Melco Audiophile NAS

[dan46]

It would be good if and when Melco release better white paper style explanations as to why the Direct Mode could be better. I have been playing with the various settings and apologies to all here for probably repeating some observations in earlier posts, as I learn myself the best setting up.

For CP use (NAIM app or others like Kinsky) then I have streamer connected via player out, network mode is set, and LAN is connected to 1GbE switch and thus the network (DHCP on). This gives best overall access to the library allowing for the CP access with playback.

Now setting to Direct Mode in the settings, the LAN/Player network bridge I believe is disconnected, thus allowing for one network cable from Player out and into the streamer.

I have assumed that Direct Mode through the Player out network is the best playback mode (for isolation/noise reasoning) and for me it is the best way to playback the files for quality (lower noise floor. slightly airier around everything, longer ringing out of higher frequencies) but you loose that CP access.

There isn't as such a definitive answer as to the option of selecting Direct Mode producing much better playback quality, some seem to suggest it isn't, and that network mode is just as good. But for me why is it there then as an option. More testing needs doing so I can hear for myself.