2. pc-audio
  3. 1422820604

Advice for streaming setup only

Hello there, wanted to get into streaming audio so I signed up for the new Classics Online HD streaming service, which promises 16/44 to 24/196 resolution. Mike Lavorgna wrote a quick thing on audio stream about it.

The quick takeaway after 3 days is that it's wonderful and indeed good sound quality - the bad part is I'm getting lots of dropouts and glitches, so I want to get something dedicated to streaming.

I think that the service is not quite ready for prime time but I'm hoping they'll get it squared away.

So my question is - with a budget of $400-800, what laptop should I get to use as a dedicated streaming device ? I'm running it via usb into the DAC of my Marantz SA8004. Classical/opera mostly. Dedicated room.

My current PC laptop is old and on its last legs.

Actually I'd love to use a something other than a laptop but my understanding is that every network streamer still requires a computer in addition to the streamer itself - if I'm wrong and there's a one-box streamer that would be great.

My requirements are- 16/44 and above sound- compatible with Classics HD (which requires downloading Orastream from Classics HD) -

I won't do much downloading so no need for backups or large storage. I will not be ripping any of my current CD collection.

I'm not computer savvy at all, so any creative solution would have to be pretty easy to set up and maintain.

Thanks everyone
eljack
eljack OP
9 posts
 
I've been on computeraudiophile and frankly it's simply beyond my understanding. I'm really just looking for advice for model numbers that are quiet, have good Wi-Fi, have the required USB connections etc. I'm really not looking to learn anything about how it all works, just looking for some advice about models, setups, etc.
In other words I'm not looking to learn how to build a watch I'm just asking what time it is. Thanks everyone for your thoughts and appreciate any help
eljack OP
9 posts
 
Thanks Alan it did seem to get a little better late last night and the high resolution stuff was streaming better but was not showing up as high resolution at my DAC, which is strange.
Can I ask which model computer you use and whether the fan is quiet?

Also to the other posters I don't want to sound ungrateful so I do appreciate your responses but I have found that web searches do not help me because everyone talks about ripping their CD collection and listening to Pandora etc. and I don't want to do that. I have a very specific request and that is simply streaming this new high resolution service for classical thanks
eljack OP
9 posts
 
Thank you for the comment about the music vault business. I believe this is not what I'm looking for as it seems to be focused on enormous hard drives and ripping capability and is 5 times over my budget of $400-$800.
Thanks for taking the time to respond it does look like an interesting product but not what I'm looking for for this streaming service

Maybe I should have skipped all the information and just said that I am looking for a really quiet laptop for streaming in the 400-$800 range
mallen123
110 posts
 
Eljack, while the service may be having start up issues, if you are using WiFi, some of the drop out problems might be related to the speed and signal strength of your wifi router.

If you can, try hard wiring via Ethernet , to see if there is any reduction in drop outs.

I invested in NetGears N900 (their top of the line router a few years ago) and immediately had an improvement in all my wifi streaming services.
hgeifman
2,113 posts
 
Best Buy and Computmart in Walnut Creek, CA sell laptop computers in your price range. Any computer you buy should have plenty of memory. Please see the links below:

http://www.compumart.biz/machines.asp?type=laptops

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/searchpage.jsp?id=pcat17071&type=page&ks=960&st=categoryid%24pcmcat247400050000&sc=Global&cp=1&sp=-bestsellingsort%20skuidsaas&qp=brand_facet%3DBrand~Asus%5Ecurrentprice_facet%3DPrice~%24500%20-%20%24749.99&list=y&usc=All%20Categories&nrp=15&iht=n&browsedCategory=pcmcat247400050000&seeAll=

I agree with Mallen123 above that using Wi-Fi could be causing the drops out. I also suggest you use a wired Ethernet connection for streaming (I do). Please note that I was NOT able to run an Ethernet wire to my computer so I connected my Apple MAC Book Pro Computer (any computer will work okay) to the Internet using an Ethernet over power-line connection (internet over your existing power lines). It has proven to be a very reliable connection. Connection problems are very rare. My video system, dishwasher and other home appliances do NOT interfere when I am using the Ethernet over power connection for my MAC computer.

I am using the Linksys PowerLine Home Plug AV Kit (PLSK400) rated at to 200Mbps (Ethernet over power). The Linksys PowerLine Home Plug AV Kit (PLSK400) lets you pass through the existing power lines in your home or office into a high-speed network. There are many other Ethernet Adapter brands on the market but the PLSK400 was highly recommend by a networking friend of mine.

You mentioned above that you are not a computer expert. I suggest you hire someone to help you configure your computer and connection to the Internet. This person should verify that your existing router can handle your streaming requirements and that your wiring is okay. It might be well worth spending the money to get the right setup. In my case, my previous router was causing my streaming connection problems. I switched to an Apple router but there are other high quality routers on the market for you to look at. You should ask the dealer that you buy your computer from what high quality router they suggest assuming the one you have needs to be replaced (I do not know).

I hope the above helps. Please continue to ask questions to help you through this process.
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