Computer as remote "CD player"


Hi,

I'm struggling with the "I need a CD player, want a changer, what about sound quality?" problem. Rest of system is Classe CP-35 pre-amp, Classe CA-200 amp, and older Celestion speakers. I have both wired and wireless Ethernet running to the stereo cabinet. I have a couple of good computers elsewhere in the house, also wired to Ethernet.

I've seen some mention here of using your computer as a CD player after "ripping" music onto it.

Here are some questions for you knowledgeable folks:

1. Can the computer be somewhere else besides the stereo cabinet?

2. Can I get good sound quality (better than $200 CD player) for $1000 or less?

3. Can I just stick a CD in the computer and "play" it, or does it *have* to be "ripped" first?

4. Can you play DVDs for movies this way?

5. Can this link be two way? In other words, can I record off my stereo to the computer (for recording LPs, tapes)?

6. Is there any way to remotely select a ripped "CD" without walking up to the computer?

Sorry for my igorance, thanks for your help!

- Eric
ehart

Showing 1 response by ehart

Great information, thanks. I am working to absorb it.

JKRING, the squeezebox looks great. Two more questions: 1. Is it possible to request an album or tune by ID number, rather than by browsing? 2. Is it possible to "force" music to the squeezebox from the serving PC, or does it always have to "request" music?

For recording from LPs, you say to use a quality sound card. Does the Turtle Beach Santa Cruz qualify?

RSBECK, what USB DAC are you using, it sounds like you are happy with it?