Media Server Reviews

Features
Type: Audio Server
Hard Drive: 300GB
Compatible Playback Formats: FLAC, WAV, MP3, Ogg Vorbis, CD, CD-R/-RW
Compatible Encoding Formats: FLAC, WAV, MP3
Interfaces: Touchscreen, remote, PC or Mac, web browser
Possible Playback Resolutions: 640 x 480, NTSC or PAL
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 3.5 x 17.3 x 16
Weight (pounds): 22
Price: $5,000
Connections
Outputs:
Video: VGA (1), component (1), S-video (1), composite (1)
Audio: coaxial digital (1), optical digital (1), stereo analog (4)
Inputs:
Video: None
Audio: coaxial digital (1), stereo analog (1)
Additional:
Ethernet (1), RS-232 (1), IR jack (1)

Ratings: AudioReQuest F4.500 Audio Server

Build Quality: 90
• Overall, solidity is well beyond an average PC
• Faceplate is a masterpiece

Value: 85
• Expensive relative to dedicated PC server
• ARQ's well-honed user interface may be worth the premium

Features: 97
• Send individual music feeds to four rooms
• Stream at home or when you're on the road

Performance: 96
• Beefed-up digital-to-analog conversion sounds great
• Stable Linux-based OS

Ergonomics: 93
• Operate via touchscreen, remote, or PC
• Setup may require help from custom installer

Overall Rating: 92
ReQuest continues to define and expand the capabilities of custom audio servers. Although more costly than a dedicated PC server, this tantalizing product pushes music to four zones, vacation homes, and hotel rooms. It's addictively fun to use and the most versatile product of its kind.

General Information
AudioReQuest F4.500 Audio Server, $5,000
ReQuest Inc.
(800) 236-2812
www.request.com

Elo Entuitive 1525/27L Touchscreen, Approx $750
Elo TouchSystems
(800) 557-1458
www.elotouch.com