Melco N1A/2EX Network Audio Server

• Dedicated Music Server
• Network-attached storage
• Includes Twonky Server
• 2 x 3TB HDD
• Dual Ethernet ports - dedicated PLAYER port and LAN port
• Audio grade ultra-low jitter internal data clock
• Dedicated USB-DAC port
• Black or Silver aluminium chassis

The Melco N1A 2EX is a Network Attached Storage (NAS) drive that is specifically designed for music streaming applications. By focusing the functionality on music, the Melco only offers the features you need making it not only very easy to use, but it offers improved reliability and sound quality. It does this with an ultra-low jitter internal data clock and buffers with a low noise Ethernet interface. 

The N1A 2EX has a dedicated PLAYER Ethernet port. This allows connection directly to the network Streamer or Player without any data switch in the signal path which would damage the music data. This direct connection concept is unique to Melco. The Ethernet purifier between the LAN and PLAYER ports ensures that the Player receives only clean and accurate data, all packets are timed with low-jitter precision and all unwanted traffic is blocked. LAN lights can be disabled for the highest possible data integrity.

There are two methods of operation – Network Mode is the default and allows a Tablet connected to the Wi-Fi to control the player as normal.  But for ultra-pure music playback DIRECT MODE can be selected – in this case, there is no need for any external Ethernet or IT components, and the Melco acts as DHCP server to the Player. Browsing and control are then ACHIEVED from the player front panel. 

The 2EX specification is a further development on their MK2 with a primary focus on curating your music library allowing the ease of navigation within Classical and Jazz genres (such as searching through composers, conductors and soloists, previously incredibly difficult when they're all defined as 'artists'). The N1A Player supports PCM up to 384 kHz / 32 bit and DSD up to 11.3 MHz Quad DSD and includes automatic sample rate adjustment to match the capabilities of the connected DAC e.g.192 kHz is automatically downsampled to play on a 96 kHz capable DAC. It also offers conversion of DSD to 32 bit PCM for a USB DAC that does not support DSD.

There are many improvements internally over the original N1A. To further reduce internal noise there is a new capacitor bank to isolate the medical grade power supply and a built-in power supply noise filter. The newly selected HDD's sit in vibration isolating cradles and offer increased capacity, 2 x 3TB = 6TB.

A front-panel USB 3.0 port makes importing from a USB stick or USB drive very convenient and is in addition to 3 rear USB 3.0 ports for Easy Backup, Easy Expansion, Easy Play and Easy import.

Grahams recommend you partner this Server with:

• Chord Hugo Qutest DAC
  

Please contact us to arrange a demonstration. 

Technical Specifications