Melco Audiophile NAS

[alh22]

Malkit--I had mediocre results with my N1A connecting via USB to a PS Audio Direct Stream DAC. Replacing that with an Exasound s62 DAC and its dedicated USB Sigma Streamer, the results were only a bit better. Then I experirmented with gear from Lumin (X1 and L2, fiber connected) and Sonore (Sonic Transport and Rendu streamer). It had become clear to me that USB in the signal path was an obstacle. As an old-time analog man, I continue to be amazed at the number and variety of obstacles to good sound in the digital signal path. It had become clear to me, as a mostly classical music listener, that MinimServer with a good control app--my preference being Bubble--was going to be my platform from which to evaluate and choose associated equipment. I'm now testing different DACs with the Melco N1Z which, with the latest EX updates, is very good. The Lumin X1 and L2 cannot be faulted for reliability and customer service; and they do work well with MinimServer and Bubble. Lumin's own control app, in my opinion, is a mess, though useful as a remote to control some machine functions. Sonore gear is another matter entirely, as it seems mainly focused on Roon, with uPnP/DLNA compatibility an afterthought. It does run MinimServer alongside their own operating system, but not happily. Sonics, however, can be (emphasis on can) exceptional, despite the many bugs. The techs at Sonore tend to play whack-a-mole with the problems, issuing a stream of ad hoc updates. OK for the hobbyist/tinkerer, perhaps, but that's not me (if it ever was). Good luck with the N1A, which is a fine unit, especially with the -EX mods.