Pacific Valve CyberServer FAQ
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Pacific Valve
Bringing Value to the Audiophile Since 2003
Q

Why do I need Pacific Valve's CyberServer? Pacific Valve sells so many USB DACs can't I use just one of those?
We believe that USB DACs serve a purpose in an audio system.  USB DACs offer convenience, reliability and great
casual listening.  If you entertain, you can create play lists and then play them back for your guests.  But, in our
opinion, USB DACs can never reach the fidelity of a good CD player.  There are numerous reasons for this that we
explain in our videos.  If you want to do serious "sit down" listening, then CyberServer is really the only way to go.
Q

What is EAC?   Why do I need this?
While we wish it was as easy as simply copying a file to a hard drive, getting the music ripped just right so it can be
streamed to DAC is a tricky endeavor.  EAC is designed to 1) rip the music as accurately as possible, 2) provide an
easy to use interface and 3) automatically convert to FLAC, our referred format.  You can download EAC and our
EAC guide directly from our web site.
Q

Do I have to use FLAC?  What is it?  I heard that FLAC degrades the sound, is that true? My current music is not in
this format.
FLAC is a file compression format, Similar to zip.  FLAC allows more music to be stored on your PC's hard drive and
on CyberServer.  You do not have to use FLAC as CyberServer takes on a variety of formats. Because a large
amount of processing time is required to decode files, some PCs cause latency in the streaming process and hence
the DAC sees this as jitter.  But, because CyberServer is an ultra fast streaming device, FLAC decompression is not
an issue no matter what the sampling rate.
Q

Does my PC need to be turned on to use CyberServer?  What role does my PC play?
When using CyberServer, your PC is ripping device, a download device, a file transfer device and a storage device.  
It is not a playback device.  When you are using your PC functions, your PC need to be turned on, but not
necessarily in the same room.  When listening to music, you PC may be turned on or completely turned off since
CyberServer uses its own internal hard drive for playback.
Q

How do I transfer my music files from the PC to CyberServer?
The CyberServer drive looks just like any other hard drive on you PC.  You can "drag and drop" or copy music files.  
Your current PC drive can serve as a backup device, so "cut and paste" is not recommended.
Q

Can I use music download sites with CyberServer?
Yes, you can download from any site.  You can also directly download right unto the CyberServer hard drive.
Q

Can I transfer my files from the CyberServer hard drive back to my PC?
Yes, since CyberServer looks like a hard drive on your PC, you can do anything with the CyberServer drive that you
can with a regular hard drive.
Q

Can I delete files off of my CyberServer drive?
Yes, since CyberServer looks like a hard drive on your PC, you can do anything with the CyberServer drive that you
can with a regular hard drive.
Q

Can I use ITUNES to rip my music? Most of my music is encoded in MP3s or Apple Lossless
Yes, although it may not give you the quality that EAC does.  CyberServer will play AAC, AIFF, MP3 and WAV
formats. CyberServer will not decode Apple Lossless.  If your music files are in Apple Lossless, then you must first
convert them to WAVC or AAC.  If your files are in MP3, the poor audio quality of MP3 files will readily be revealed
on CyberServer and therefore MP3 is not recommended.  For more information on using ITUNES,
click here >>
Q

I already have a large computer based music selection.  How do i use CyberServer?
You just copy the folders and files that you want to playback to the CyberServer hard drive.  The folders appear on
the CyberServer browser in the same hierarchical structure as they appear on your computer.
Q

How do I listen to music on CyberServer?
CyberServer needs a TV screen.  If you are using CyberServer in a multi-media environment, you can connect it
directly to your TV or monitor.  If not, a monitor is for sale on our site.  CyberServer displays a web browser interface
on the monitor and you can scroll through the web browser as if you were scrolling through a PC. CyberServer has
a remote that has the same controls as a CD Player - Stop, Play, FF, REW.
Q

I did not use EAC to rip my music, can I still use CyberServer?
Yes, although EAC is the best error free way, CyberServer will take music ripped or downloaded from other "ripping"
software.
Q

The NETGEAR EVA9150 is a wireless media server.  Do I use any of its wireless capabilities?
You only use the wireless capabilities for downloading music from your PC to the NETGEAR EVA9150. Music plays
directly from the solid state drive on the EVA9150.
Q

Will CyberServer take my MP3 files?
Yes,CyberServer can play MP3 files. However, due to its high resolution capabilities the shortcomings in MP3 files
will become apparent.
Q

Can I use the music that I ripped for CyberServer in my IPOD?
If your files are in FLAC format, you must decode the music to WAV files and then import them into an ITUNES
library. You can use "Drag and drop" or import into a library off of the file menu. You can use MediaMonkey to
decode FLAC.
Q

What audio format do you recommend for CyberServer?
For the best sound, we recommend FLAC.
Q

I heard that FLAC degrades the sound, is that true?
Decoding FLAC for playback does take CPU power and this could introduce latency and the by-product of latency,
jitter. CyberServer is designed to process FLAC as soon as possible so jitter is not introduced.
Q

How many albums can I store on CyberServer?
Assuming you are using the FLAC format, you can get about 3 CDs per gigabyte on the average. The
CyberServer 170 will store 96, CyberServer 180 will store 192 and CyberServer 825/990 will store 384
Q

The CyberServer configurations do not have enough disk space to serve my needs.  Can you suggest something
with more disk space?
If you have more CDs that you want to rip or music to download that is greater than the CyberServer capacity, then
we suggest that you store these files on your PC and "download" then to CyberServer as needed. In the future,
CyberServer will support NETGEAR's READYNAS storage where multiple solid state drives can be added to extend
the storage capacity of CyberServer
Q

Will CyberServer work with a MAC?
Yes, a MAC has excellent networking capabilities and CyberServer work well with a MAC.
Q

Will it work with Lossless?
CyberServer does not support lossless. You will have to convert your lossless files to WAV or MP4
Q

I cannot use EAC on a MAC.  What do you recommend?
MAX is an excellent alternative to EAC.  For access to the MAX website, see the CyberServer home page.
Q

So I can play FLAC directly on CyberServer?  I don't need to convert it first?
Correct.  You can just copy FLAC files that you ripped or downloaded to CyberServer and it will play them.
Q

What sampling rates does CyberServer support?
CyberServer supports sampling rates up to 192K.  As a matter of fact, CyberServer is the only media server that will
play 192K files without wireless jitter, wireless latency and USB limited bandwidth.