Introducing the Baetis Reference Media Server

Transcription

1 Introducing the Baetis Reference Media Server

2 2 Audiophiles who have actually compared a modern, multi-core computer with the very most expensive music servers have sometimes chosen the sound of the computer, but there is still much disagreement over whether a computer can compare with the sound of a $20,000 CD/SACD turntable. These $20,000+ turntables play the disc, sending a digital signal to a world-class DAC via EITHER a coaxial SPDIF output (Sony Philips Digital Interface), or an AES-EBU output (Audio Engineering Society/European Broadcasting Union). AES3 is basically 2- channel balanced SPDIF at a higher voltage. The world s best DAC makers prefer AES over SPDIF because of this higher voltage. Theoretically, the computer should be able to take the digital signal via SPDIF or AES and play it via RAM in a way that sounds better than the turntable because playing via RAM eliminates the mechanical process (a spinning turntable) within the CD turntable (or CD player). That is, if the computer can make a perfect copy of the disc ( ripping ), then play the digital file through RAM (which has no moving parts), into the same DAC that was used by the turntable the computer should sound better. But theory has not always proved to be achievable when playing 2-channel audio via a computer. The computer can indeed perfectly rip the CD s contents to produce a computer file that is better than the CD itself (because of removing the need to use the turntable). But the CD s information is usually NOT as good as the original WAV file on the computers of the media company. So, downloading these master files is the very BEST way of listening to the music on the CD. But from there, things break down after you have acquired the computer file. First, not all playing software systems are identical some sound better than others. Second, the digital outputs found on most computers are nothing short of atrocious. These outputs are harmed by internal EMI generation, digital noise in PCI cards, and, of course, mechanical noise (such as from fans and spinning storage drives). This is where Baetis enters the fray. Baetis Audio exists because its owners and advisors have tried virtually every music server and every audiophile computer out there. The most expensive music servers today (well in excess of $20,000) are no match for the best of these computers but the best of these computers are no match for a Baetis media server. Not just we and our clients say this. Here is what the reviewers said about our entry-level Revolution II server: I consider my reference audio system to be quite good, with spectacular resolution, detail and depth, but the Baetis combined with the Alpha DAC did take fine detail and spatial resolution to another level." "All of the presets delivered on the promise of the best possible sound; this was the best I've heard my system sound to date." Kris Deering, Sound & Vision, June 12, 2014

3 3 "...the best digital sound I have ever heard in my system." Andrew Quint, The Absolute Sound, issue 240, February, 2014 We are no longer make the Revolution II, partly because it was losing us money and partly because of the advancements in our XR and Reference models. Here s why we receive reviews like this. Below are the objectives we set when designing our line of computers (media servers) and especially our Reference model: 1. The quality of the digital audio must be noticeably better when using any quality 2-channel DAC, but very noticeably better when using one of the world-class DACs. 2. The server must be able to play ALL forms of digital music, with or without Digital Signal Processing ( DSP ), in either two channels or multi-channel, and over any possible output type (SPDIF coaxial or Toslink, AES3, USB, and HDMI). This includes music up to 64-bit depth, not just 24-bits; and resampling rates in excess of 192 khz. 3. The server must specifically be able to use all known methods of playing DSD files, including: a. DoP (DSD via PCM) over USB or any other output. b. DSD transcoded to PCM on the fly. c. DSD transcoded to PCM prior to playing. d. True Native DSD without using DoP. [Very few DSD capable DACs can do True Native DSD nor is it clear that native DSD is somehow better than DSD to WAV conversion; see more below. Only the Baetis servers allow you to explore any or all of these options.] 4. The server must be able to rip and play CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray, and DVD-A discs (plus, of course, play professionally ripped or downloaded SACD music) The server must be able to employ the world s best Digital Room Correction software, if the user desires. 6. The computer must be the quietest server on the market, while also providing the best cooling process for longevity. 7. The DC power coming to the server must be outside the box (for minimizing EMI) and it must perform above the level of the best linear PSUs and battery- 1 Legal disclaimer: We build computers that use Windows operating systems. We do not build any software whatsoever for the computer, nor do we install any unlicensed decryption software. We do not condone any illegal copying of media. We are not lawyers and cannot advise you on the legal consequences of copying CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs even for your own personal use. We concentrate only on making the best Windows computers that produce the best audio and video quality from any legally obtained source material such as legally downloaded 2-channel or multi-channel audio files, or legally obtained audio-video computer files such as those that might come within a retail Blu-ray package.

