Audiostore Microserver Plus

Description

Connect a USB external CD drive or our Slimline USB CD/DVD drive for automated CD ripping

Stream to Wireless receivers, connect to USB DAC or use inbuilt 3.5mm audio output directly into amplifier or powered speakers (DAC recommended for best quality) Add microRendu or UltraRendu for highest quality network connected USB DAC

All versions have operating system on SSD for improved performance

Rear: Ethernet 100/1000 MB/s, 2 x USB, analogue output

Power 12v power (adaptor supplied). 110v/120v/220v/230V
Operating power ~12w (depends on model) Power indicator – Blue
W200mm x H65mm x D240mm

This unit is convection cooled so should be placed in a ventilated area. (Horizontal placement only)

SPDIF Digital output – this is an option on some models. Please contact us for further information.

Roon. These products offer a range of applications including Roon. They are not intended to support advanced Roon features such as DSP upsampling or MQA playback. (DSD64 upsampling works) For improved performance and large storage drives we recommend the Audiostore Prestige Server or Audiostore Premium Server

You need to purchase the Roon App from Roon Labs for playback

Box contents: Nova (SonicOrbiter) based system, User Guide, external power adapter, power cable, 1M network cable

How do I use this? – Connect to your router. Add a USB DAC (or use the on-board output). For best results add an IsoRegen before the DAC (or an endpoint such as microRendu on the network)

Review(s) posted

Music sounds so much better! – Anton
Having used my old vortexbox appliance for over 10 years, it was time to
upgrade. Following a helpful chat with Martin I chose the Microserver 2
system. I selected an SSD rather than a hard drive as I find SSDs more
reliable. Connecting the USB output of the Microserver directly to my
new amp removed the need for the external DAC I had used with my old
system. The improvement is sound quality was significant. Also the
system in general has less bits and looks tidier. The Microserver came
preloaded with all the software I required including LMS. Transferring
the flac files was also straight forward so don t let that put you off.
All in all a great system with equally great support.

Replacement for old style Vortexbox, with much help and advice. – Terry
MyVortexbox which had worked well for many years, used as a music store
and “library” for a SONOS system suddenly ceased connection with the
home network. My technical knowledge of these systems is virtually zero
and understanding not much better! However Martin at Audiostore after
examining and confirming the network output fault, patiently guided me
by email and phone to a new system based on the MicroServer – we agreed I
do not need a CD drive as I rip separately using an external CD drive
and dBpoweramp software. He was able to transfer the music files and has
given more advice on installation and re-connecting, which was mainly
completely automatic, including re-establishment of the SONOS music
library. I wholeheartedly recommended the company and service.

Martin Patient Support – Phil Pearce
Hi all Had to comment on the support Martin has provided over the last 2
weeks. Firstly his patience (I m a bit of a technophobe!) has been
incredible. At no point was I made to feel stupid and Martin s priority
all the way through the journey was making sure I was happy and making
the most of my vortexbox. Secondly he went to great lengths to ensure I
didn t fork out for unnecessary items, but looking for a solution that
worked with my current equipment. Thank you again Martin. P.s. can t
recommend Audiostore highly enough. Phil.

Logitech Media Server lives on… – Dave Green
After very helpful advise from Martin, which included 2 telephone
conversations, one 50 mins and the other 40 mins, I purchased a
Vortexbox Microserver 2. This replaced the Squeezebox Touch and QNAP NAS
in my main music system which I was finding difficult to maintain and I
was keen to continue using Logitech Media Server (LMS) as I also wanted
to keep the Squeezebox Touch I use in another room. Since my music is
already digitalised I didn’t need a CD drive. Setting-up was straight
forward and copying the music files from my PC to the server was easy,
if time consuming. These files are now backed-up using a USB portable
drive attached to the Vortexbox. The system has now been up and running
for just over a week and I have to say I’m extremely pleased. Sound
quality has definitely improved compared to the Squeezebox Touch,
particularly noticeable in the bass and reproduction of piano and
vocals. I’ve received favourable comments from my wife which is always a
good sign. FYI the rest of the system is Naim DAC-V1, NAP200 PA and PMC
GB1i speakers. Martin recommended I include the Nova Edition/4GB RAM +
Bliss Cover and Tag Management software package. This has proved to
being very beneficial and has greatly assisted managing my music files.
For anyone looking for an easy to use, and cost effective, music server
solution, I can thoroughly recommend the Vortexbox Microserver 2.

VB Microserver 2 – Taking the Digital Plunge – Peter Dean
Having prevaricated for months over the move to lossless digital, I finally
took the plunge after transferring all my CDs to the FLAC format. Having
done so, and preferring to rip the CDs myself, I didn’t need a CD
ripper and the MicroServer seemed ideal. I’ve had the product for a
couple of months and so far it’s worked flawlessly. After speaking to
Martin, I decided to go for this and the IFI Nano DAC to feed into my
existing amplifier rather than go for an expensive alternative like the
Naim Uniti solutions. The combination sounds fantastic and Martin’s
advice saved me a shed load of money. Of course, the whole thing sounds
so good I am already thinking about upgrading the DAC and my amplifier!
But the Vortexbox / DAC combination is a great way into a network
capable digital setup and to me is excellent value for money. Super
support from Martin as well.

