Melco launches full-width mid-range audiophile music library

Melco Audio has launched its first mid-range SSD-based digital music library, the N50-S38.

The made in Japan model features a heavy, 1.7 mm-thick full-width chassis, an IEC power inlet with noise filter, and classic Melco styling, complete with OLED display with push-button control. Storage comprises a 3.84 TB SSD drive.

Connectivity is extensive. The rear panel includes four specific USB ports: USB 3.0; Expansion and Backup, plus a dedicated USB DAC output ready for connection to USB DACs, USB DAC-equipped amplifiers or active speakers.

The ports enable USB devices to connect and operate without configuration, including importing or playing music from memory devices, HDD/SSD drives and CD drives/rippers; capacity expansion with Melco’s E100 (or other) storage drive; and back-up to HDD/SSD drives.

The library also has dedicated dual Ethernet ports: a dedicated Player port in addition to the LAN port, ostensibly to minimise noise on the music signal and present network audio players with a direct, high data-integrity connection.

The N50-S38 can be connected to a streamer via Ethernet using the Player port, or used as a local player with the dedicated USB DAC output.

The N50-S38 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 need for a PC.

The system runs Melco’s Intelligent Music Library suite comprising MinimServer and SongKong software.

Available in black or silver finishes, the N50-S38 sells for £4,999. Distribution is via Audiophile Digital Music Masters. Tel: (0)1252 784525.