chessman's Silenzio

[chessman]

I am jumping into computer sourced audio under the tutelage of our own Emile (Audio by E). I am a total newb, so if I can get it working, anyone can.

First, the plan: Silenzio media server, 4 bay Network Attached Storage (NAS) (Raid 10), USB cable connection to Estoteric K-01.

Second, the setup: Silenzio on rack, NAS in other room to eliminate hard drive noise, Cat 6 ethernet cable connecting Silenzio to router, Cat 6 ethernet cable connecting NAS to router, WireWorld Platinum Starlight USB connecting Silenzio to K-01, 21" flat screen monitor, wireless keyboard, Shunyata MPC-12 power distributor.

Third, the Sonos side deal: Sonos Connect in two channel rack, Play 3 in family room (which will see the NAS and therefore be able to stream everything upstairs for casual listening, i.e. screened in porch). Also have a W4S Remedy in the chain in two channel rack. Obviously, the Sonos is not needed for the Silenzio as source - it is just there to give me internet radio, my iPhone and Deezer as additional choices for music above and beyond what is on the NAS.

Fourth, the alphabet voodoo of "ripping:" I am using Exact Audio Copy (EAC) to rip my CDs. I will put them in FLAC format so that I can add tags. I will play them back using JRiver. There are a host of other choices. These are mine. I will be using the "accurate" EAC method. I know it's slower and I know I can "probably" get away with the "speedy" method, but this is an all out attempt at computer high fidelity, so I am not going to cut corners.

Fifth, the DAC: a computer as a source requires a Digital to Analog Converter (DAC). My K-01 sports 8 DAC chips and has USB input in the all-important asynchronous clock format, so it will be my "DAC." You need an asynchronous clock so that one clock controls all the devices instead of hoping different clocks n different devices are in sync. I went with a high end USB cable to minimize any jitter that might be cable induced.

Sixth, the power distribution: I went with the Shunyata MPC-12 because I want to isolate any computer induced power problems. Computers are notoriously electrically "noisy." I will probably add some Shunyata power cords later to the Silenzio and the K-01.

Now I just have to learn how to drive this sucker.