Melco Audio intros 6TB mid-range music library

Digital music specialist Melco Audio has introduced a new full-width HDD music library, positioned between the entry-level N100 and the compact N1Z.

Made in Japan, and featuring a 6 TB audiophile-grade drive, the new N50-H60 promises significant performance upgrades over Melco’s most affordable music library, the half-width N100, and better connectivity than the N1Z/2EX-H50. These include upgrades to power suppy and drive unit performance.

The new dynamic PSU claims 25 per cent more output, while the 6TB HDD drive is coupled to a new rigid HDD mounter carefully floated inside the chassis. Additional ‘audiophile-quality storage’ can also be added with Melco’s E100 3 TB HDD drive.

The fascia sports an OLED display with push-button control; the device runs Melco’s Intelligent Music Library suite comprising MinimServer and SongKong software.

Connectivity includes four rear-mounted specific USB ports, plus a dedicated USB DAC output for USB convertors and USB DAC-equipped amplifiers/active speakers.

The back panel also has dedicated dual Ethernet ports, providing a dedicated player port in addition to the LAN port, an approach said to minimise the unwanted effects of noise on the music signal and provide a direct, high data-integrity connection.

Integrators can connect the N50-H60 to a streamer via Ethernet using the player port, or install the unit as a local player with the dedicated USB DAC output.

Capacity can be increased as required. No configuration is required for connected USB devices, including HDD/SSD drives and CD drives/rippers.

The library is Roon Ready, DSD compatible and offers app control via DLNA/UPnP (in USB DAC mode) with support for TIDAL, Qobuz and vTuner streaming. Qobuz Downloader and HighResAudio.com also enable direct, high-res downloads without the requirement for a computer.

The N50-H60 sells for £2,999. Distribution is via Audiophile Digital Music Masters.