4 4 based (LiFePO4) PSUs, while still providing all the amperage needed for very CPU-intensive processes such as Blu-ray ripping, DRC, Blu-ray file playing, or any of the above at the same time. 8. The media server must have world-class physical build properties thick aluminum chassis; Stillpoint footers; bullet-proof heat-sink shock absorbers; and all connections must be soldered with high-content silver solder. To achieve these rather lofty objectives, Baetis media servers differ from the run-of-themill computer in the following ways: a. We use every technique possible to reduce or eliminate the interior mechanical noise of the computer as well as deadly EMI absorption and digital noise. This means using NO storage drives inside the computer, just a Solid State Drive to run the necessary software. The power supply must also be outside the computer. And special EMI reduction material must be used to protect the outputs. Finally, annealed aluminum shielding of special circuit boards used in the Reference must be employed (and hand-made). b. We never use PCI cards for our outputs, since PCI cards generate significant digital noise. Rather, our output connections come straight from the motherboard. However, unlike the ordinary motherboard outputs (the ones in the back of an ordinary computer), our outputs are: 1) galvanically isolated; 2) fully shielded by using wiring from the header that is shielded with aluminum casing; and 3) dedicated (no output shares a header with another output as is done normally in the rear of a computer), in order to maximize the voltage associated with a particular output. c. Our choice of CPUs and motherboards ( MBs ) differs from other computers the CPU and MB are auditioned to sound the very best within our Reference systems in our showrooms, which utilize Berkeley DACs, Wilson Audio speakers, Krell and Parasound amps, and very fine cabling. Some MB/CPU combinations simply sound too digital with the very best DACs (without any improvement in accuracy). d. The cooling systems in our servers are hybrids, using a combination of liquid cooling (heat sinks and heat pipes) to cool the CPU, plus proprietary fan topography using Noctua fans (which can be configured to be quieter than the audio system on standby). Therefore, our motherboards run significantly cooler than so-called fan-less servers, yet register the same noise on a digital sound pressure meter. Longevity is improved. No other media server company uses such a hybrid cooling system and has the digital sound pressure meter readings to support claims regarding quietness.

5 5 e. Most importantly, media servers (computers) are often viewed as being difficult to learn and always breaking down. Frankly, this is the reason why music servers exist the firmware and software are usually quite simple (and therefore the music server can t do very much). Unlike the makers of these servers, we don t think audiophiles are idiots. Indeed many audiophile magazine writers use the JRiver Media Center software that is the best at playing any form of audio or video file; can be used on any kind of computer; and does things that the simpler media software cannot, such as use many forms of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) if the user wishes (including Digital Room Correction). Rather, what is needed is an educational system that is easy to master and does not just rely on the written manuals. Therefore, all Baetis servers come with a unique Customer Support system that includes Remote Desktop Control sessions. That is, our staff uses the internet to take control of the Baetis computer, showing the user how to move the cursor on the screen to achieve any particular objective. Then, we watch as you do the same thing. Learning in this manner is far more effective than either reading a manual (which you nevertheless should), or having some guy come into your home and start making changes to your computer that you can t understand. For the record, the Baetis Reference Server comes with 3 full years of such 24/7 remote desktop control sessions. f. The media server must have the very best in DC power for the cleanest sounding audio and artifact-free video. Our AC/DC converters (Power Supply Units or PSUs) are always outside the box so that the EMI generated by these PSUs cannot harm the audio (or video). Moreover, our standard switch-mode PSU is the very best in its class, producing ripple-noise of less than 10mV less than one-fifth the noise coming from the power supplies of most music servers and all factory computers. We also use a special Uninterruptible Power Supply ( UPS ) to generate the AC current going into our PSU. This battery-based back-up unit protects our sensitive motherboards, but more importantly, the pure sine-wave AC output of the UPS makes the audio noticeably better (just the opposite of most UPS). We have also auditioned all of the very best LiFePO4 battery-based and linear PSUs and find that they do NOT produce better audio quality than our standard PSU. We recommend that you put your money into the very best digital signal cables, which can cost well north of $1000, up to about $3000. Moreover, when these top-of-the-line linear and battery-based PSUs are NOT plugged into our UPS, but into the wall socket or a typical power conditioner, they often do not sound as good as our UPS + best-in-class switch mode PSU.

