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Hi-End Media Center

June 30 st , 2014

 
INTRODUCTION

The project is born to create a system to play high-resolution audio tracks without compromise and very easy to use.
Obviously the system must operate without generating noise so we have chosen to use a fanless PC.
We have 3 main components:

FANLESS PC

It is necessary at least an Intel Core i3 because others little processors like the Atom D525 do not have the ability to manage DSD files especially if you want to make the conversion of PCM tracks in DSD while listening.
Always operate in DSD mode means avoid the oversampling and digital filter also for PCM tracks (the DSD format). 
Using JRiver to rip CD's just put a CD in your drive and the whole process is completed in automatic.

This pc has a high cost because the fanless chassie and the fanless power supply will take 50% of the bill.
Follows the parts necessary to create this incredible hi-end pc:

Streacom FC8 Fanless Chassis

With its ultra-efficient heatsink and compact size, the Streacom FC8 pushes the boundaries of passively cooled chassis. Constructed from high grade aluminum and finished with a light brushed texture, this is the perfect building block for a near silent home theatre solution.
  • Material: All aluminum, 3.5mm thick body
  • Available Colors: Silver / Black – Brushed finish
  • Motherboard Support: Mini ITX Hard Drive Bays: 1 x 2.5″ + 1 x 3.5″
  • Optical Drive Bays: 1 x Slim slot loading drive, left side eject button
  • Front Ports: 2 x USB, 1 x SD
  • Card Reader Expansion Slot: 1 x Low Profile Expansion Card
  • Cooling: Passive Heatpipe Solution
  • Recommended CPU Thermal Design Power: 65W
  • Dimension: 240 x 250 x 100mm (W x D x H)
  • Power Supply: PicoPSU & AC Adapter (not Included)
  • Remote Control: MCE Compatible IR Receiver & Remote (not Included)
  • Net Weight: 2.5KG
Streacom Nano150 PSU

Designed to provide silent ATX power in impossibly small spaces, the Nano150 fits perfectly into all Streacom cases but can also be used as a silent PSU solution for any case.

Featuring 150W* of total power output, under & over output power protection, short safety protection, and connections for ATX24, SATA, IDE and 4PIN CPU power, the Nano150 is the natural choice for any SFF or quiet system.

Nano150 Max Power Output: 150W

Nano150 Output Connectors: 1 x 24PIN ATX, 2 x SATA, 1 x IDE, 1 x 4PIN CPU

 

Gigabyte GA-Z77N-WIFI
  • Bluetooth 4.0 and Intel Wi-Fi module
  • Supports 3rd and 2nd Gen. Intel® Core™ CPUs (LGA1155 socket)
  • Dual LAN for networking flexibility
  • Japanese Solid Capacitor Design GIGABYTE 333™
  • DVI and Dual HDMI interface
Intel Core i3-2120 3.3GHz 3MB LGA1155

RAM 4GB DDR3

Western Digital  3TB Harddisk

DVD Slim slot loading drive

Windows 8.1 operating system


Total cost  about 720 euro

 

ES9018 USB  PCM/DSD DAC

See the complete article on:  HQ reference DAC ES9018S - USB PCM / DSD DAC - version 2 

 



ES9018 with Lundahl LL1684 output stage (click on image to enlarge)

 

Cost about 1250$ + shipping

 

Remote Command 10" Wi-Fi Tablet

We have found a good and cheap product for this use.

Archos 10" Chefpad Wi-Fi tablet

CPURockchip RK 3066 Dual-core @ 1.6 GHz

GPUMali 400 MP4 Quad-core

RAM1 GB

Internal Storage8 GB

Expandable StorageMicro SD card up to 32 GB

Screen Diagonal Size   9.7 inches (24.63 cm)

Resolution1024 x 768 pixels

Operating SystemAndroid 4.1, "Jelly Bean"

Cost less than 150 euro

 

SOFTWARE

The JRiver + Gzimo is the most simple and good software to play 44,88,96,192,384KHz PCM tracks, DSD files and SACD ISO.


It is very easy configure JRiver as DLNA server to be accessed by the Gzimo client that runs on the tablet.

CONFIGURE

Follows some links to configure the PC and the Tablet.

JRIVER SETTING