Salk Streamer

[thirdcoastaudio.co]

A Salk Streamer will replace the Mac Mini as the processor, but the mini will remain to load Hi Rez from sources to the shared External HD. Using a Linux based App will be completely new to me. The first issue is what brand SSD provides the best value for storage at this point? Second will be solving the new Streamer install. Jim Salk seems to be very accessible and personable so I look forward to the test. DEMO ROOM OFFER to any in the West Michigan area - my demo room is open to hear this new Streamer with the AURALiC Vega DAC, Calyx FEMTO DAC, EggWorks Speakers and McIntosh Power. What a great time to experience Hi-Rez! Thanks for your recommendations on the external drive or with any assistance using the Salk Streamer.

[MikeJazz]

A Salk Streamer will replace the Mac Mini as the processor, but the mini will remain to load Hi Rez from sources to the shared External HD. Using a Linux based App will be completely new to me. The first issue is what brand SSD provides the best value for storage at this point? Second will be solving the new Streamer install. Jim Salk seems to be very accessible and personable so I look forward to the test. DEMO ROOM OFFER to any in the West Michigan area - my demo room is open to hear this new Streamer with the AURALiC Vega DAC, Calyx FEMTO DAC, EggWorks Speakers and McIntosh Power. What a great time to experience Hi-Rez! Thanks for your recommendations on the external drive or with any assistance using the Salk Streamer.

 

The Auralic gear I listened was on the dry side of sound (maybe a house sound or not enought hours running). So I am looking forward to your impressions.

 

Would be interesting to compare this to Moon MiND and Sonore Rendu.

 

But for now, let's see if you find any difference in sound, to the mac mini.

[thirdcoastaudio.co]

This is going to be a 'clean approach' as I've been using Amarra, Pure Music, Audirvana, Digital, JRiver and I'm missing another one. Time to clean up my act and hope to simplify thru the streamer. The AURALiC you may have heard is the model that has been discontinued, I know what you mean. The new Vega is totally different story. I've been running comparisons with the Calyx FEMTO and can enjoy the multiple filter and clock setting options. The Moon and Sonore would be very interesting to sample.

[thirdcoastaudio.co]

The Streamer has been in place now for the past week. Jim Salk is a talented man. Mine was the first installation using the latest Mac OS. He literally spent hours on-line checking the full integration and implementation of his streamer into the system. I can't say enough about his commitment and abilities as a network engineer. First impressions of the Streamer. Original system played Amara, Audirvana, etc....etc... had them all thru the Mini and external drive with 16Gb Ram. First, clarity that I associate with a major DAC upgrade, offers less veil with image definition and darker background. I had to test 3 brands of cables a few days after first install and discerning differences in them has never been easier. I've been able to sample 44.1, 96, 176, 192 & 352 (?). Jim says he will be adding the code for DSD as I have several files for playback thru the AURILiC Vega. So far .... Best Digital playback achieved to date.

[MikeJazz]

StreamPlayer

 

This is interesting...

Looked at the site but could not answer some questions in my mind.

- what is the OS, Main board...

- how to control the streamer (player).

- does it store playlist in it's own memory?

- does it do gapless...?

 

Thanks, and keep streaming your experiences... interested to learn on this side...

[thirdcoastaudio.co]

The Streamer is Linux based. I would have to ask Jim about the Main Board. I use MPad for the controller. I understand the Bryston uses the same. The Streamer is always on and always connected to the net. If your music is on a Mac, PC or External drive it is identified via the MAC / IP addresses. I will also ask about the gapless. My biggest issue is my inexperience with set-up and with power loss the Mac address changed for my external HD with the music files. That's was the biggest hiccup so far. I waited 2 days to notify Jim re; my lack of connectivity and I received not 1 but 2 messages the next day. I was told that there was no reason to be without music and he's available 24/7 to solve any issues. I've been educated in the Jim Salk school of customer service. He sees any issue with a customer as an opportunity to solve problems which are critical to understanding how each of our systems work with his new product. Did I tell you how impressed I am. Amazing guy. Can anyone coach me in the process of adding photos? I've tried the photo icon several times and once the file is in place, I select upload and nothing happens. I've condensed the jpegs down to small web size and they won't load. Help?

[jsalk]

StreamPlayer

 

This is interesting...

Looked at the site but could not answer some questions in my mind.

- what is the OS, Main board...

 

The StreamPlayer uses an embedded processor based on the LX800 Geode CPU. The idea is to keep things clean by reducing hardware to the absolute minimum required to stream music. There is no RF-generating video circuitry or other circuitry required in a full-blown computer. This is a typical "headless" embedded processor, the type of which you would find in many digital devices (DVR's, routers, phones, etc.).

 

The OS is a stripped-down version of Linux. There is no graphical user interface (not required since there is no video port) and the system includes only the basic Linux kernel and those applications required for the functionality of the player. The entire OS resides on a compact flash card that serves as the main drive for the system. Since the system is so minimalistic, it is as rock solid as an OS can be.

 

The music streaming software itself is MPD. It is the oldest, and some would argue the most mature, music streaming software in existence.

 

- how to control the streamer (player).

