{"version":"1.0","provider_name":"INTEK HI-FI","provider_url":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/","author_name":"darko","author_url":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/author\/darko\/","title":"MELCO N100 > What Hi-Fi review - INTEK HI-FI","type":"rich","width":600,"height":338,"html":"<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\"><a href=\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/melco-n100-what-hi-fi-review\/\">MELCO N100 > What Hi-Fi review<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script type='text\/javascript'>\n<!--\/\/--><![CDATA[\/\/><!--\n\t\t\/*! 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When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s why you can trust usHome ReviewsMelco N100 reviewA high-quality music server from a network computer specialist Tested at \u00a31999 \/ $1999By What Hi-Fi? published February 03, 2020(opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) Comments (9)Melco N100 review(Image: \u00a9 Melco)What Hi-Fi? VerdictIf you\u2019re looking for a high-quality streamer with built-in storage, Melco\u2019s N100 is a great place to start\u00a31,999at Futureshop\u00a31,999at Peter TysonCheck AmazonPros+Slick operation+Clean, precise and expressive sound+Plenty of storageCons-Needs external DAC for streamingMost audio specialists have a tough time breaking into the network audio sector. With their expertise in traditional analogue electronics or mechanical engineering, the world of hard-drives, network protocols and the associated software engineering is often way outside of their comfort zone.The obvious solution, one taken by all but the largest companies, is to partner with a specialist that can do all these things and buy-in a complete, configured, ready-made module to do the job. It was much the same in the days of compact disc, where most specialist hi-fi companies ended up buying in the transport, display and associated software from the likes of Philips or Sony.But Melco is a different proposition. Essentially the hi-fi wing of Buffalo \u2013 a huge player in the computer world, known for its storage solutions and network products \u2013 that gives the Melco N100 something of an advantage.Melco N100 at Futureshop for \u00a31,999FeaturesMelco N100 features(Image credit: Melco)The Melco N100 packs 2TB worth of storage (around 3000 CDs, less with higher res recordings) and includes both the MinimServer and TwonkyMedia server software. Knowing how important it is to get the right metadata tagged onto your music files, there\u2019s also dedicated software that references multiple databases to ensure that every file is categorised as accurately as possible, with specific treatments for the requirements of different types of music.For example, in classical music where multiple works are included on a single album, it\u2019s important to identify them as well as the album. The same applies to information about the composer.MELCO N100 TECH SPECS(Image credit: Melco)Type Music server with HDD storageStorage 2TStreaming services supported Qobuz, TidalDimensions (hwd) 6.1 x 21.5 x 27cmWeight 3kgWe\u2019ve used a number of music servers over the years, and the Melco is probably the slickest and least obtrusive we\u2019ve come across. It just gets on with its job quickly and without fuss.The front panel control layout is simple, but together with the small but clear display, the N100 is easy enough to set up. The supplied manual deserves a mention for being well laid out and easy to understand.Connectivity is limited but covers all the essentials. There are three USB 3.0 sockets and two of these can be used to connect the N100 to external storage in the form of sticks and hard drives or optical drives for ripping CDs. The third is intended for use with an external DAC.This Melco doesn\u2019t have a built-in DAC, so if you want to use it as a streamer, playing music from its internal storage, for example, you\u2019ll need to add one. We partner the N100 with Chord\u2019s excellent Qutest (\u00a31195\/$1895) for this test and it proves a good match.There are two ethernet ports, one of which is used to hardwire to your network and the other connects to a stand-alone streamer. There is no provision for going wireless here, and that\u2019s fair considering the additional stability hardwiring gives. Network audio set-ups normally use a dedicated network switch, but the N100\u2019s arrangement makes things cleaner and more direct.Melco has a dedicated app, but it currently only works for the iPad. If you use an Apple or Android phone, you\u2019ll have to use third-party alternatives, such as mconnect Player or similar, which work well enough.BuildMelco N100 build(Image credit: Melco)Build quality is good with a solid casework finished to a high standard. The chassis is made of 2mm thick steel with the rest of the panels using aluminium. It\u2019s a fan-less design to minimise unwanted noise and proves quiet during use. It\u2019s clear that Melco takes a great deal of care over how its products are made.We connect the N100 into our test room network and use our reference Naim ND555\/555PS music streamer to compare its performance as a server to our usual Naim Uniti Core HDD unit (cheaper at \u00a31899, but you\u2019ll need to add the hard drive). The other main difference between the servers is that the Naim includes a disc drive for ripping CD while the Melco doesn\u2019t.The company makes a dedicated unit called the D100 for \u00a31099, but if that feels a little excessive, there are plenty of more affordable USB optical drive alternatives on the market.SoundMelco N100 sound(Image credit: Melco)We load the same music files (hi-res and CD quality) on both the N100 and Uniti Core and listen through our reference system, which includes a Burmester 088\/911 Mk 3 pre\/power combo and ATC\u2019s SCM 50 speakers.The differences aren\u2019t massive but they are consistent, whether we listen