryston, Auraliti, other? I read very good things about them all, but haven't seen any comparisons. As you can see, I need to keep the outlay to ~$2k or less. Output format (usb vs AES/EBU) not the greatest priority, as I can handle either in high rez. Music files will reside on esata or usb external drives. Anyone done comparisons of the above? I appreciate your thoughts and suggestions. Many Thanks!