5
1.1 Overview
There are many naming conventions and terminology used with this class of product, so let’s
start with a picture.
Diagram 1: Network Audio Components
Server Controller Renderer DAC
In simple terms, audio files are stored on a Server, which can be a laptop, desktop computer or
network attached storage (NAS) device.
A Controller is a program that runs on a laptop, tablet, or phone, and accesses your music
library and asks the Server to serve the files to a Renderer.
The Renderer receives and converts the audio files into a digital audio stream which is then sent
to the DAC.
The Server, Controller and Renderer are all connected on your home network
The DAC receives the digital audio stream from the Renderer and converts it into analog audio. It is
very sensitive to noise and requires a very low jitter clock. The advantage of plugging the MSB
Renderer into the MSB DAC is:
1. Clock is synchronized by the very low jitter DAC master clock
2. Grounds are isolated and dedicated clean power is provided
MSB DACs are designed with modular inputs to take full advantage of the Network Renderer Input
Module, and the results are stellar.
There is a huge selection and variety of software and hardware combinations that can fulfill each
of these networked audio functions. In this manual we will show you a few examples to get you
started with enjoying the MSB Network Renderer, but is by no means the only way of setting up
your Networked Audio system.
