Minim Server on Innuos

[Seedcake]

I am considering adding a Innuos Zen Mk3 server to my high-fi. I currently use a QNAP nas with Minim Server and a Naim NDX streamer. My question is therefore; can I install Minim Server on the Zen? I would really miss Minim for the browsing of classical music.

[simoncn]

Innuos is a closed system and doesn't have an option to install MinimServer. As far as I can tell, Innuos would also not be able to access MinimServer running on an external device such as your QNAP.

[Seedcake]

(23-05-2024 14:36)simoncn Wrote:  Innuos is a closed system and doesn't have an option to install MinimServer. As far as I can tell, Innuos would also not be able to access MinimServer running on an external device such as your QNAP.

Thank you for that. It is as I suspected, this gives me pause for thought and will inform any decision I take. They do have some interesting products, but it would be better if I could accommodate one with my preference for using Minim.

[Peter@57m]

FYI Melco music servers can all run MinimServer

[simoncn]

Good suggestion! Running MinimServer on a Melco would be a big step up in sound quality from running it on a QNAP.

[Seedcake]

(23-05-2024 22:13)Peter@57m Wrote:  FYI Melco music servers can all run MinimServer

I did try the Melco N100, my hi-fi dealer was sure that there would be some improvement, but for me there was none. I have heard any Innuos product so can't as yet make any comparison, but one nice thing with the Melco Minim Server was already installed. I'm trying to keep an open mind so any suggestions are welcome. As the dealer said "you could try a better Melco".

[simoncn]

What streamer/player are you using? When you tried the Melco, were you using it as a server, a player or both?

Also, what is your network setup? This can make a significant difference to sound quality.

[Seedcake]

(24-05-2024 10:11)simoncn Wrote:  What streamer/player are you using? When you tried the Melco, were you using it as a server, a player or both?

Also, what is your network setup? This can make a significant difference to sound quality.

The network arrangement is, QNAP TS112P into a Netgear switch and then connected to the Naim NDX. The Melco then intervened between the switch and the streamer using a Chord ethernet cable. Generally as a server then but I did try it as a player briefly, but with this arrangement it was difficult to control with only an old iPad and iPhone. I think I used mConnect. I did try it in 'isolation mode' i.e. only connected to the Naim and disconnected to the network and controlled by the Naim's remote. If anything improved the sound then it was this.

[simoncn]

Thanks for this. Your observation that sound quality was improved by using isolation mode matches my experience that electronic noise pollution from the network can have a detrimental effect on sound quality.

My first attempt to filter out this noise was to use an optical link between the server and the streamer:

server -> Ethernet cable -> Ethernet/Optical converter -> optical cable -> Optical/Ethernet converter -> Ethernet cable -> streamer

I used a linear power supply on the Optical/Ethernet converter to reduce electronic noise coming down the Ethernet cable from this component. This combination resulted in a significant improvement to sound quality

Later, I added a Melco S100 switch which is optimized for audio and supports optical connections. I also changed the Ethernet/Optical converter from TP-Link to ADOT (see this link). This resulted in an even more significant improvement to sound quality.

I have not tried this with a Naim streamer, so these results might not be replicated in your setup.

[Seedcake]

(25-05-2024 21:03)simoncn Wrote:  Thanks for this. Your observation that sound quality was improved by using isolation mode matches my experience that electronic noise pollution from the network can have a detrimental effect on sound quality.

My first attempt to filter out this noise was to use an optical link between the server and the streamer:

server -> Ethernet cable -> Ethernet/Optical converter -> optical cable -> Optical/Ethernet converter -> Ethernet cable -> streamer

I used a linear power supply on the Optical/Ethernet converter to reduce electronic noise coming down the Ethernet cable from this component. This combination resulted in a significant improvement to sound quality

Later, I added a Melco S100 switch which is optimized for audio and supports optical connections. I also changed the Ethernet/Optical converter from TP-Link to ADOT (see this link). This resulted in an even more significant improvement to sound quality.

I have not tried this with a Naim streamer, so these results might not be replicated in your setup.

Thank you Simon, all good food for thought. I understand, all these interventions are to isolate the audio components from the network. When you introduced the Melco switch, because this supports optical connections you then only need one ethernet/optical converter, rather than two, in that the switch is connected to the converter via a SFP port for the fibre and then the converter connects to the server? I have now read some very favourable reviews of the ADOT MC01 that suggest having a SFP equipped network switch is the ideal combination. But if this were done would it still be best to replace the QNAP?