Media Server Reviews

Digital sources: Oppo Digital UDP-105 universal disc player, Baetis Prodigy-X PC-based music server running JRiver Media Center v27 and Roon, Pink Faun 2.16x Linux-based music server running Roon, Mytek Brooklyn, exaSound e38 Mark II, and Okto DAC8 PRO D/A processors. QNAP TVS-873 NAS.
Preamplifiers: Parasound P7, Coleman Audio 7.1SW Balanced Surround Switcher.
Power amplifiers: Benchmark AHB2, Classé Sigma Mono.
Loudspeakers: Revel Ultima2 Studio (L/C/R), Revel Performa3 f206 (SL/SR), 2 × JL Audio f110v2 and 1 × JL Audio e110 subwoofers.
Cables: Digital: AudioQuest Coffee (USB). Analog: AudioQuest Earth/DBS balanced, Kubala-Sosna Anticipation (RCA). Speaker: Benchmark Studio&Stage (NL2 to banana), Canare 4S11 (Blue Jeans Cable). AC: Kubala-Sosna Emotion, SignalCable MagicPower 20A.
Accessories: AudioQuest Niagara 5000 and Brick Wall Brickwall 8RAUD power conditioners, Teddy Pardo 12V power supply (for exaSound e38), HDPlex 400W ATX Linear Power Supply and CyberPower 850PFCLCD AC filter (for the Baetis server).
Listening room: 24' L × 14' W × 8' H, furnished with 2 MSR Acoustics Dimension4 SpringTraps in the front corners, 2 Ready Acoustics Chameleon Super Sub Bass Traps to the sides, and moderately sound-absorbing furniture. Front wall has large windows partly covered by fabric drapes and 4"-thick 2' × 4' OC 705 panels. Rear of room opens into 10' × 7' foyer and a 12' × 8' dining area.—Kal Rubinson