Ipod Server-Why not?

i wouldn't spend a dime on a digital front that can't handle hi res. would also shy away from anything that wasn't wifi ready as well (i'm not a usb fan).

i had a wadia/ipod set-up for a while and enjoyed it. tweaked it a bit, which helped take it up a notch(upgraded pc and nicely matched ic). knew i'd be moving to a computer based system so the ipod set-up was a stepping stone while i figured out the computer based systems details. enjoyed it for the 6-8 months it was with me.

once i added the PS Audio Bridge to my PWT/PWD front end...the wadia and ipod were sold without a second thought. huge step up that doesn't even warrant a conversation imho(also a huge step up in price). am currently streaming from a win7 pc with great results. my library is 100% uncompressed FLAC which includes alot of hi-res as well(88, 96, 176 and 192). the sound is outstanding and really can't be compared to the wadia set-up. everything from soundstage (width and depth) to imaging and extension have been improved. use my ipad as the controller with J River MC16 on the pc. although i still feel my PWT sounds a bit warmer and is slightly less fatiguing, 80% of my listening is done via pc/streaming. the convenience and options available are worth the tiny compromise in sound quality imho.

again...strongly recommend a hi res, streaming capable front end if you're gonna go the computer based route. pc or apple...whatever floats your boat. compared to an ipod/dock set-up, you will hear the difference without a doubt.

Kbarkamian: your point about internet access being down got me thinking. i was under the assumption that since my music is on my hard drive...internet access would not effect my streaming??. not that it matters in my case as i still have the PWT...but it did get me thinking. anyone care to comment/confirm??.

i agree that hi-res availability has a long way to go in becoming "mainstream" (if it ever happens at all). limited selection acknowledged, i am surprised you can't find *anything* you like though. another surprising point that is often bought up is leaving a computer on all the time. have been leaving mine on 24/7 for many years (separate room then my audio gear). thought most people did now a days??. i guess not.

there is a plus side to the limited offerings imho. out of desperation....i've purchased many hi res recording that really weren't my style of music(blues and various forms of rock). it's opened my eye's to classical and jazz which i now enjoy much more then ever.

cheers