 

There are many "client" applications available on a number of different platforms.

 

Probably the most popular client is MPaD running on the iPad. MPod is another version of this program that runs on Apple iPhones or iPod Touch.

 

For Android tablets or phones, Droid MPD , MPDroid, bit MPC, MPD Remote and MPC do the job.

 

On a Windows or Linux computer, Gnome Music Player Client is the most popular.

 

There are also applications that run in a typical web browser, one of which is included in the StreamPlayer's web interface.

 

- does it store playlist in it's own memory?

 

It certainly can, although playlists, the music database and other control files are generally stored on the same device that holds the music files.

 

(For those who do not feel comfortable with computer networking, don't have a music storage device or would prefer to have an all-in-one server, StreamPlayer units can be configured with a built-in storage for music files.)

 

- does it do gapless...?

 

Yes, provided that the music files contain the appropriate lame headers.

 

I hope this answers your questions. If not, I would be happy to answer any additional questions you may have.

 

- Jim

[MikeJazz]

Jim, thanks a lot, yes all is answered.

But I must admit I know nothing about "lame headers"...will investigate.

 

By the way, how much is the retail price for the player...?

 

(thanks also to thirdcostaudio)

[thirdcoastaudio.co]

Hey Mike - His Salk Streamer is under $1,500. I'm having Jim build a streamer with built-in drive storage (If I were writing a book it would be titled 'Streaming for Dummies') and I'm not sure how that will be priced. As a customer who happens to be a dealer, but not for Jim Salk, I will be the first to recommend the Streamer. He will sell direct. How many times do you find a dealer recommending product they don't sell!

[jsalk]

 

By the way, how much is the retail price for the player...?

 

 

Mike -

 

The StreamPlayer is priced at $1299. But I reserved an initial batch of "beta" players for $995. I have about 8 of these left. They are no different than production products. The reason I did went with this "beta" program was to help us gauge the amount of support users will need and to determine what changes might be required to the web interface to make it user-friendly. Once these are gone, the $1299 price will be in effect.

 

- Jim

[mav52]

Mike -

 

The StreamPlayer is priced at $1299. But I reserved an initial batch of "beta" players for $995. I have about 8 of these left. They are no different than production products. The reason I did went with this "beta" program was to help us gauge the amount of support users will need and to determine what changes might be required to the web interface to make it user-friendly. Once these are gone, the $1299 price will be in effect.

 

- Jim

 

I might have to try one of these out.. PS: Jim love those Songtowers

[thirdcoastaudio.co]

The Salk Stream with 2TB unit is installed and in the process of loading FLAC, DSD, AIFF & WAVE files. So now I have only a day or two left before the Demo Room Eggleston Fontaine Signatures are shipped to a buyer and then the King Sound King III's go in within a week or two. Discerning the changes when inserting the Salk Stream in with the AURALiC DAC where absolutely obvious. I'll miss the dynamics of the Eggleston Esotar Tweeters. The King Sound King III, AURALiC and Salk Streamer should be near SOTA. Jim Salk has made it easier for customers who may not be computer 'patient' (guilty). There was an incremental increase in clarity over the MAC mini and external HD. The MPad app is much easier faster to update as well as immediate IP identification. Overall a great upgrade and highly recommended.

[Bones13]

Nice looking unit. How does this unit this unit distinguish itself from the Auraliti and Bryston devices?

 

Things I'm still waiting for : ALAC decoding and the ability to play files from a NAS, or other wired ethernet file server.

[MikeJazz]

Nice looking unit. How does this unit this unit distinguish itself from the Auraliti and Bryston devices?

 

Things I'm still waiting for : ALAC decoding and the ability to play files from a NAS, or other wired ethernet file server.

 

You could add rendu to that list...it plays ALAC by the way, according to specs on their site.

[thirdcoastaudio.co]

Thanks Mike and Bones13. I'm sure Jim Salk is monitoring the board at some point will be responding. I forwarded my comments to him with my humble appreciation for the product, and he did provide a prior response. I wish I knew more about his product and you guys are doing a deep dive beyond my experience. I'll be watching for the answers!

[jsalk]

Nice looking unit. How does this unit this unit distinguish itself from the Auraliti and Bryston devices?

 

Things I'm still waiting for : ALAC decoding and the ability to play files from a NAS, or other wired ethernet file server.

 

You would have to refer to the specs for the other units as I am not all that familiar with them. However, as far as I know, all three units are based on the same embedded processor and perhaps the same stripped-down version of Linux.

 

The StreamPlayer can interface with any music storage device on the network - computers, NAS, etc. It can handle ALAC as well.

 

When designing the StreamPlayer, we did not want to add anything that would complicate the system and compromise performance. So there are no RF-generating displays or unnecessary buttons, etc.

 

One unique feature of the StreamPlayer is a built-in web interface that allows you to use any browser to configure the system, control it and check various performance aspects. This interface also includes links to resources you can use with the player. Finally, we included a simply web-based control program you can use to operate the StreamPlayer until you have your preferred remote control app set up.

 

I hope this answers your questions.

 

- Jim

[Bones13]

Very much, thanks you Jim!

 

Michael