6 6 Critically, none of the best linear PSUs or battery-based PSUs generate more than about 8amps of DC power (recently, some have climbed to 10a). This is NOT sufficient to do all the things that the modern, multi-core computer can do (but they are fine for the ordinary music server). Our PSUs put out 12a to 16a of DC power and do NOT run extremely hot as do the linear and battery-based PSUs when doing things such as ripping or playing Blu-ray music. Nevertheless, our friends in the linear PSU and battery-based PSU industries keep trying to increase power in their units. And, in the meantime, we continue to use in our best models, including the Reference, a special Neutrik DC power connector into the chassis of our servers. This allows the user to employ any one of the top linear or battery-based PSUs, if he wishes, just for two-channel audio (PCM or DoP) playing. We d be glad to discuss the possibilities with you. So, what is it that makes the Baetis Reference server so much better than our other models (which, in our experience, beat ALL of the others)? Here s what you are paying for in the Reference model over and above our popular XR2 model: The only AES/EBU digital output of any computer that plays JRiver Media Center, without using a PCI card. AES/EBU is valued by the best DAC makers because of the 110ohm signal that puts out a higher voltage signal than SPDIF. Ours is the ONLY AES output that uses a newly designed circuit board directly attached to the main motherboard, fully shielded, dedicated, and galvanically isolated, without using a noisy PCI card. This new circuit board has most recently been updated to have improved circuitry that a) significantly improves the quality of the digital waveform coming from the motherboard; b) boosts voltage (amplitude) of the signal; and c) decreases rise time. The result is a rather dramatic improvement in accuracy, musicality, and depth/width of the sound stage. We continue to research future improvements in this daughter-board. A specially designed USB port, for those DACs that are engineered to sound best with USB inputs for DoP (i.e., DSD over PCM). The USB port is a) fully shielded, and b) direct from a header on the motherboard without the use of a PCI card. This port is also a USB3.0 port because when we do listen to DoP it tends to sound better through the faster USB3.0 port. This port can also be used with the new breed of multi-channel DACs that do multi-channel DSD via USB. This is not to say that such USB-based Multi-channel DACs are better than the best HDMI-based pre-pros, only that the output is there if you choose to use it. Also, if you have read our other literature, we are NOT fans of DoP since the world s best DACs play DSD the best way which is to have DSD transcoded to WAV

