Best SSD for music

Here's a drive I've not seen mentioned and wonder if anyone has a comment or two to offer.

I'm using a i3 ROON ROOK server (non-Nucleus, assembled at home as per Chris's instruction set..Thanks Chris!)

My current music drive is an external 1Tb USB mounted Samsung TS SSD drive...reaching capacity so bumping up to the 2Tb T5.

Assuming there aren't any sonic penalties for a USB mounted drive but perhaps there are differing options.  All thoughts welcome.

Best

Well my computers in the shop with Bios issues.   But  I will send pictures of My SSDs.    Two Micron 100GB P300 SLC Sata 3;'s! They are wonderfully musical.  I read a few years back about how SLC sounds best.  I also found serious isolation to improve the sound. Each of them sits on a single Mad Scientist Audio Tungsten Carbide Blackpod Nano footer.  I brace them so they balance on a single point.

Noticeably more involving sound in all ways. 1 is my music system boot drive with Jplay femto, Audiophile Optimizer 3, Process Lasso, and Fidelizer 8.6. I have also found bracing them further with a solid metal block, copper bar stock,  further kills any vibration in them.

Also pure current unfettered 5v of DC to each one from a Cuinas Audio super cap power supply. Awesome, beats my uptone 1.2 and puts out at 4A or more of current. It runs both Microns and a JCAT femto USB card. 

 You can hear the difference each of those improvements made.  

Just wish they had a 500GB version.  One of these days I will just buy a 200GB.  That is as largest thy make, but they are a couple hundred refurbed. Other priorites at the moment and I can just barely make do with those two. I got the 100GB for less than 1 bill for both.   They are magic.

I would love to hear someones idea on the next best way to go to get substantially more storage space for my music

Happy Listening,

Jgwtriode

t

17 hours ago, Jgwtriode said:

Noticeably more involving sound in all ways. 1 is my music system boot drive with Jplay femto, Audiophile Optimizer 3, Process Lasso, and Fidelizer 8.6. I have also found bracing them further with a solid metal block, copper bar stock,  further kills any vibration in them.

When using them in a desktop PC with metal drive bays, make sure that both the metalwork and especially the case of the SSD/HDD itself , has as low as possible resistance measured to the case of the SMPS and the earth contact of the mains IEC socket .  

 This may result in a very worthwhile improvement in distortion and soundstage.

One and a half (Gary)  got me to try this by measuring the voltage (mV scale) between the cases and the PSU metalwork.

On 6/4/2020 at 4:47 PM, wdw said:

Here's a drive I've not seen mentioned and wonder if anyone has a comment or two to offer.

I'm using a i3 ROON ROOK server (non-Nucleus, assembled at home as per Chris's instruction set..Thanks Chris!)

 

My current music drive is an external 1Tb USB mounted Samsung TS SSD drive...reaching capacity so bumping up to the 2Tb T5.

Assuming there aren't any sonic penalties for a USB mounted drive but perhaps there are differing options.  All thoughts welcome.

Best

Looks like you have purchased the drive already.  But if not, for pennies more, you can get the T7 version, which i nearly twice as fast.

https://seekingtech.com/samsung-portable-ssd-t5-vs-samsung-portable-ssd-t7-touch/

https://www.amazon.ca/stores/page/15C7664A-B741-4AAA-AD93-01B7B0E02D50?store_ref=SB_A04525472KG6QUX59V7RP&aaxitk=Yj.107SlCfaEG6ZVVCHuug&hsa_cr_id=5830030690601&lp_asins=B082YHBYNJ,B0874XN4D8,B0874YDQ9K&lp_mat_key=samsung portable ssd&lp_query=Samsung T7 portable SSD&lp_slot=desktop-hsa-3psl&ref_=sbx_be_s_3psl_mbd

On 7/24/2020 at 12:32 AM, Jgwtriode said:

Well my computers in the shop with Bios issues.   But  I will send pictures of My SSDs.    Two Micron 100GB P300 SLC Sata 3;'s! They are wonderfully musical.  I read a few years back about how SLC sounds best.  I also found serious isolation to improve the sound. Each of them sits on a single Mad Scientist Audio Tungsten Carbide Blackpod Nano footer.  I brace them so they balance on a single point.

 

Noticeably more involving sound in all ways. 1 is my music system boot drive with Jplay femto, Audiophile Optimizer 3, Process Lasso, and Fidelizer 8.6. I have also found bracing them further with a solid metal block, copper bar stock,  further kills any vibration in them.

