The N5 has a second network connection labeled “Player” that can be used to connect the streaming endpoint directly to the server. Used this way, the sound is even gentler, cleaner, purer, and somehow even less processed than when the music flows via the network switch and router. The precise difference may depend on the network switch used, but in my case, there’s a Silent Angel Bonn NX with Genesis GX clock, and even then, the direct connection sounds better. Go figure.
The N5 has TAOC cast iron feet, but the server can still be improved using Ansuz Darkz Resonance Control Footers. My favorites are the T2, as seen in the image above and below. This leads to an even crisper, more articulate, and more expressive delivery.
At this point in the review, I had to make a comparison with the Antipodes Oladra to see if and how it differed from the Melco when used in the same server-only UPnP mode. As it turned out, the delta is not enormous, but they do differ, the Oladra sounding richer and creamier and the Melco sounding tighter and crisper. Between the two, it’s partly a matter of personal preference but maybe even more so a matter of budget. At around 28.000 euros, the Oladra requires a very serious investment. The server’s ultra-rich feature set notwithstanding, it may be considered overkill when only using its UPnP server component. After all, this engages only one-third of its hardware and leaves the player and digital output sections aside.
One needs only compare the N5 to the entry-level N100 to further drive this point home. At 2.500 euros, the N100 is a very nice proposition, and it quickly established itself as sounding clearly better than either of the two UPnP software solutions. But although it offered very nice clarity and transparency, it was still quite far from N5-like levels of crispness, solidity, refinement, and timbral realism. In retrospect, the N100 reminded me of the older N1-1A, which was also very good and an ear-opener at the time but also easily bettered by the N1ZH. I’d be inclined to conclude that the power supply (along with local regulation) plays a huge role in distinguishing the quality level of these servers. Common wisdom can get in the way of accepting this, but I promise, the difference is night and day. So, if the budget does not stretch beyond an N100, just go for it, and do not listen to the N5!
Listening via USB
So far, I’ve listened to the servers streaming directly to a network endpoint. It goes without saying that the quality of the endpoint is crucial in obtaining the best result. But this does not mean the endpoint must be priced in the stratosphere. To be fair, the CH Precision C1.2 DAC does have an eye-watering price tag, but the Aqua LinQ also provides stellar performance at a more attainable 6.000 euro price point. But what if you don’t have or want an external streaming endpoint?
In that case, an all-in-one server with a digital output is the solution. When used as a server and player, the Oladra’s premium price tag starts to make more sense, especially if one wants access to its wide palette of server and player software solutions. But now, the Melco N5 counters with its onboard USB output and a price tag that is starting to look very reasonable. So, once again, how do the two servers compare?
StillPoints are very effective but can be strong medicine. For the Melco N5, I preferred the Ansuz T2, but the Oladra really benefits from StillPoints. So, to keep the circumstances identical, I also compared the two servers using the same footers.
When used with USB, and especially its digital outputs, the Oladra sounds considerably smoother and creamier than when streaming to the C1.2 or Aqua LinQ. These may be desirable qualities, but it also veers away from the articulate precision and exciting expression that it is capable of when used as a UPnP server.
Interestingly, when using the Melco’s USB output instead of its ethernet streaming output, it veers in the opposite direction. On the one hand, I have to admit I have not heard a source sound tighter, crisper, more neutral, or more direct than the N5 using USB. On the other hand, this delivery also has a controlled and analytical quality to it that makes one appreciate the performance more cerebrally than emotionally. Ultimately, it’s all relative, and as long as one is aware of the differences, the available connections can be used to one’s advantage. Relative matters aside, for my preferences and in this system context, the Melco N5 provides the best sound when used as a UPnP server streaming into a network endpoint.
Roon Ready
The N5 is Roon Ready, which means that when set to this mode, a Roon server on the same network sees it as a compatible endpoint that outputs via USB to a DAC of your choice. Unfortunately, I only realized that I had not yet investigated this functionality until the servers were already picked up again. Even if I prefer UPnP now, it would have been nice to know what Melco has achieved with the format. But for what it’s worth, thanks to the required certification by Roon, one can trust the implementation will be robust and fully compliant. Having options is always good, and given Roon’s prominent market position, it’s very nice to have compatibility built in.
Conclusion
The N5-H50 Digital Music Library is a superb UPnP music source with sleek looks and very solid build quality. When streaming to a network endpoint, the server has a wonderfully highly resolving and neutral delivery that is nimble, articulate, and expressive without even a hint of analysis. It’s rare to encounter high precision and definition without dryness or clinicality, but the N5 deftly manages this delicate balance. As a nice bonus, the N5 can also be connected directly to a DAC via USB and also functions as a Roon Ready endpoint. Its 8.999-euro retail price may not immediately seem like a bargain, but I’ve yet to find a server that sounds better for less.
External Links
Manufacturer: Melco
Distributor for the BeNeLux: Dimex
Hello Christiaan,
I have a Melco N50 (with SSD) and I can only agree with you, it sounds superb.
I use it as a server, (audiophile NAS), not as a streamer.
When it comes to connecting to my streamer I’ve tried all 3 options :
1.N50 and streamer both connected to my (Ansuz) LAN-switch
2.N50 and streamer interconnected via USB
3.N50 connected to the switch and the Player-out connected to the streamer.
For me option 3 is the winner. Additional benefit: I can use my streamer app.
As for footers, I use IsoAcoustics, directly under the bottom plate.
The Ansuz footers may be good, but compared to almost all other brands, extremely expensive.
I’ve compared the most affordable version (C2t) under my Aavik power amp with ISOAcoustics. The IsoAcoustics footers sound(ed) excellent and set me back some 250 euro (4 footers) instead of 1120 for Ansuz. So, for me not a difficult choice.
with kind regards,
John Brand.
…always a very interesting writing to read carefully, Christiaan: thanks.
Since there are “a thousand variables” nowadays in listening, both hardware and software, also considering that unfortunately we no longer have exact knowledge of the origin of the “data” (mixing, remastering, etc.) by the providers, I was wondering if you also listened to the MELCO with its highly recommended player, “MELCO MUSIC HD”.
It is a version (still graphically very rough, ugh) of mConnect but that could “change the cards on the table”, at least it did for me, with all due respect to ROON (by now it is a common fact and heard by many audiophiles that are leaving…) but also to Jplay and practically everything else. (Let’s not forget that MELCO, DELA-Audio in Japan, is “Buffalo”, and about PC – to be declined for audio – they know more than the…
Hi Luca, Thanks for the feedback and suggestion. I downloaded the Melco app but when I realized it is based on mConnect, I lost interest in investigating it further. Too bad I did not stop to think it could potentially provide something special sonically. Alas, the N5 has returned and the app only plays to Melco devices so I can no longer test it. That said, I recognise that different control apps and control devices can and often do have specific sound signatures.
..we will be here to read you again when another MELCO stops at your home, don’t worry!
Hi Christiaan,
great review!
What about the sound signature of Melco N5 vs Antipodes K21 vs XACT S1?
Would you care to elaborate?
Thank you very much
I’m currently working on the XACT S1 review, in which I will address how it compares to the Melco N5 and the Antipodes Oladra.