7 7 either on the fly or beforehand, then played through the special AES port on our Reference Baetis. The server also has the only fully shielded, dedicated, and galvanically isolated SPDIF output (gold plated BNC) straight from the motherboard. Stillpoint Ultra Mini footers that reduce the potential for vibrations in the ripping process that might harm the audio file. We now mill special bases for these footers to make them fit into our chassis better. 3 years of telephone and Remote Desktop Control customer support, instead of the 1 year support for the XR3. Full service physical set-up by the very best high-end audio dealers in the country. These dealers are also trained to make hardware repairs such as replacement of physical storage drives on the Baetis NAS or the server itself, including optical drives that may be used for ripping CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray, and DVD-A discs. The industry s only planned upgrading process. We are so happy with the design of our chassis and cooling system, that we don t anticipate changing it for a very long time. What will change (improve) are the three basic components of the underlying computer the CPU, the motherboard (MB), and the RAM (memory). Every so often (measured in years not months) the makers of these components will issue new versions of these CPUs, MBs, and RAM. Often, we have to wait additional time for the software (drivers) to catch up. But when the result is better audio and/or better video we will introduce a new version of the Baetis Reference Media Server. When these upgrades become available, the Reference Server owner can simply send in the server to our shop and we will install the new CPU, MB, and RAM for a modest fee. We can do this without disturbing your carefully built media libraries and playlists. We can also make sure that these libraries/playlists are backed up properly BEFORE you send us your Baetis server for upgrade. We are not aware of any other high-end audio/video product that has this built-in obsolescence protection. Finally, you may wish to consider the purchase of our very special NAS/Ripper component: This Windows computer has 16T to 30T of true storage (with back-up to individual and inexpensive external USB3.0 drives). Importantly, our NAS/Ripper has a Blu-ray optical drive, plus it has all the software of the Reference software itself, so that it can be used to rip CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs in another room while the Baetis server is playing audio and video in the main listening room. Then, when the time comes to upgrade the Baetis Reference Server, the NAS/Ripper can play back your music, concerts, and movies while you wait the necessary 2 weeks to have the Reference upgraded. Most importantly, this NAS/Ripper is completely silent, like our servers, so it can be

8 8 used in the main listening room rather than in another room or closet. This is one VERY special NAS. It is the AES output of the Reference Server that is so important to the very best twochannel audio. This required almost 2 years of research and development to eliminate the PCI card, which, previously was the ONLY way of getting an AES output from a computer. The results are quite amazing. We thought our proprietary SPDIF (BNC) output was so special that we wondered whether going to the AES output would provide any appreciable audio advantage. Turns out that the DAC makers were right, but even they didn t anticipate the degree of improvement in audio quality. It is also important to understand that not every DAC in the world can benefit from this advantage. Indeed, some fairly expensive DACs do NOT play as much as 192khz over their SPDIF or AES inputs they are limited to 96khz. Some of their websites say that they CAN do 192hz on these inputs, but our clients have sometimes found out the hard way that this is NOT the case. Please contact us to discuss whether your DAC is up to snuff to use the Baetis Reference media server. Remember, the Baetis Reference is sold only by high-end dealers who actually sell one of the very best DACs. Contact us directly if there is not yet a Baetis Reference dealer in your area. Additionally, it is important to understand that DSD audio presents special issues for DAC makers. The overwhelming majority of DAC models that advertise themselves as being DSD capable do NOT play true native DSD but rather DoP (DSD over PCM). Most of these DACs only accept DoP via USB, not SPDIF or AES. We have found that DSD transcoded to WAV by a powerful computer (with the latest generation multi-core processors), and played over SPDIF or AES, sounds significantly better than DoP. Both methods use PCM DSD over PCM or DSD transcoded to PCM. But the benefit of using the SPDIF or AES output with the transcoded PCM file is that it sounds much better. And in our own reference audio systems, DSD transcoded to PCM and put out via AES (via our Neutrik XLR digital output connector) is the very best DSD audio we have ever heard, anywhere, on any system. We are pretty sure you will agree. But why, you might ask, if SPDIF and AES are so wonderful compared to USB, does our Reference server have a very specially designed USB output dedicated and fully shielded? The answer is that a) new breeds of high quality DACs can play multi-channel audio via USB, and b) your existing DAC maker might advertise that the USB input is the best way of playing audio from a computer. We wanted to make sure that you can test this claim yourself, using what we think is the very best sounding USB output to compare with our AES output on the Reference. Either one, we assure you, will sound substantially better than any Mac or PC currently used by audiophiles, and substantially better than any purpose built music server, no matter how expensive.