Upgrade From VB Classic to VB MicroServer – Ainsley Hayes
I had previously purchased a VB Classic which I found to be excellent. My
original setup consisted of the VB Classic paired to a Logitech
Squeezebox Touch, and a Music Fidelity M1DAC. After much use I
encountered some issues when I tried to update the VB software, so
returned it to Vortexbox UK for their attention. Martin got my VB
Classic working promptly, however I had subsequently decided to look at
the possible options. Martin was very patient and helpful. He listened
to my requirements and nothing seemed too much trouble. This was
particularly important to me as I have since moved to the other side of
the world. The VB MicroServer option was suggested to me, particularly
as I have ripped my music already. I must admit that I had not even
considered the VB MicroServer but it did seem to tick all my boxes.
Martin tailored the VB to my requirements. He also advised to remove the
Squeezebox Touch from the equation, and use an iPod Touch/iPhone for
the control. The VB MicroServer arrived carefully packaged, and all has
been fantastic. I had a few CDs that required ripping, but this is
simply done via a USB CD player. The MicroServer is silent, takes up
very little space; and sounds even better than my VB Classic did. I
would highly recommend the VB MicroServer to anyone, and even more so
the A1 customer service that Martin provides. Many thanks!

VB Microserver – Bill Scriven
I have now had this little beauty for about a month. I used to have a
vortexbox appliance connected to a squeezebox and loved it.
Unfortunately I kept the vortex box in a very dusty location and it over
heated. I contacted Martin and it was great to be able to talk to an
honest enthusiast. He must have spent over half an hour listening to my
requirements and advised me to sell the Squeezebox and go for the
Microserver with a DAC. He gave me fantastic advice, copied my music
from the appliance onto the VB Microserver and set it all up for me. It
worked straight out of the box and sound even better than my previous
system. Martin provides the kind of service that we are all looking for.
Thank You very much!

VB Microserver – Mike
I was very impressed with this server, worked straight out of the box and
has improved my Duets perfectly. The system just runs. Wished I had
found this years ago.I bought the USB DVD drive to rip and all works
smoothly. Martin is very helpful…Excellent

Does what it says on the tin! – Donald MacNeill
I’d had an older vortexbox, and wanted to upgrade. Martin was happy to guide me through that process, and I’m delighted with the support offered. He’s also been very helpful with a couple of minor questions afterwards – can’t fault the support at all. The box itself is doing just what it was designed to do – for me, running Logitech Media Server, and a family of up to 10 ‘squeezeboxes’. I also know the box is much more capable than what I’m asking it to do. I wouldn’t hesitate to deal with Martin/Vortexbox UK in future.

VB Mini with Roon Server – Lee Newton
Firstly I’d like to thank Martin for his outstanding help and support. I now have a fully functioning VB mini with SSD & Roon Server set-up, along with an external CD drive. I purchased the VB Mini with 2TB capacity. This arrived and was installed and up and running within minutes. Unfortunately after a few days of ripping my CD’s, the VB stopped being seen on the network. On inspection via remote terminal, it seem to have crashed. Contacted Martin and sent VB back. Seems I corrupted the O/S. Martin rebuilt O/s, replaced power supply (as a just in case) and returned machine. Received refreshed VB and started with CD ripping again,but after 35 CD’s same issue again. I noticed that it was the same CD that I was ripping that cause the initial its so once again contacted Martin and machine sent back. Martin gave me a bell one evening to discuss the situation re: my current equipment, what I was trying to do etc, and Martin said he would go away and think about what my best options where for the VB. This turned out to be a new VB Microserver Plus, which wasn’t around when I purchased the VB mini, so t’s replacing the VB mini. This gave me a 1TB SSD with faster CPU to support Roon Server and I added an external CD drive as an after thought. All in all Martin has provided an excellent service and support and has catered to and understood my requirements, even though I thought I had done my research. It’s nice to know that you can reply on the support of the supplier at anytime of the day or night it seems .i.e exchanging emails late evening.

Addendum ,error correction About my set up – Thaya
My setup is Sonos play 5 2, Sonos connect 1, Naim uniti 2 , and various laptops, pc’s running windows 7&10 ,Apple Mac, Linux, IPads , IPhones all work perfectly so far. Used for 3 days after setting up in about 1 hour but it will work straight out of the box in a simpler set up. Spotify, tuneup premium all work well

Brilliant Product & Excellent Service – Thaya
It seems to do all it claims so far in Audio. I have not used it for ripping Discs or for video streaming so can’t comment on that. I use DB power amp on a PC for ripping cd. Martin at Vortexbox UK was extremely helpful in helping me to choose the product and configuring it. He spent nearly 2 hours with me in explains and showing me the workings(by prior appointment). He answered subsequent queries promptly and in detail. He is a real enthusiast and very knowledgeable.I would strongly recommend anyone buying a product to spend some time doing a shortlist of your needs and then discuss with Martin or visit him if you need. He will help you choose the right product and configure it. Value for money? I would have been happy paying twice the amount for the service, configuration and help in buying the right product. My set up : so is play 5 2; songs connect 1; Naim uniti 2; Yamaha AV amp. All work without a glitch with the mini server.

Excellent Music Play & Storage – John Langley
I am delighted with my VB Microserver Silent SSD, it is straight forward to set up and easy to load with ripped music files. It is easy to operate on my Samsung Tablet with a down loaded music play app. and delivers the music to my Dac in a straight forward trouble free way. I can now run my music files 24/7, totally independently of my PC. Interestingly, the sound of my music has improved now my music files are being delivered free of all the workings of the PC.