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MusicServer posts

Olive blesses Opus No. 4 music server with 2TB of space, charges $1,799 for it

by Darren Murph posted Jul 22nd 2009 at 6:59PM


We haven't heard from Olive in a white hot minute, but hey, given the price of its wares, maybe it just decided to take the whole recession off. At any rate, the boutique outfit is sashaying back onto the scene with the Opus No. 4, the newest member of its long-standing Opus Hi-Fi Digital Stereo family. As with the models that have come before, this ultra high-end music server packs loads of internal storage (2TB if you're counting), giving you enough room for around 6,000 CDs stored in the lossless FLAC format. There's also a handy, full-color display on the front that probably won't get much use, and 'round back, you'll find a WiFi adapter (for wireless music streaming, you dig?), optical / coaxial digital audio outputs, a left / right analog output, a USB socket and an Ethernet port (for more of that streaming stuff). Look good? You bet. Does it look $1,799 good? That's debatable.

Gallery: Olive blesses Opus No. 4 music server with 2TB of space, charges $1,799 for it

CasaTunes ships CasaTunes XLe and XLe Music Server

by Darren Murph posted Feb 27th 2009 at 12:57AM


For those with the requisite cash and a hankering for whole-home audio distribution, you should probably know that the recently announced CasaTunes XLe music server is now shipping. CasaTools has also proclaimed that the CasaTunes XLe is shipping alongside of it, proving a PCI-express card that snaps into PCs and connects to a separate expansion box that together can control music in up to 12 rooms of a home. All told, the scalable system can support up to four expansion boxes for up to 48 rooms of music. For those who can't recall, the CasaTunes XLe Music Server includes the music server PC and comes pre-installed with the CasaTunes XLe PCI-e card, expansion box, CasaTunes software, 250GB hard drive and a built-in touch screen. Now, if only finding $1,199 (CasaTunes XLe) / $2,199 (XLe Music Server) were as easy as the order process itself...

CasaTools announces CasaTunes Xle Multi-Room Music Server

by Darren Murph posted Jan 30th 2009 at 11:11AM


It's a month or so late, but those eager to get their hands on a new music server from the labs of CasaTunes are probably willing to forgive the brief delay. The multi-room device, which was announced last September at CEDIA, is finally shipping to those interested. Dubbed the CasaTunes XL, it comes stocked with a capacious 250GB hard drive (which, honestly, sort of pales in comparison to WD's newest 2TB monster), touchscreen controls and the ability to shuffle between up to nine different sources. A few different model options are available, but you can get started for as low as $1,499.

Update: CasaTunes wrote in to say that the CasaTunes XLi Music Server is available now, while the CasaTunes Xle and the CasaTunes Xle Music Server are expected to be available in a few weeks.

Gallery: CasaTunes pipes multiple audio streams to multiple rooms

NuVo Technologies ships Wireless Control Pad

by Darren Murph posted Jan 30th 2009 at 5:45AM


Heads-up, NuVo Technologies fans -- the outfit's swank Wireless Control Pad, which was unveiled at CEDIA, is now shipping. For those unaware, this little bugger can be used to control your Grand Concerto and / or Essentia E6G multi-room audio systems, not to mention the sources attached to them. The unit itself includes a 1.6-inch OLED display and checks in at around 5- x 2- x ~0.5-inches, but if you thought such a small package would run you cheap, you're sorely mistaken. Bundled with the Network Coordinator and Charging Dock, the Control Pad will run you $799, while the Pad alone goes for $599.

Ask Engadget HD: Best multi-zone music server under $2,000?

by Darren Murph posted Jan 28th 2009 at 12:00PM Featured Story


We've got a wide-open one for you this week, so be sure and simmer on it for an extra long while before contributing.

"I just got into a new home and I'm hoping to procure a multi-zone music server. I'm really new to the field, so I'm pretty overwhelmed by all the options. I need at least three zones and 250GB of hard drive space. Other than that, I'd just like general advice about good units under $2,000. Help!"

George is right -- there are darn near an infinite amount of options out there, but the money cap does narrow things down a bit. What's streaming audio throughout your house right now? Got something simple and sweet? Share it!

