The Cary Audio Design MS-1 is a technological first for the company. Previously only specializing in physical-media based digital source equipment such as CD and DVD players, the company has entered into the world of hard drive-based systems, with the MS-1 leading the way.
The MS-1 is an IP-based device that was designed to be operated wirelessly with the use of an iPhone or iPod Touch. Through an internet connection and wireless router, the MS-1 is designed as a nearly hands-free unit. CDs are loaded automatically by inserting them into the disc drive. Once the disc has been completely copied to the 1TB hard drive, which is capable of storing roughly 2,800 CDs in FLAC format, the unit ejects the disc letting you know it has completed the transfer. Then, through the use of its network connection, the MS-1 begins to search out the artist info, album art, and song list for the disc from the internet archives.
Once the unit has compiled all of the necessary data, the newly imported disc is automatically added to the music library and is then searchable within the custom application available from the iTunes store for your iPhone or iPod touch which is used to control the unit. An extremely efficient and fast hard drive allows music to be played back at the highest level of quality over one of the MS-1’s (x2) USB outputs, according to the company.
By downloading the custom Cary Audio Design MS-1 application available from the iTunes store, you have complete wireless control of the MS-1 and its database. Also included within the MS-1 is SHOUTcast internet radio capability.
To take the performance of the MS-1 to the next level, the unit has been designed to be paired with the Xciter Series USB digital to analog converter. By outputting the raw digital audio stream of the MS-1’s hard drive to the Xciter DAC over USB, you are ensuring the absolute highest level of data transfer and digital to analog conversion available from separates costing several times the price.
The new MS-1 Music Server began shipping on May 10, 2010.
Retail Price: $2,500.00
