Melco N10/2 flagship music library: two case in SSD and HDD versions

With the release of the Melco N10/2 music library, two flagship models were replaced at once. In the version with a 5TB hard drive (marked as N10/2-H50), the novelty will replace the original N10, and with a 3.84TB solid-state drive (N10/2-S38) – N1Z/2EX.

Hand-picked drives for optimum audio performance

According to Melco, the discs (drives) for the new devices are hand-picked for optimal sound quality. The Melco N10/2 features a circuit board first seen in the N10 45th Anniversary Limited Edition.

Low-noise linear power supply

The Melco N10/2 continues to be housed in two half-width (215mm) enclosures, one of which is a low-noise linear power supply based on a full-weight toroidal transformer. Thus, sensitive electronics are separated from unnecessary noise and interference. The company tends to avoid standard computer components in its models – especially in products of class N10/2.

The rear panel of the Melco N10/2 has not one, but two Ethernet ports: LAN and PLAYER. The purpose of the first is clear from the name, and the second will allow you to connect directly to network streamers – without an intermediate switch. This will provide improved timing accuracy. A couple of USB ports are needed for connecting external DACs and USB drives – the Melco E100 is recommended. Naturally, data backup is supported.

Intelligent Music Library software

The system is controlled by the proprietary Intelligent Music Library software package, including MinimServer and SongKong software. On the other hand, Melco N10/2 has Roon Ready status and DLNA/UPnP compatibility. Ready for Tidal, Qobuz (Qobuz Downloader) and vTuner HighResAudio(dot)com, all powered by the Melco Music HD app.

Signal resolution can reach 32bit/384kHz and Octo DSD. In addition to front-panel control, the full range of N10/2 library functions are accessible from the smartphone screen.

Availability and price

In the UK, the Melco N10/2 music library N10/2-H50 is already available for £6,999 and the N10/2-S38 is £8,999.

Melco N10/2 Specifications

Music storage
N10/2-H50 1 x 2.5 inch selected HDD 5TB on Melco HS-S2 isolation platform

N10/2-S38 1 x 3.84TB selected SSD on Melco HS-S2 isolation platform

Network connectivity
LAN Port-Gigabit Ethernet (1000Base-T),
PLAYER port,
Gigabit Ethernet (1000Base-T),
DHCP server in isolated mode

USB connectivity
USB2.0 Front panel x 1
USB2.0 Rear panel x 2
Assignable as DAC, backup, import, expansion

USB Player sample rate support
16-32 bit (PCM) to 384kHz:- auto downsample to suit connected DAC.
Gapless PCM supported.
1 bit (DSD) to 11.3MHz Quad DSD.
Markerless DSD supported.
DSD to 32bit PCM conversion selectable.
Gapless DSD supported.
OLED displays player sample rate.

Power supply
Pre-set 220-240V AC or 110-120V AC dependant on market.
Low-noise, linear power supply

Size 215 x 61 x 269mm (W H L)
Weight head unit Approx 3.5kg
Weight power supply Approx 5.0kg