9 9 Home Theater Systems Oh, by the way, is your world-class 2-channel audio system positioned within the context of a world-class multi-channel audio and video room a truly great Home Theater System? Guess what -- no Universal disc player can do Blu-ray multi-channel audio as well as the Baetis Reference server. Nor can any such disc player do video better than the Baetis Reference, especially when the video signal is run through an expensive video processor. Why is this? First, ours is the only server that has two (2) HDMI outputs. And it is the only one with both of these outputs protected from EMI corruption. Further, JRiver is the only media software that has just about every capability for video processing as well as multi-channel audio processing. Did you know that DTS-HD Master multi-channel audio is really specially encoded PCM audio? Typically, the disc player sends out via HDMI this encoded signal via HDMI (with much poorer physical construction of the HDMI port). It turns out that when the $20,000+ home theater processor (often called a pre/pro) decodes the DTS-HD Master signal the resulting multi-channel audio is NOT as good as when the powerful multi-core computer processor does the decoding using JRiver software. When you try this test you will wonder why no one told you this before. The JRiver Red October video processing engine can do just about any kind of video processing. For example, many of our users employ the JRiver Red October HQ engine and have sold their video processors. If your video processor is good enough, you can either shut off the JRiver HQ processor, or use the two together for what is arguably the very best possible video, including both 3D and 4K. The JRiver software, the industry leader, by far, can do the above AND allow you to use some of the world s greatest audio Digital Room Correction software (we are auditioning these DRC software packages in our own showrooms). The new breeds of DRC software, which make adjustments both in the frequency domain and in the time domain, beat older DRC software, including software used in a separate box that does not have a CPU as powerful as the modern multi-core computer. But most importantly, we have learned that a few expensive pre/pros do not do a very good job of isolating audio and video when both kinds of signal are sent to the pre/pro over the same HDMI cable. By sending only the audio to the pre/pro via one HDMI cable, and sending only the video to the monitor or dedicated video processor via another HDMI cable, we can often significantly improve both audio and video quality. Again, you have to see this and hear it to appreciate the difference.

10 10 Bottom line is that, while we designed the Baetis Reference primarily for the very best audio systems in the world, the guts of the computer are also great for the very best Home Theaters. No Blu-ray carousel -based player, nor any Universal disc player can compare, and we d love the opportunity to show you. We didn t start out to build a Home Theater server, but the best possible audio happens to come with all these other features. If you are an audiophile-only person, you simply do not need to use the Baetis other capabilities just judge it based solely on its 2-channel audio quality. Moreover, no longer does a computer have to scare you with its complexity. The software updating process is now fully automated. We install the very best virus protection (which doesn t need yearly renewal) AND the user may not install any other software, including even an app, without our permission. You get the ability to rip and play any format of audio and video file, stream anything from the Internet (at lower quality, of course, than a ripped Blu-ray disc), and access it all with the touch of a button on your ipad or Android tablet. No carousel for your Blu-ray discs; no hardware breakdowns; and, with our hands-on education process, you ll learn all the wonderful things that JRiver can do in just a couple of days all the while hearing the very best audio. As with all Baetis media servers, the Reference comes with our special education system our pre-installed Remote Desktop Control software. This allows us to take control of the cursor on your screen and SHOW you what to do. It is extremely easy to use with just a few remote sessions. The Reference comes with 3 years of this special support. What about the sexy part the Graphical User Interface (GUI) of the Baetis Reference? Ok. So now we get to the part where the user asks how cool is the remote control for the Baetis Reference? Or, can I use my universal remote? What about my ipad? And what does the interface look like? For example, does it show the album covers in 3D if I want it? The answers are all YES, everything is a cool as anything in the world. For example, an ipad has an app that can run Savant and an app that can run JRiver. The most you have to do is press one additional tab on the ipad. We highly recommend either a) a simple wireless mouse at your listening position, especially when your monitor is a 120 screen; or b) an ipad or Android (the Android is slightly faster but the software on the ios is better does more thins); or c) another computer such as one of the new Windows touch tablets. As part of our customer support service, we can set up any of these for you. Here s how things look.

