Melco Audio, distributed in the U.S. by Luxman America, has launched the N1-S38, an all-new flagship SSD-based digital music library that offers the best sonic performance in the company’s history. The ground-up design is based around a new platform, with a new chassis and casework, plus new power supplies. The N1-S38 features an audio-specific custom 3.84 TB SSD drive, which benefits from Melco’s proprietary layered, rigid SSD mounter.
Key to the N1-S38’s new look is Melco’s all-new casework, which benefits from highly stable chassis construction centred around a 3mm stainless steel base plate to minimize unwanted vibration. Externally, the N1-S38 is complemented by precision-machined two-tone aluminum casework on the remaining five faces, ranging in thickness from 2mm up to 5mm, representing a significant upgrade over the half-width N10/2 and N100 models.
The front panel features Melco’s familiar positive-click fascia control buttons (now illuminated), a crystal-clear OLED display panel, plus a USB port. New complementary teal LED lighting provides additional aesthetic appeal.
The N1-S38’s low-slung steel base plate design and subsequent low-center-of-gravity chassis construction prevents unwanted resonance from interfering with the delicate music signal.
Die-cast Amphenol USB ports are provided for the rear-mounted DAC, Expansion, Import, and Backup ports for improved performance and durability with heavier-grade premium cables and connectors. The Melco concept of a dedicated Player port for direct connection to network players is now enhanced by precision Neutrik RJ45 connectors; the LAN port is similarly upgraded.
Following the application of SFP Fiber (Small Form Factor Pluggable) connectivity in the Melco S10 and recent S100/2 data switch, the new N1-S38 benefits from an SFP port for direct fiber connection to a suitably equipped player or network infrastructure.
In a nod to its audiophile credentials, the new N1-S38 also supports a switchable 10 MHz external clock input – a first for a Melco music library.
The N1-S38 is available now from Luxman America at an MSRP of $11,995 in black or silver.
For more information, visit Melco-audio.com.
