Voodoo Music Streaming Server
No one does Voodoo, like we do.
The Voodoo Streamer Server began with the intention of overcoming the last significant barrier separating digital audio from the best turntables and reel-to-reel tape decks. Namely, a sense of compression where digital streaming sounds flatter and with high-frequency limitations when directly compared to the best LPs and tapes. To paraphrase Harry Pearson, “If you want to enjoy digital, don’t listen to analog.” And while we love digital, we couldn’t help but remember Harry’s words every time we performed back-to-back comparisons between our digital rig, especially when streaming on Quboz and Tidal, and our state-of-the-art turntable and tape deck. So, for years, we focused on engineering better digital and AC cables to bring our digital experience closer to what we hear when listening to analog. This quest stretched over two decades, where we engineered some of the world’s highest-performance digital cables, but still, something was missing. So, we turned our attention to the last remaining links in the digital chain, namely, Ethernet Switches and Network Routers. And again, we take a massive leap forward. And again, something is missing. So, we set our sights on the last remaining component in the chain, the server/streamer.
Before the Voodoo project even began, we had amassed an arsenal of technologies that could be used to build the ultimate music streamering server. Namely, EM Cell technology developed and refined over the past fifteen years for our PowerCell line conditioners and Active Ground Block ground conditioners. LPS power supplies also utilizing EM Cell technologies in our Ethernet Switch and Network Router, and ULF bias technology to eliminate high-frequency distortion as first developed for our Galileo PowerCell line conditioner. Serendipitously, we had just perfected these technologies as an ecosystem for digital applications through our UEF Ethernet Router and Ethernet Switch. So we developed the world’s most musically robust server architecture, where we listened to dozens of motherboards, CPU processors, and RAM options in double-blind testing, picking only the most resolved and musical options. We then paired our new Linux computer with our latest LPS technology, refined over the past decade, to power your new Voodoo Streamer/Server. Finally, we adapted the ULF Bias technology from our state-of-the-art Galileo Ground Block and PowerCell line conditioners, which proved to be the ultimate game changer. By overcoming high-frequency noise all too common in digital circuits, we eliminated both digital compression and annoying high-frequency artifacts assumed to be intrinsic to the digital format. Now, instead of digital sounding somewhat veiled and with high-frequency hash, it is analog that sounds spacially compressed with high frequencies that lack extension and transparency.
Circuit, CPU, Memory and Storage
Core Harmony for Peak Performance.
When crafting your new Voodoo Streamer/Server, we utilize the same low mechanical resonance chassis architecture as found in other SR Active Components like our Galileo Active Ground Block and UEF Ethernet Switch. We effectively eliminate vibrational feedback between the chassis and the internal circuits by using thick billets of CNC-machined aircraft aluminum and carbon fiber. To ensure cool and quiet operation without noisy fans, the entire chassis acts as a massive heat sink to dissipate the considerable heat generated by its powerful Linux computer. Even the top screens are machined from bronze with a carbon fiber inlay to boost aesthetic beauty as it improves internal cooling, so your Voodoo server is as quiet and sexy as your system’s now nonexistent noise floor.
Roon Core and Bridge
Navigating the future of digital audio.
The Voodoo Music Streaming Server employs Roon software, known for its user-friendly interface and customizable features, enhancing the overall music listening experience. Roon combines various music sources and provides enriched content like artist bios and lyrics, contributing to its exceptional sound quality. This server, with its integration of Roon, stands out for both its ease of use and the high-quality audio experience it offers.
For the highest possible digital audio quality, use one Voodoo unit as the core and another as the bridge, allowing each unit to focus on their respective functions separately. This setup enhances the overall performance by dedicating each server to a specific task within the digital audio playback process.
EM Cell Technology
Resonance Refined, Purity Defined.
The Patented EM Cell technology, exclusive to Synergistic Research, stands as an integral feature of the Voodoo Music Streaming Server. Developed over 15 years, this patented technology has been refined through its application in a variety of our products, from power and ground conditioners to digital devices such as the UEF Ethernet Switch and UEF Network Router. In each implementation, this technology has evolved and advanced, demonstrating our commitment to andvancing audio performance.
Within your Voodoo Server, EM Cell’s condition its DC power supply and computer circuitry. This targeted action significantly reduces noise, allowing for a pristine sound that brings you closer to the heart of the music. Its proven efficacy in our other products has informed its integration into the Voodoo Server, ensuring a listening experience that’s both authentic and immersive.
FEQ Low Frequency Generator
Tuning the Pulse of Your Audio Experience.
How to Calibrate Your Voodoo Streamer Server for Best Sound Quality
The Voodoo Streamer Server comes equipped with a tunable ULF circuit that allows you to fine-tune its sonic balance to better match your system, personal preferences, as well as the type of music you enjoy listening to. This is achieved by selecting between Blue, Red, and Green frequencies, with the option to turn off the ULF generator entirely.
