In an expansion of its generous digital playback product range, Japanese computer audio specialist Melco has launched the mid-level N50-S38 ‘Music Library’ incorporating a number of new design features.
The made-in-Japan N50-S38 server is a first for Melco’s mid-range offerings in terms of its in-built SSD hardware at an affordable price point. In addition, it features the company’s new-ish full-sized form factor. Aside from a solidly-designed new chassis, the N50-S38 features internal enhancements across its circuitry which include a “specially selected” 3.84 TB SSD drive which is now mounted on an improved, more rigid ‘layered’ cradle. A 25% larger power supply has been designed for the N50-S38 in addition to a revised filtered AC circuit. The company has also included a new footer design for enhanced isolation from vibrational distortions.
The N50-S38 is an USB-based device so only features a single such port for its output to outboard digital-to-analogue converters (DACs). Input options are also USB-centric and feature ports for USB 3.0, ‘Expansion’ (allows external storage drive connectivity) and a further USB port for back-up purposes. A further USB port is available on the unit’s fascia. The relevant USB options allow seamless and configuration-free CD ripper connectivity, external device importation or playback and the abovementioned back-up and storage expansion options.
There are two Ethernet ports on the rear panel too, with the isolated ‘Player’ port allowing connectivity to network players/streamers. The second Ethernet port is a LAN option. Further, the N50-S38 is Roon Ready, is DSD compatible and can be controlled via a dedicated app (DLNA/UPnP in USB DAC mode). The N50-S38 supports Tidal, Qobuz and vTuner directly.
Dan Raggett, Melco Audio’s UK General Manager told SoundStage! Australia, “I am really pleased to be able to announce the N50-S38 to the world. Melco is always striving to improve its product offering and with the way HDD and SSD technology is constantly changing and evolving, this is a perfect time to be able to bring a second SSD storage product to our range. Raggett went on to say, “We have developed N50 with dedicated internal components including PSU. All this has resulted in a fantastic-sounding, high-quality product that sits directly in the middle of the Melco line up.”
The new Melco N50-S38 is available in either silver or black chassis finish. Availability is via importer HiFi Collective’s Australia-wide audio specialist network.
Melco N50-S38 Music Library
Price: AU$8495, NZ$9495
Australian Distributor: HiFi Collective
+61 3 9013 4334
www.hificollective.com.au