to a Shostakovich symphony or Kendrick Lamar\u2019s To Pimp A Butterfly set. The files from the Melco sound crisper and cleaner. Leading edges are more precise and the overall presentation is a touch more stable. It\u2019s not all one-way traffic though.Those same music files have greater body and fluidity when using the Naim and flow better rhythmically. But as for the question of which one is better, that\u2019s down to taste and system.We also use the N100 as a stand-alone streamer, listening to the music from its own storage and that of the Uniti Core. It can cope with pretty much everything from 32-bit\/384kHz PCM to DSD512 and also supports Tidal and Qobuz. The Melco works well when partnered with the Chord DAC, and is right up there with the best streaming solutions we\u2019ve heard at this level when partnered this way.We listen to Leonard Cohen\u2019s You Want It Darker and the Melco\/Chord combo does an excellent job communicating the brooding mood of the track. There\u2019s plenty of detail and it is well organised, with Cohen\u2019s rough tones coming through with the right amount of gruffness and authority. Melco N100 sound(Image credit: Melco)There\u2019s a good amount of drive to that menacing bassline, giving the song a solid foundation. It all sounds impressively detailed, but with enough in the way of dynamic expression, punch and drive to prevent things sound too analytical.The story is similarly positive when we play Beethoven\u2019s Fifth Symphony. The Melco\/Chord pairing delivers a forceful yet controlled sound, one that has an expansive and precise sound stage that exploits the scale of the recording well. We have no complaints when it comes to outright sonic authority or punch.Tonally, things are even and open, with a decent dose of natural warmth to convince. It\u2019s a refined sound, one that never veers towards undue aggression or harshness.VerdictThe Melco N100 is an excellent choice if you\u2019re looking for a high-quality streamer with storage built-in and already have a capable DAC. The company\u2019s computer heritage shines through in the slick, fuss-free operation, making the N100 highly recommended.SCORESSound 5 Features 5Build 5MORE:Best NAS drivesBest music streamers10 of the best songs to test your systemHow to add a streamer to your hi-fi systemTODAY'S BEST DEALS\u00a31,999at Futureshop\u00a31,999at Peter TysonCheck AmazonWhat Hi-Fi?What Hi-Fi? (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.Read more about how we test SEE ALL COMMENTS (9)9 COMMENTSCOMMENT FROM THE FORUMSmanicmNah, by the time you add a DAC you\u2019re looking at 3k. That\u2019s a serious wad of cash even if it\u2019s got built in storage.REPLYDomMy PC has a 4TB HDD, 512GB NVME M.2 SSD, a NVidia 1660Ti, Intel 7700k and USB 3.1 gen 2. This is like a cable debate. There's USB specification, otherwise your 10Gb's would fail. I would still like to try it though.REPLYijabzThe dedicated software that references multiple databases to ensure that every file is categorised as accurately as possible is called SongKong, also available for other PC. Macs ecetera - http:\/\/www.jthink.net\/songkongformelco\/REPLYSantaWhat Hi-Fi? said:If you\u2019re looking for a high-quality music streamer, Melco\u2019s N100 is one you should consider.Melco N100 : Read moreSo I have some flac original recordings, lossless and essentially the original data. If I'm playing these I'd expect that a streamer should be decoding the data and outputting PCM to my DAC without touching it....Read MoreREPLYSHOW MORE COMMENTS WHAT HI-FI? 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Skip to contentMelco Audio LogoHomeOur StoryProductsLatest News \/ Sound MattersFind a RetailerSupportHI RES MUSIC LIBRARY N100OVERVIEWN100 is the half-sized model of MELCO Digital Music Library \u2013 store your local file music tidily and play music with USB-DAC or Network Player.The size and design is same as MELCO CD drive \u201cD100\u201d or network switch \u201cS100\u201c.Made in Japan by \u201cTakumi\u201d ( \u201cmaster\u201d in Japanese).Melco ServicesRoon ReadyMelco ServicesV TunerMelco ServicesTwonkyMelco ServicesMinimMelco ServicesSongKongMelco ServicesQobuzMelco ServicesTidalMelco ServicesRoon ReadyMelco ServicesV TunerMelco ServicesTwonkyMelco ServicesMinimMelco ServicesSongKongMelco ServicesQobuzMelco ServicesTidalMelco ServicesRoon ReadyMelco ServicesV TunerMelco ServicesTwonkyPreviousNextFEATURESFine design both for rack-style and desktop use (215 mm)Aluminum front and top panel with hairline finish2 mm steel sheet chassis for anti-vibrationHDD is designed with anti-vibration system \u201cHS-S\u00b2\u201d (Highly Stable Storage System) under same concept as N1ZS\/2A.LAN port for direct connection with player (no LED for status indication)USB2.0 x3 are compatible with USB-DAC, USB CD drive and USB storage such as USB HDD or USB flash memory. When the drive is connected, user can choose the purpose of the drive on the front display. (Import, expansion, backup, restore etc)Low C\/N clock of NDKPower management system by FPGA for improved system stability.Fan-less designSPECIFICATIONSFull SpecificationMusic storage1 x 3.5 inch selected HDD2TB onMelco HS-S2 isolation platformNetwork connectivityLAN Port-Gigabit Ethernet (1000Base-T),PLAYER port,Gigabit Ethernet (1000Base-T),DHCP server in isolated modeUSB connectivityUSB2.0 Front panel x 1USB2.0 Rear panel x 2Assignable as DAC, backup, import, expansionUSB Player sample rate support16-32 bit (PCM) to 384kHz:- auto downsample to suit connected DAC.Gapless PCM supported.1 bit (DSD) to 11.3MHz Quad DSD.Markerless DSD supported.DSD to 32bit PCM conversion selectable.Gapless DSD supported.OLED displays player sample rate.Power supplyUniversal power adapter 100-240V AC 48WSize 215 x 61 x 269mm (W H L)Weight 3kgSupportFind a RetailerDiscover Melco for yourselfDiscover MoreCustomer ServiceFind A RetailerSupportDownloadsFAQPrivacy PolicyCopyright \u00a9 2022 Melco Audio"}