Melco Launches E100A: 8TB USB Storage for Audiophiles

Melco, a renowned Japanese audio brand, has unveiled its latest innovation, the E100A USB storage system, which the company calls the “ultimate digital music USB storage solution.” This device is a high-capacity USB storage system tailored for audiophiles, offering up to 8TB of space, making it a cutting-edge option for those looking to store and play large digital music collections with the highest audio quality possible.

At the core of the E100A is its ability to function as a high-performance audio playback drive. This feature ensures that even the most extreme audio data rates are handled seamlessly. Whether you’re dealing with ultra-high resolution multi-channel formats such as 32-bit DXD at 384kHz or more standard digital formats, the E100A is built to deliver impeccable sound quality across the board. Audiophiles with a discerning ear for sound fidelity will find this device particularly appealing, as it is specifically engineered to offer superior audio playback capabilities compared to traditional PC-based systems.

The E100A stands out for its massive storage capacity. With an impressive 8TB of space onboard, it allows users to maintain extensive digital music libraries, including high-resolution audio files that typically take up large amounts of storage space. This makes the E100A an ideal choice for those who need ample room to house their digital collections while ensuring that the music can be played back in pristine quality. Whether it’s for personal enjoyment or professional audio work, the E100A is designed to meet the growing needs of today’s digital music world.

One of the standout features of the E100A is its compatibility with a wide array of audio-related systems. The device is designed to work seamlessly with platforms such as Aurender, Auralic, and Lumin, among others, enabling users to incorporate the E100A into their existing audio setups. Furthermore, the E100A can be used with both Windows and Mac-based systems through popular audio software programs like J River and other similar computer-based music players. This cross-platform compatibility ensures that users can access and play their digital music collections on virtually any connected device.

A significant advantage of the E100A is its ease of use. It can be recognized by any PC, Mac, or audio workstation as a standard USB-connected storage device. This versatility makes it an excellent solution for storing a variety of digital music files, including rips from CDs, downloads from digital music stores, and even music productions. Once connected, users can easily access their stored music on all linked devices, ensuring that the E100A fits into any digital music ecosystem with minimal hassle.

Melco has invested heavily in ensuring that the E100A delivers superior sound quality. The device features several upgrades that distinguish it from more conventional storage systems. By enhancing the HDD mounting, upgrading the HDD drive power supplies, and refining the digital interface, Melco claims the E100A offers a noticeable improvement in sound quality when compared to PC-based systems. These modifications are designed to minimize noise and interference, which can often affect the playback quality of digital music files.

A key feature of the E100A’s internal design is its all-new motherboard, which has been constructed using materials selected after extensive listening tests. This level of detail demonstrates Melco’s commitment to producing the best possible sound for audiophiles. The motherboard is paired with a high-grade NDK clock, which helps ensure precise timing and minimizes jitter—an issue that can degrade audio quality. Additionally, the E100A incorporates other components that were previously reserved for Melco’s music library systems. One of these is the proprietary HS-S2 High Stability Storage System, which securely holds the audio-specific HDD drive in place, while also providing the necessary damping to ensure the best possible performance.

In terms of connectivity, the E100A is equipped with a USB 3.0 Type-B port located on the rear panel. This port allows the device to be connected to a host system, such as a PC, Mac, streamer, or Melco’s own Music Library. Additionally, there is a USB 3.0 Type-A port that enables users to daisy-chain additional USB devices, further expanding the E100A’s functionality. This means that a USB-DAC can be connected to the E100A, taking full advantage of the high-performance clock integrated into the device. This flexibility in connectivity ensures that the E100A can be integrated into a wide variety of audio setups, from simple home systems to more complex professional environments.

For those considering the E100A, it’s available now at a price of £1,799.00 in the UK or €1,999.00 in Europe. The product comes with a two-year warranty and telephone support, ensuring that users have access to expert advice on how best to transfer their music files to the device. This support ensures that the process of moving large digital music libraries onto the E100A is as smooth and efficient as possible.

In terms of technical specifications, the E100A offers an 8TB HDD, which provides ample storage for extensive music libraries. The device is built with a 2mm high-grade steel chassis that includes foot damping, which helps minimize vibrations and interference, further enhancing the sound quality during playback.

In conclusion, the Melco E100A is a top-tier USB storage system specifically designed for audiophiles who demand the best in sound quality and storage capacity. With its high-performance playback capabilities, compatibility with a wide range of audio systems, and state-of-the-art design features, the E100A is a versatile and powerful solution for anyone looking to take their digital music library to the next level. Whether for home use or professional audio work, the E100A stands out as a premium option in the digital music storage market.