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Sooloos delivers RackMount media server models at no extra cost

by Darren Murph posted Jan 26th 2009 at 8:18AM


So far as we can tell, this is the first major product introduction from Sooloos since it was acquired by Meridian Audio Limited in December 2008. For those who've already plunked down for one of the company's music management devices, you'd be better off holding your ears and scrolling down with haste. For everyone else, you should know that Sooloos's Source, Twinstore and Ensemble units will now be available in a 2U rackmount enclosure for -- get this -- no additional cost. The mountable iterations will include internal fans for heat dispersion and a front-panel power switch, though functionally everything will remain the same. Pays to wait sometimes, huh? The full release (prices included) is after the break.

Continue reading Sooloos delivers RackMount media server models at no extra cost

NuVo Technologies CEDIA 2008 booth tour

by Darren Murph posted Sep 7th 2008 at 5:37AM Featured Story


Generally speaking, we've always found NuVo Technologies' products a tad too pricey for what they are, but who are we to think for everyone, right? All of its mainstream gear was in attendance, from the NV-M3 music server to the Essentia E6G to the all new Renovia. Give the whole fam a look in the gallery just below.

Gallery: NuVo Technologies CEDIA 2008 booth tour

Naim's NaimNet to bring audiophile-quality sound to your whole home

by Steven Kim posted Aug 26th 2008 at 7:27PM

NaimNet NS03 music server
There aren't too many audiophile firms that really take a whole-systems approach, but Naim has been at it for years. The firm is adding new models to its whole-home audio systems, but sadly for us, the pricing is pretty much the same -- too expensive. New to the NaimNet music server lineup are the NS01 ($6,800), NS02 ($7,900) and the NS03 ($9,575). For your dollars, you get one-touch CD ripping, an easy-to-use UI, database information from AMG, support for six simultaneous streams and storage of your precious bits on mirrored 400GB drives. Oh yeah, and the system will offer up non-DRM'ed music files on your plebian networked or USB-attached devices, too. Having spent some time with Naim equipment, we're not complaining about the functionality or build quality, but these prices make us consider Sonos, Slim Devices, Apple, or even sprinkling dedicated PCs throughout the house.

Avoca unveils VIP Music Edition residential music control system

by Darren Murph posted Aug 25th 2008 at 9:25AM


As the run-up to CEDIA continues, the no-names are coming out in force. Avoca is looking to make a splash in the residential music control system sector with its VIP Music Edition. A stiff $3,990.00 (and up) will buy you a sleek VIP Music Player, a wireless VIP Music Companion (read: a remote) and the company's own Say it-Play it control interface, which enables you to simply speak what artist you'd like to hear and have it played back instantly. The integrated CD player can automatically rip and store lossless copies of your jams, and the on-screen interface enables you to sift through and find whatever you're looking for. The system is all set to snag some limelight in Denver, though prospective buyers can find it at dealers right now. Full release after the jump.

Continue reading Avoca unveils VIP Music Edition residential music control system

Tranquil PC introduces AVA RS3 music server

by Darren Murph posted Jun 27th 2008 at 2:37PM


Hope you like the shiny, because Tranquil PC is bringing lots and lots of it with its latest home music server. The AVA RS3 comes in two flavors, one of which packs 2 x 500GB drives while the other includes a pair of 1TB HDDs. The unit also boasts a fanless design to keep things quiet, and just in case your music library isn't all converted to .wav files just yet, it possesses an internal optical drive to handle direct-to-HDD ripping. Expect these to ship out in around a fortnight for £549 ($1,092) / £699 ($1,390).

[Thanks, WHSuser]

Naim offers up HDD-based HDX network audio player

by Darren Murph posted Apr 30th 2008 at 1:34PM


Naim Audio, a name synonymous with high-end, has recently launched its very own hard drive-based music server, and on paper, it's a fairly mesmerizing piece of kit. The HDX packs a pair of 400GB hard drives (one primary and a back-up) and claims to be a "fully integrated CD ripping and data storage system." Aside from giving users a way to catalog their gargantuan CD collection in digital form, it'll also play tracks back in the finest of detail. Packed within is a Burr-Brown PCM1791A DAC, 24 bit/192kHz internal architecture, ultra-low jitter re-clocking circuits and a built-in touch panel, too. Best of all, any tunes stored on network / USB drives can also be played through the device, and it can send up to six different streams of music simultaneously over a home network. The rub? At £4,500 ($8,772), you're probably better off hiring Daft Punk to just play at your house.

[Via CNET, thanks Andrew]




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