Melco's N1-S38 is a fresh ground-up design based around a new platform, sports a new chassis and casework and is fed by new power supplies. Hand-made in Japan, the N1-S38 is the first all-new Melco design since the half-width N10 and N100 series launched in 2018.
The full-width design houses a new set of system electronics, a new mainboard, a new mains transformer, power supply and local regulators. In addition, Melco states that the large, newly developed, high-capacity power transformer is mounted on its own sub-chassis and exceeds that of the existing flagship, the N10/2. This is complemented by a new bespoke device for the capacitor bank.
Storage is handled by an "audio-specific custom" 3.84 TB SSD drive. This benefits from Melco's proprietary layered, rigid SSD mounter and is directly connected to the data path without any intervening RAID controller. Additionally, we are told that onboard memory has also been increased.
The N1-S38 builds on Melco's proven, unique architecture, which the company boasts "carefully transports delicate signal data while avoiding noisy high-speed elements and fast processors".
We got up close to the N1-S38 at The Bristol Hi-Fi Show, and it is quite attractive in the metal. The new fascia design features an engraved Melco logo and sturdy contrasting casework corners machined from solid aluminium billet. Up front, you will also notice Melco's high-quality positive-click illuminated fascia control buttons. Additionally, there is a crystal-clear easy-read OLED display panel and a USB port. New complementary teal LED lighting provides a classy finishing touch.
The N1-S38 benefits from a highly stable chassis construction centred around a 3 mm stainless steel base plate which mitigates unwanted vibration. In addition, the precision-machined two-tone aluminium casework on the remaining five faces ranges from 2mm to 5mm thick. It represents a significant upgrade over the half-width N10/2 and N100 models.
As well as supporting a switchable 10 MHz external clock input – a first for a Melco music library - conventional USB connections have been eschewed in favour of robust die-cast Amphenol USB ports for the rear-mounted DAC, Expansion, Import and Backup ports. These promise improved performance and durability with heavier-grade premium cables and connectors.
Furthermore, the dedicated direct connection Player port for network players is now enhanced by precision Neutrik RJ45 connectors; the LAN port is similarly upgraded.
Following the pioneering application of SFP Fibre (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 fibre connection to a suitably equipped player or network infrastructure.
The Melco Audio N1-S38 is available now in Black or silver, priced at £11,995/ €14,000.
Visit Melco Audio for more information
Posted in: Hi-Fi
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