 

Also pure current unfettered 5v of DC to each one from a Cuinas Audio super cap power supply. Awesome, beats my uptone 1.2 and puts out at 4A or more of current. It runs both Microns and a JCAT femto USB card. 

 

 You can hear the difference each of those improvements made.  

 

Just wish they had a 500GB version.  One of these days I will just buy a 200GB.  That is as largest thy make, but they are a couple hundred refurbed. Other priorites at the moment and I can just barely make do with those two. I got the 100GB for less than 1 bill for both.   They are magic.

 

I would love to hear someones idea on the next best way to go to get substantially more storage space for my music

 

Happy Listening,

 

Jgwtriode

t

SLC SATA 3. I found a 1TB version here.

https://www.amazon.com/Silicon-Power-Internal-Ultrabooks-Computers/dp/B07PHJCCY3

Is it similar or same tech? I'm looking for music storage and wish to go with SATA for using a LPS.

I've had excellent success with Crucial, Kensington and Samsung SSDs.

Maybe I'll choose between the first 2, Crucial or Kensington. I'm really pissed off at Samsung.

That being said, I should look inside my shiny little Pcie box. It might be a Samsung!

I haven't compared different SSDs for music in my Win 10 desktop, but in my living room system I've found that there is definitely a sound difference between them, even different models of the same brand. For example, I've been using a 1T Samsung 860 EVO with music files into a heavily modded Oppo 203. Been happy with it. A month ago I picked up its successor, the 870 EVO, a much faster drive, and loaded it with the same files. Both are in Inatec enclosures, with bubble wrap added inside, and connected to the Oppo with a WyWires Diamond USB cable. As I listened to the 870 over the first three weeks, some things didn't quite seem right with its SQ, so several days ago I made a comparison, also swapping between three Inateck enclosures to cover the two variables in play. The 860 definitely had more clarity and sense of drawing me in top to bottom. Thinking SSD burn in might be involved -- why not? -- I ran the 870 through my laptop continuously for a few days and then compared again tonight. No change. The 870 is going back. What I don't know is if my experience with the 870 is a one-off or representative of the model.

@uselessoldman  I have two replies to your questions, assuming your question is genuine and your mind open (i.e., you're not trolling):

1) Do you listen with your ears or your intellect? And to the extent you do listen and the intellectual side of why there are differences in sound between all types of digital (and analog) gear matters to you -- for the most part it doesn't to me -- what conclusion(s) do you draw if the two -- ears and intellect -- don't match? 

2) Some others' thoughts about the general subject (mostly high level audio engineers, sound engineers, electrical engineers):

- https://www.psaudio.com/pauls-posts/asking-the-right-questions/ (also the discussion)

- https://www.psaudio.com/pauls-posts/purity-at-the-source/ (also the discussion)

- https://www.psaudio.com/pauls-posts/damaging-digital/ (see paulsquirrel's comment)

- http://thewelltemperedcomputer.unofficialmirrors.com/Intro/SQ/SoftwareInducedJitter.htm

- https://www.jmaxwellusb.com/Articles/Computer-Audio-Basics.aspx

- https://www.stereophile.com/reference/1093jitter/

- https://www.stereophile.com/features/396bits/index.html

8 hours ago, highstream said:

I haven't compared different SSDs for music in my Win 10 desktop, but in my living room system I've found that there is definitely a sound difference between them, even different models of the same brand. For example, I've been using a 1T Samsung 860 EVO with music files into a heavily modded Oppo 203. Been happy with it. A month ago I picked up its successor, the 870 EVO, a much faster drive, and loaded it with the same files. Both are in Inatec enclosures, with bubble wrap added inside, and connected to the Oppo with a WyWires Diamond USB cable. As I listened to the 870 over the first three weeks, some things didn't quite seem right with its SQ, so several days ago I made a comparison, also swapping between three Inateck enclosures to cover the two variables in play. The 860 definitely had more clarity and sense of drawing me in top to bottom. Thinking SSD burn in might be involved -- why not? -- I ran the 870 through my laptop continuously for a few days and then compared again tonight. No change. The 870 is going back. What I don't know is if my experience with the 870 is a one-off or representative of the model.

Interesting highstream. I'm looking for a music storage drive, SATA format and while I've been playing with combinations of drives, I've noted differences in sound when comparing drives and too my NAS. I've hung a 5GB Seagate USB spinner and then my NVMe M.2 USB Samsung 970 EVO plus followed by my NAS spinners. I can't declare a clear winner. The NAS to me has a different sound to it. I'd say less defined. Bass seemed to lose its texture. Wife is not liking the NAS. She thought it sounded noisy. It was interesting because she was loving the sound then I had switched storage drives to the NAS without her knowing. I have to revisit but I'd rather wish there was no difference. 

