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A well-regarded server and library machine, and £466 looks very strong against the usual used market for this model. Recent examples put the N1A/2 around roughly £850-£1,100 equivalent on the used market, with higher-spec Melco variants sitting well above that, so this listing is priced at a clear bargain level rather than merely “good value.”
That’s what makes it interesting: Melco boxes are prized for quiet, neatly engineered storage and network playback, with a reputation for sounding more composed than generic NAS-style solutions. If it’s complete, boots cleanly, and the drives are healthy, this is the sort of piece that can be a very smart buy for a dedicated digital front end. For a price like this, I’d mainly want to confirm storage condition, remote/box/manuals, and that it’s not sold as faulty.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Melco, standing for Maki Engineering Laboratory Company, traces its origins to 1975 in Nagoya, Japan, where audiophile Makoto Maki founded the brand amid the vibrant audio scene. Starting with a retail outpost called the Mel Shop in the Ame-Yoko Radio Center, Maki overcame early financial hurdles by fostering a community for enthusiasts, blending commerce with innovation. This heritage of passion and perseverance propelled Melco from modest audio manufacturing into a powerhouse, eventually evolving into the Buffalo group while retaining its audiophile roots.
The brand's early focus centered on high-fidelity components, most notably turntables that redefined music reproduction standards upon their 1980 UK debut. After pivoting to computer peripherals, Melco revived its hi-fi legacy around 2014, now specializing in audiophile-grade networked audio solutions. These include music servers, NAS drives, Ethernet switches, and digital streamers, engineered for seamless hi-res playback without the pitfalls of standard computing gear.
Positioned firmly in the high-end niche, Melco commands respect among discerning buyers for its rigorous R&D and uncompromised digital source performance. Revived products echo the excellence of its vintage forebears, earning accolades from hi-fi press and solidifying its role as a boutique leader in streaming and storage. Collectors and modern streamers alike value its Japanese precision, now under DELA Inc. for its 50th milestone.
See all Melco listings on RADAR.
