Imerge S1002

Hard disks for multi-room music

By Tony Davey

November 2002

Imerge S1002 Sound Server. $5999

I will confess, I had not heard of this product or manufacturer before being offered it for review. It immediately got me thinking, who are Imerge and what is a sound server?

A sound server is a hard drive based “juke-box” type system, for connection to either a stand-alone stereo system or as part of a multi-room entertainment system. The review model, the S1002-40 has two zone outputs (can play two different tracks in two areas at the same time) a 40 GB hard drive and is priced at $5,999.

Imerge is a UK based company with a broad range of sound server products with prices ranging from $4,999 through to $60,000 plus.

Capacity

One of the stand out features of this product is its huge capacity to store music. The S1002 has a 40GB hard drive and can store up to 612 hours of music (compressed to 128kbps). All but those with excessive CD collections should be able to store their music here (an 80GB hard drive is always available if you think you will need it).

Varying rates of compression are available (128kbps, 160kbps and 192kbps) and storage capacity will vary depending on individual taste. The S1002 can also store CD’s in their original state. This will provide the best audio quality, but will reduce storage capacity to 55 hours.

Connectivity

As mentioned above, the S1002 can be connected to either a stand-alone stereo, or as part of a multi-room home entertainment system.

There are digital (coaxial) and analogue (RCA connections) for audio, and a standard RCA connection to a display device. In my opinion a display device is essential as although there is a display screen on the unit, the menus are far easier navigated on a television screen.

A 10/100mbps ethernet connection and RS232 port are provided for connection to multi-room controllers, including Crestron, Audioaccess and Linn Kinekt systems. The ethernet connection also allows your soundserver to be connected to your PC for control of the files and for transferring MP3 files from your PC.

The S1002 has a built in modem (56k). Once a CD has been uploaded into the hard disk, it will access the internet and download all the track information from the Gracenote CD Database (CDDB). You can also use a broadband connection (such as DSL) via the ethernet jack.

The S1002 has software available to link it to the Philips Pronto as well as PDA’s (such as a Palm Pilot) for use as an alternative remote (the remote supplied has no display, and is useful only if you are viewing the menus on a screen).

Functionality

The initial set up is straightforward and once you become accustomed to the on screen menus is remarkably user friendly.

Up-loading music into the sound server is simple, insert the disc, press Record Now and the sound server does the rest. An average CD takes approximately 25 minutes to up-load. This process doesn’t stop you listening to other tracks whilst this happens.

Performance

By now you know what it is and how it works, you are probably wondering how it sounds, simple – good, real good.

Warm and detailed are two words that aptly describe the sound from the S1002. Listening to music was easy on the ear and songs which have a heavy vocal focus, for example, Why Worry from Dire Straits Brothers in Arms album had a wonderful richness to the lyrics.

It could be easy for “warmth” to become too soft and lack life, however this was not the case. The title track has wonderful mix of husky lyrics, electric guitar and electric organ. Each instrument had wonderful depth and body to the sound, portraying the emotion behind the music.

Summary

The convenience of having all your music readily accessible without the need to go fumbling amongst countless CD’s is great. Simply select the album, artist or genre you want to listen to and hey presto, near instant access.

The S1002 is a difficult unit to classify. Its not “traditional hi-fi”, yet it is utilised in a home entertainment. The sound produced is wonderful, offering a rich, detailed sound full of life.

It is unlikely that this is going to be the death of CD players however if you are planning to construct a muli-room installation, I would certainly put this on my “must audition” list.

For your nearest Imerge dealer