Are you using a separate LPS on your SATA drive?

While all my components are plugged into a PS Audio P15 regenerator, the SATA drive (in an enclosure) itself gets its 5v from the Oppo. The run from the Oppo to a Lampi TRP dac is spdif and on the latter end is an iFi spdif iPurifier 2 powered by a Paul Hynes SR4 LPS. I had and may still have a Samsung NAS drive in my i-7 Win 10 desktop, but since I disassembled most of its better audio system, and the PC's otherwise been working well for quite some years, I haven't kept track. I do still have Project Lasso running though.

I have a Seagate external SSD picked up from Costco some time back that was worth a try, but it didn't sound all that good in my living room system. Cables do make a difference in that run between SATA and the Oppo, just like elsewhere. I share your sentiments about SSD sound quality. It makes upgrading in function or storage size a hassle. Enough that I have to deal with tubes!

I think what I'll do is buy the Samsung 860 SATA. I have a HDPlex 300watt LPS coming my way. I can power the SATA HD from the LPS as well as the MB and USB PCIe card. Maybe then I can call my server complete. My digital gear is plugged into a 2KW BPT AC regenerator. Not sure if that made any difference as I have not critically listened to it. Too busy just enjoying the music ;)

OK, highstream I have read all your links and even asked a few computer/music friends just to make sure I hadn't gone completely mad after all these lockdowns.

We are talking about a digital file, being transferred from a storage device to an external standalone DAC device. That chain includes multiple components, cables etc At no time is this a wav form, a sound wave its always a digital file. At no time can anything interfere with that file, at least the contents of what is being transferred only when it arrives, the timing. 

I would assume the user has a decent motherboard, a decent PSU and a computer setup that is fit for purpose not some junk build by some geezer they just happen to know. SO all that matters is the file is delivered complete and on time letting the DAC do its tricks. I am using a decent system, not new but when it was it was a good one, as good as you could get in the day with some upgrades along the way, but all components off the shelf. and yes I use good cables, VanDamme Neutrik etc

Let me tell you this. I have pro studio gear that runs from 48 to 192kHz, I use Pro Software to record mix and mixdown music, I am running effects (plugin vsts) outboard hardware that work in milliseconds. Latency is a big issue for me, low to record high to master. I would notice anything that was out of time, without exception. 

SO are you trying to tell me the system I have that makes the music you listen to isn't up to the job? Not only that, but the quality of the masters I have is significantly better than the final released copy cos not only do I have the masters of tracks I have the original multi-tracks before there even mixed down. I run XLR balanced from my DAC/audio interface to my powered Studio Monitors (made by Adams by the way). 

All I can say is you must be hearing things we can't. We have all sorts of tools/toys to correct imperfections pitch glitches noise etc we take it seriously to get the best sound on to the final mixdown albeit at a reduced sample rate from the original master and even that is a subjective contentious debate in the music "studio" industry, 48/96/192? 24/32 floating or not.

I understand the audiophile world is a commercial industry as is studio production. Everyone claims their gear is the best and better than the rest, floods youtube with dubious reviews and reviewers, If I spent what I had on the studio on my HiFi which is actually quite a decent one, it would rival most if not all. But the mixdowns are a distorted version, commercial if you like, nothing like the original masters and certainly nothing like the original recordings before we add in all the tolls and toys to fix the fixable. All this is done through a computer, we all use computers, just like you do, do we waste our time and money on them, huh no chance don't need to. SO long as its powerful enough has the memory required plenty of good fast reliable storage and decent connections to the audio interfaces its good. 

I am trying not be be critical but I guess that is inevitable  its not a personal attack on anyone, except maybe myself since you think my system isn't up to the task and it cost shy of £5k

I appreciate your taking the time to take a look at what I posted. I didn’t say or imply anything about your systems. From what I can tell, it seems you are/were making a bits are bits argument. That argument is typically made to say audiophiles — and also many many sound engineers — are hearing things when they claim sound differences between digital cables and sometimes even components. This thread is driven by people who hear differences between SSDs. Are they (and I) making it up, i.e., consumed by illusion (and btw, why only in audio, why not in the rest of our lives, work and play, too)?  

