The main difference between the two models is that while the N1-S38 includes a built-in SSD (solid state drive) for data storage, the N5-H50 uses a more traditional and less expensive hard drive (hard drive). In addition, the N1-S38 has five USB ports, while the N5-H50 only has three.

However, despite these differences, the N5-H50 shares many similarities with the N1-S38, including a simplified design, platform, chassis, and chassis. The motherboard used in N1-S38 is also used in N5-H50.

Main characteristics of N5-H50

• cabinet design: The N5-H50 features an industrial design of two-tone precision-machined metal structure similar to the N1-S38. This provides a very stable chassis structure centered around a 3mm thick stainless steel baseplate to minimize unwanted vibration.

• Controls and status display: The N5-H50 includes high-quality backlit positive click control buttons, a crystal-clear easy-to-read OLED display panel, and a hidden shadow backlight that changes color depending on the working status.

Tip: Like other parts of Melco’s digital library, the N5-H50 is handcrafted in Japan.

• Watch: The N5-H50 is equipped with an NDK system clock that supports accurate, low-jitter operation.

• Connectivity (non-USB): Industrial grade RJ45 connectors are used for the LAN port and PLAYER ports. In addition, SFP Fiber (Small Form Factor Pluggable) connectivity allows noise-isolating optical connectivity for compatible SFP-enabled devices, including Melco’s entry-level S100/2 switches and S10 flagship data switches.

• Connectivity (USB): The N5-H50 has 2 rear USB ports and one front USB port with industrial grade Amphenol connectors. The front and one rear USB ports are compatible with version 3.0, which supports high-speed data transfer, such as importing CDs using the dedicated Melco D100 drive/ripper, memory expansion, etc. The remaining rear USB port is compliant with version 2.0 and compatible with an audiophile level DAC.

Tip: Technical difference between USB 2.0 and 3.0

• IEC power: The kit also includes a high performance IEC power connection with an EMC filter. The N5-H50 power supply uses multi-stage linear regulation, following a high-end audio-grade toroidal transformer on a special vibration-isolated mount.

Specifications N5-H50

• Storage device: HDD (hard disk)
• Music storage capacity: 5 TB
• Network connection: LAN port – Gigabit Ethernet (1000Base-T), dedicated PLAYER port, Gigabit Ethernet (1000Base-T), SFP port (max. 1000 Mbps)
• USB connection: USB 2.0 port Dedicated USB DAC 2 USB 3.0 ports, assignable as Import, Backup, DAC, or Expansion (1 rear and 1 front).
• Support for USB digital music files: DSF, DFF, FLAC, WAV, ALAC, AIFF and AAC
• Optional USB player support:
  • 16-32 bit (PCM) up to 384 kHz: Automatic downsampling to match connected DACs.
  • Continuous PCM playback
  • 1-bit (DSD) up to 11.3MHz Quad DSD, Markerless DSD support, Gapless DSD support
  • Selecting DSD to 32-bit PCM Conversion
• Power supply: Preset 220-240VAC or 110-120VAC depending on location
• Dimensions (WHD): 440 x 82 x 344 mm (17.3 x 3.23 x 13.54 inches)
• Weight: 13 kg (28 lb 11 oz)

Tip: The OLED display on the front panel shows the sample rate of the player.

Also read: Technics Updates The SL-1500C Turntable: In The White Room With Black Curtains?

Price and availability

The Melco N5-H50 is available to order now in black or silver for £7,499 / €8,999. US price expected.