8
Audio Renderer Input
The MSB Audio Network Renderer is easy to install but maybe not so easy to get the most out
of. Just slide it in the input slot and its installed. Plug in a computer network cable and you
are ready for action.
So what is the best way to integrate the MSB Renderer into an audio system? Well that depends
on your vision of what that perfect system looks like. Below we will show a few sample systems.
We are not saying that the hardware and software we picked is better than other brands, but
this is the brand we had on hand to test, and we know it works.
Computer Based System
The first decision is wether to use a PC or MAC. We have set
up with both and as always there are trade-off’s but both work
well. Both can play DSD native up to quad rate (256x). We are
running JRiver on the MAC and PC and it takes a firm control
of everything. Here are the Jriver configuration instructions. The
Jremote APP on the iPad also seems very solid. It seems you can
use many different NAS devices without issue. This is a very
powerful program with lots of options. It is a little tricky to set
up but pretty simple to use once you get used to it. The thing I
love is that I can set up a playlist with everything from a MP3 to
a Quad rate DSD file and it just plays through bit-perfect.
NAS Based System
This system does not involve a computer in playback, although a computer is typically used to rip CDs
and set up and organize your music. There is a certain simplicity in such a system. In this case our files are stored on a NAS where they
are safe. Many network storage devices include various ‘server’ options. The choice of ‘server’ may limit what file types can be played.
Almost all will work with common audio files but if you want to deal with high-res and DSD then do your homework. Again there are
many players that can be used to choose and play your music. They can be used on any mobile device so you are not limited to Apple.
We picked a low cost app, PLUGPLAYER running on an iPad. Point it to the NAS and select the MSB Renderer, and that is all there is
too it. We were up and playing music in minutes but have not tested all file formats yet.
As customers set up and test systems we will report any systems that have performed well, as examples of attractive approaches. Please
be aware, the MSB Renderer is designed to give you better sound quality than you have heard from stored digital files. It is for the
computer savvy and some skill is required to setup a clean reliable system. Let us know your experience and please share your successes
or failures with different NAS’s and Players.
Input Module Operation
These new inputs are automatically detected and made available. There is nothing to setup or do.