I suggested that the proof either way is in the listening, not in arguments or theories. The fact that a lot is not yet understood, that measuring instruments are not yet up to the task, and what so very many of us hear doesn’t jibe with academic theory, is held against our credibility. It’s strange that people who question us would think that a whole commercial market could be built and maintained for decades based on wholly illusory hearing. What’s the theory to explain that? After all, audio is not ideology or religion, where illusory thinking does so often play a central role. 

I have pretty good, well-experienced ears, given that I’m an old guy too. I also have integrity: if I hear a difference, and I’m going about things in an appropriately systematic fashion, then there’s a difference (whether better or not relative to my tastes is a different matter); if not, or I’m not sure, then that’s the call, regardless of price, others’ opinions or what have you. I suspect that others who have contributed to this thread are the same way. If you don’t believe that the differences we hear are real, then create your own thread, because really your post (and my reply) is off topic.

Its not off topic quite the reverse since we are talking about computer components interfering and effecting the sound you hear at the other end. Yes in this instance SSDs but still there all components of a computer system. But your right in that i think another thread dedicated to the subject would be of interest I would love to pick a specific track and analyse it properly and see what if anything you can hear I can't and maybe why

On 4/16/2021 at 9:25 AM, MichaelHiFi said:

I think what I'll do is buy the Samsung 860 SATA. I have a HDPlex 300watt LPS coming my way. I can power the SATA HD from the LPS as well as the MB and USB PCIe card. Maybe then I can call my server complete. My digital gear is plugged into a 2KW BPT AC regenerator. Not sure if that made any difference as I have not critically listened to it. Too busy just enjoying the music ;)

I can add a 1TB WD Blue (3D NAND) to the rejection pile. Pulled it from my desktop, needing another TB of storage. The 860 EVO has a lightness, clarity and airiness that the others I've tried lack.

It was working well, the 860 EVO and the HDPlex, although I hadn't yet tethered the EVO to the HDPlex. But going USB from server to Holo May KTE suffered compared to uRendu and EtherRegen. Moot point now as the HDPlex burned up. Failure #2.

At least the Dell Powerbrick works well...

Well I will stir the pot a little more.

My SSD's sit on a single Tungsten Carbide ballbearing which protrudes from a Mad Scientist Blackpod Carbon graphene nano footer underneath each of them.  The computer sits on three of these on a reasonably elaborate DIY Isolation platform.  The drives are braced from the top of the case down and I have heavy copper blocks mounted on top of the drives to increase mass damping and absorb vibration.  There are actually 7 layers of isolation under the computer.   I know, it can't make it difference.  It's taken me about 4 years of fiddling and listening and tuning.  But each item has improved things to some degree.  With my new ZMF Verite closed headphones, the diffences are even more apparent.   And my new wiring which is quite improved.   And some of you will say the only thing that could make a difference is better headphones.   Muhahaha.   Yeah if only it were so simple.

Happy listening,

Jgwtriode

Ah, a plausible explanation. Thanks.

So happy to see this thread.

I have been pulling my hair out deciding on an external SSD solution to store my music (for my Roon server). Have looked at the obvious suspects like the Samsung T7 2TB and the SanDisk Extreme 4TB. I have about 5TB of music at the present time.

The one problem is that I would like to use SLC or MLC NAND but lately the makers are not divulging what is inside these boxes. I spoke to San Disk and they refused to tell me!

From what I could figure out, SLC types would be best as they are the most durable and thus up to the task of a music drive being accessed all the time. Now with the added comments about SQ being better I am determined to go the SLC route if possible. Just need to find a system that can go to about 5TB without breaking the bank.

Any thoughts would be most appreciated.

Aloha!

Meanwhile I have been looking at some of the linked suggestions made here and it seems like all of the ones that were using SLC have been changed to V-NAND (or other 3D types) or TLC with a SLC buffer :-( Cant seem to find a SLC anywhere.

Hi — My choice of the 860 Evo was based on sound, vs. a small sample of others, including the 870 Evo. I have a 2 TB, which for an open box goes for $229 on Amazon. The largest is 4TB, which goes for $500 on up. The problem you face is that by their nature SLC’s are going to be more expensive and apparently limited in capacity. I think you’re looking for something there aren’t hardly any of, and definitely not at a reasonable price.

Alternatively, you might contact some better server makers, explain what you’re trying to accomplish and ask if they would mind suggesting a few models they’ve found are good for music. They all test SSDs sonically. 

Good hunting, and if you don’t mind, pass along what you find out.

Gene

Mahalo Gene. The server company route makes a lot of sense. Those 860EVO's are getting really pricey...$700 - $800 for a 4TB now.

I will pass on all I discover.

Aloha!