11 11 This is the Standard View for audio-only files not very sexy, more or less just like itunes (only with audio bit-rates that are 70+ times higher!). And you can touch the little button at the top right of the screen (with the green check-mark) to double-check the type of file you are playing and whether or not any DSP is being applied. A similar view, except on your Android or ipad: When the album is playing, the tablet has all the controls of an IR remote:

12 12 That is, Stop, Pause, FF or backwards. Very similar controls show up when watching a movie or concert, but only if you want them to. And the 3D view of movie choices: You just swipe the mouse or your finger across the tablet screen to choose, say, Avatar:

13 13 Then click or touch Watch. This is way faster than finding the disc or waiting for it to load on your carousel-based Blu-Ray server. Most importantly, during the ripping process for the Blu-ray, you can choose to NOT copy all the advertisements (trailers) that take forever to scroll through when playing the disc on your universal disc player. Same thing with audio albums CD rips, PCM hi-def downloads, SACD rips (done professionally) or DSD downloads. A 3D view if you want it.

14 14 But you really don t need to see your albums in 3D do you? On the screen above, once you choose an album, and touch its cover art, the album tracks are shown, and off you go. These screen shots are just a small sample of the many ways in which you can choose how you look for music and play it. The same flexibility exists for how you look for and play movies and concerts. And, Blu-ray concerts have some of the very best 24-bit music you have ever heard, in either multi-channel or 2-channel! And only the Baetis can play them all via RAM over the very best audiophile outputs in existence. Meanwhile, creating Playlists, watching a live performance from the Berlin Philharmonic or the NY Met, or listening to internet radio (ugh!), may be done quite easily. No other server has all of these capabilities (including some we haven t even tried yet). Please don t hesitate to call or with questions. But remember, we are all about the audio quality. You must listen to the Baetis Reference Media Server to fully appreciate how much it improves ALL formats of music, when played within a truly good audio system. Here are some other views of the Reference Media Server and the Reference NAS/Ripper

15 15 This shows the Server on top of the NAS/Ripper. Normally, you wouldn t stack these units. But this is shown to emphasize that the NAS/Ripper is dead quiet and can be used in the listening room. Also, we normally build the Reference Server with an optical drive (and it is not a bad idea to have an optical drive in both units if you should purchase both). The rear of the Reference Server. The only media server of any kind with: a) 2 HDMI ports b) 4 USB3.0 ports in the rear plus 2 more on the side near the front. c) Internal wifi (with antenna connection) plus 2 Ethernet ports

16 16 d) A very special set of audiophile outputs: 1) AES3 output from a dedicated, galvanically isolated, and fully shielded connection straight from the motherboard (using no PCI card). 2) Our highly reviewed SPDIF output that is dedicated, galvanically isolated, and (within the Reference Server) fully shielded, straight from the motherboard. 3) A specially designed USB3.0 output from its own header on the motherboard, fully shielded, for the best in DoP via USB. 4) The SPDIF and AES3 outputs run through a new, proprietary circuit board ( daughter board ) that a) significantly improves the quality of the digital waveform coming from the motherboard; b) boosts voltage (amplitude) of the signal; and c) decreases rise time. The result is a rather dramatic improvement in accuracy, musicality, and depth/width of the sound stage. These improvements occur mainly because the audio output circuitry utilizes neither a USB-bus nor a PCI-bus but rather special circuitry for improving what is already a very good audio signal. Above all, a USB signal does not have to be converted back into SPDIF, as for all the USB-centric computers. e) Internal EMI reduction fabric protecting all outputs and inputs. f) A special Neutrik DC input connector for use of 3 rd party linear or LiFePO4 PSUs (for use in playing 2-channel audio; such PSUs are not sufficiently powerful to play multi-channel audio or rip Blu-rays, or transcode DSD to PCM). Meanwhile, our best-available switch-mode PSU is powerful enough for doing all things related to multi-channel audio, the ripping of Blu-ray, and the transcoding of DSD to PCM. g) The latest generation Core-i7 CPU, upgradeable whenever you desire. h) Stillpoint ultra-mini risers for eliminating vibration during ripping sessions. All of this and the industry s only 3-years of customer support including remote desktop control of the media computer by our own people. We are teachers as well as audiophiles, and we enjoy the pleasure expressed by our clients when they hear our servers within their carefully designed audio systems. [email protected]; [email protected];