The first question revolves around the Reference PSU and a comparison that features the PSU on the Server but not the transport. The logic here is two-fold: adding the PSU and Akasa DC cable to the Server brings it far closer in price to the transport. While normally, I’m less concerned by questions of price parity, especially when prices reach “if you have to ask” levels like these, the Server and Transport exist within a single eco-system and might well be seen as viable alternatives, a choice to be made or, a priority to be established. Secondly, the Server without the PSU stands no chance so, including the PSU at least gives the streaming/file replay option a fighting chance (while also undercutting any cries of “Foul” on the grounds of cost).
The next issue revolves around the choice of material and whether you stream or play locally stored files. Once again, this is a bit of a non-issue. The stability of locally sourced files easily trumps streaming performance and, with the Server’s ability to ‘tune’ the sound of each file individually (via its DWC facility) locally stored material consistently outperforms streamed music. But a thornier topic is the choice of material itself. That depends on the way in which you use the Server. Are you concerned with achieving the best possible sonic performance or accessing the widest range of musical performances? I sit firmly in the latter camp. I use the Server to access new or unfamiliar music, especially if I’m going to hear it live. I rarely use it as a primary source, unless the material in question is only available in downloadable form (and bear in mind that most CDs and LPs now include a free, downloadable file). In other words, I’m interested in how well the Server delivers the music I choose to hear. File replay refusniks will protest that there are a number of labels producing superb, high-res recordings that really show what file replay can do. They will also argue about the best sounding file formats. If I only cared about how good file replay might sound, those arguments might hold water. As it is, until those labels are recording the artists I want to enjoy, I’m afraid they’re irrelevant. In short, I want to choose what I listen to, not have the system (or file format) choose for me, or gate the choices I have.
Taking all that into account, I was able to make a wide range of comparisons between files of different resolution and a whole variety of optical disc formats played on the Transport. But one example will suffice: Alina Ibragimova’s surprising and invigorating performance of the Shostakovich 1st Violin Concerto, with Jurowski and the State Academic Symphony Orchestra of Russia. First available as a CD (Hyperion CDA68313) it is also available as a 192kHz/24bit FLAC download – and (he says mischievously) a recent Hyperion LP release. Nor is the CD particularly impressive on a sonic level. This comparison, high-res file against stock CD, should (at least in theory) give the Server its best chance of success, yet that isn’t how this plays out. The sound from the Server is soft and diffuse, with a gentle textural ‘fog’ that insinuates itself throughout the acoustic. The soloist steps back into a flattened orchestral image but, more worrying, her playing lacks poise, purpose and direction.