Selecting your Frequency Options
Blue (Default): This option offers a laid-back midrange with a linear transition of notes from low frequencies to midrange to highs, creating a large and enveloping sound stage.
Green: The midrange is slightly more forward compared to the Blue option, with a bit more bass emphasis.
Red: This option is recommended when listening to music that is mixed with a lot of phase information in a holographic or psychedelic sound stage. Think Pink Floyd, Kruder & Dorfmeister, hip-hop, or any electronic genre with a large and three dimensional sound stage. Or any recording mixed and mastered for soundstaging will take on surreal holographic dimensions with the Red option selected. It can also be used with some classical and large-scale recordings, but experimentation is advised.
Choosing the Right Option
The subjective changes in sound are the result of altering the ambient RF environment, which affects the circuit, rather than contouring the frequencies or the data stream itself. Therefore, it’s essential to choose the ULF option that makes the music sound best to you.
For the vast majority of listening, you’ll likely prefer the Blue or Green frequency options, depending on various factors in your system that are too random to isolate to a single recommendation. It’s recommended to compare and pick the base— Blue or Green option that sounds most natural and pleasing to your ears in your specific setup.
Remember, the key is to experiment and find the setting that provides the most enjoyable l
Ground Plane Technology
Channeling Clarity, Grounding the Noise.
The Patented EM Cell technology, exclusive to Synergistic Research, stands as an integral feature of the Voodoo Music Streaming Server. Developed over 15 years, this patented technology has been refined through its application in a variety of our products, from power and ground conditioners to digital devices such as the SR Ethernet Switch UEF and Network Router UEF. In each implementation, it has been evolved and advanced, demonstrating our commitment to progressive audio enhancement.
Within the Voodoo Server, EM Cell’s condition the DC power supply and computer circuitry. This targeted action significantly reduces noise, allowing for a pristine sound that brings listeners closer to the heart of the music. Its proven efficacy in our other products has informed its integration into the Voodoo Server, ensuring a listening experience that’s both authentic and immersive.
SR Master Fuse installed
Beauty is in the eye of the fuse holder.
Synergistic Research Voodoo Music Streaming Server
MSRP
$14995 110V
$15995 230V
with included 5ft Euphoria Power cable ($3495.00 Value)
SR Master Fuse ($595.00 Value)
and MiG 3.0 Isolation footers ($250.00 Value)
Dimensions - 3.35″h x 18.1″w x 11.5″d
Weight - 27 lbs.
Frequently asked questions.
Q. What digital outputs are available on the Voodoo server?
A. There are two USB input/outputs. One will connect to your DAC, and the other can be used for external storage. If your DAC does not accept USB, we recommend an external USB Interface, like the Berkeley Audio Alpha USB Series 2. Having the USB signal converted to AES externally from the server is the ideal solution.
Q. What is the recommended file storage method?
A. The internal hard drives were selected for their excellent audio playback qualities. However, for the highest performance, we recommend storing your music files externally on a NAS drive (best) or external SSD drive through one of the USB ports on the Voodoo.
Q. What size internal hard drive is available?
A. We offer 500GB, 2TB and 8TB internal storage.
Q. Is Roon the only interface?
A. Yes. The Voodoo comes ready to run Roon. A Roon account is required.
SR Voodoo Server packages
Bundle and save.
USB and Ethernet Bundles.
Add up to two with a Voodoo purchase.
Foundation SX USB / Ethernet +$299 (MSRP $449.00) - 1 meter
Atmosphere SX USB / Ethernet +$550 (MSRP $795.00) - 1 meter
Atmosphere SX Reference USB / Ethernet +$800 (MSRP $1195) - 1 meter
Galileo Discovery USB / Ethernet $2295 (MSRP $3395) - 1 meter
SRX USB / Ethernet +$4595 (MSRP $5995) - 1 meter
Power cable upgrades.
Atmosphere SX Euphoria -Included (MSRP $3495) - 5 ft
Galileo Discovery +$2000 (MSRP $6,995) - 5 ft
SRX +$4000 (MSRP $10,000) - 6 ft
SRX XL +$6500 (MSRP $13,000) - 6 ft
(One power cable upgrade discount per purchased Voodoo Server)
MiG Isolation Footer Upgrade.
MiG SX - +$500 (MSRP $995) - set of 3
(One MiG footer upgrade discount per purchased Voodoo Server)
The Platinum Package.
The Baller Bundle.
The Crown Jewel Combo.
Includes (2) Voodoo Servers, (2) SRX XL power cable upgrades, (2) MiG SX upgrades, (2) SRX Ethernet, (1) SRX USB
Total MSRP $75,965 - Bundle Price $57,775