MELCO

[tategoi]

I’m sticking to Roon interface accessing Melco contents via LAN. That saves me one USB cable.

[Rama]

@tategoi Don't you find that using Roon to access Melco as a NAS has a detrimental effect over the SQ, as supposed to using Melco via Linn Kazoo? This is one thing has held me back in buying a Roon License.

[baconbrain]

@tategoi Don't you find that using Roon to access Melco as a NAS has a detrimental effect over the SQ, as supposed to using Melco via Linn Kazoo? This is one thing has held me back in buying a Roon License.

Build wise I believe the Melco is one of the better data sources out there and I have not been able to detect any detrimental affects to the SQ together with Roon.

[Rama]

@baconbrain Correct me if I am wrong, when using Melco as a NAS data is sent over the network from the Melco to the Roon Server. The Roon server then transmits the data to the streamer of your choice. So you are at the mercy of how robust your network is, this is where a device like AQ-SWITCH SE could make a big difference. All this obviously comes at a cost ($119 + €798).

If however you decide to use Melco as intended, the connection between your Melco and the streamer or DAC (if using USB out) is direct without the need for a robust network. All the network is required for is to initially assigning an IP address and continually provide control point accessibility. This should IMHO provide better SQ.

[baconbrain]

@baconbrain Correct me if I am wrong, when using Melco as a NAS data is sent over the network from the Melco to the Roon Server. The Roon server then transmits the data to the streamer of your choice. So you are at the mercy of how robust your network is, this is where a device like AQ-SWITCH SE could make a big difference. All this obviously comes at a cost ($119 + €798).

If however you decide to use Melco as intended, the connection between your Melco and the streamer or DAC (if using USB out) is direct without the need for a robust network. All the network is required for is to initially assigning an IP address and continually provide control point accessibility. This should IMHO provide better SQ.

Depends a bit on your setup. I am utilizing the network bridge which is built into the Melco for the ethernet connection directly to my Roon Server. This eliminates the need for a switch in between.

[K4680]

New firmware for Melco:
FW Ver 3.90 [20th December, 2018]

https://www.melco-audio.com/downloads/

[USB-DAC Local Player]
- Added more USB-DACs supporting MELCO Markerless DSD.
Brinkman Nyquist DAC
Cambridge Audio Edge NQ
iFi Pro iDSD
Marantz SA-12 / ND8006
Mytek digital Brooklyn plus / Liberty
Playback designs Dream DAC / Dream Transport / Melrot DAC

[Playback and Control]
- Improved stability of playback
- Improved OLED Title Display at change of track or increment in playlist in MODE0, Gapless playback.
- Improved OLED Title Display at end of playlist.
- Direct wired connection of iPad or Tablet to give control when in 'Direct Mode' without requirement for Router.
- "UP" button resets the playback when controlling by App.

[SMB sharing]
- Windows10 ver.1809 or later version cannot access to SMB sharing folder without ID/Password. So, for those Windows10 user can access to Melco Music Library with ID:nobody, Password:nobody.
- Improve file name and folder name indication

[Media Server]
- Updated to Twonky 8.5.1
- "Update Music Database" is changed title to "Clear and Rebuild Database". Rebuild Database includes Expansion Drive. (Previously rebuild database was only internal HDD).

[USB-CD Drive connection]
- Improve OLED display when playing music from connected USB-CD drive.
- Changed message when data disk is imported
- Checking message shows up when CD is already imported

[Support function]
- Added menu to check connectivity of each internet connection service
- Added menu to check internal drive
- Added confirmation display before creating archive file

[Others]
- Added menu to remove Expansion drive, no need to power off to remove
- Improve process of handling internal drive during boot up
- Improve backup and import via USB ports function

[Rufus McDufus]

I'm interested how the "Direct Mode" control by iPad works.

[K4680]

I'm interested how the "Direct Mode" control by iPad works.

Since I am so interested in the direct connection without router (converter wlan to lan) should work! Or Melco mean the USB connection iPad -> Melco N1...?

[Rufus McDufus]

I'm interested how the "Direct Mode" control by iPad works.

Since I am so interested in the direct connection without router (converter wlan to lan) should work! Or Melco  mean the USB connection iPad -> Melco N1...?

I did actually try a direct USB connection, and using the Melco app - and nothing happened. I might have something set wrong though.

[K4680]

I'm interested how the "Direct Mode" control by iPad works.

Since I am so interested in the direct connection without router (converter wlan to lan) should work! Or Melco  mean the USB connection iPad -> Melco N1...?

I did actually try a direct USB connection, and using the Melco app - and nothing happened. I might have something set wrong though.

Ok, today is a Christmas party ! Tomorrow I need a little quieter, there is time to test and try. Will then report.