02-Jun-2020, 17:19
Interestingly, I find that playing files stored on a Synology NAS connected to the Melco via a switch sounds bigger, with better midrange body and harmonics, and a longer decay trail.
This is notwithstanding the Synology being handicapped by a lower quality LAN cable. The upside is that the Synology is connected by an audiophile power cord to a Plixir Elite BAC3000 power conditioner. Am waiting to try a Plixir LPS on the Synology.
Playing files direct from the Melco is possibly quieter, leaner sounding but with better extension on the highs. Could be the way that the frequency balance is tilted though.
This is despite skeptical me doing frequent A-B tests over many months.
I am using Synology 918+ NAS > non-audiophile Cat 7 LAN cable > Cisco > Supra Cat 7 LAN cable > Melco N1ZH/60 network port - player port > Sablon LAN cable > DAC.
I was pointed to this direction by SimonCN (the developer of MinimServer). He runs Melco N1A > fiber optic > Melco S100 switch > fiber optic > Melco N1ZS network port > USB cable > DAC, and says that this sounds better than playing the files direct from the N1ZS.
Planning to try fiber optic connections next.
This is notwithstanding the Synology being handicapped by a lower quality LAN cable. The upside is that the Synology is connected by an audiophile power cord to a Plixir Elite BAC3000 power conditioner. Am waiting to try a Plixir LPS on the Synology.
Playing files direct from the Melco is possibly quieter, leaner sounding but with better extension on the highs. Could be the way that the frequency balance is tilted though.
This is despite skeptical me doing frequent A-B tests over many months.
I am using Synology 918+ NAS > non-audiophile Cat 7 LAN cable > Cisco > Supra Cat 7 LAN cable > Melco N1ZH/60 network port - player port > Sablon LAN cable > DAC.
I was pointed to this direction by SimonCN (the developer of MinimServer). He runs Melco N1A > fiber optic > Melco S100 switch > fiber optic > Melco N1ZS network port > USB cable > DAC, and says that this sounds better than playing the files direct from the N1ZS.
Planning to try fiber optic connections next.