2. digital
  3. 1297380317

MUSIC SERVER - HOW DO YOU............

I have a all McIntosh system with Tannoy speakers and have decided to go digital. Recently purchased a MDA 1000 to replace my C46. Easily over a 1000 cd collection.

I need a way to store and play. What I want to do is store to a NAS or similar device, sit on the couch with a touch screen of some sort to scan and select my listening pleasure. Can be hard wired or streamed. I use FLAC. Don't care about internet look up of playlist and cover art.

I'm not a computer wiz nor do I want to be. Is there a system that does what I want, seems like from what I read most self built servers require that you spend more time configuring and dealing with online support then listening to music.

What do you suggest? Thanks in advance for your help.
fishcricket

Showing 2 responses by ckoffend

ckoffend
684 posts
 
I really like the squeezebox Duet or the new version I think is the Touch. It is really easy to set-up, operate and enjoy. It benefits from going into a DAC vs. using its internal DAC. It is inexpensive and allows for streaming wirelessly or wired full resolution. The remote is great and it overall is easy to work with.

Best of all, you don't need to be a computer wizard.

I think the Mac Mini is also great, though I cannot comment on the required computing skills. I like the Squeezebox because it is so easy. Even my 10 year old daughter loves it. Selection of music is much like an Ipod.
ckoffend
684 posts
 
As to cables, and this is what I have read and researched (but there are definately two+ families of thought). I actually prefer the toslink approach as it keeps the transfer of data as a light form. The RCA/SPDIF is an electronic signal and (from what I have read) more suceptable to environmental factors.

With toslink, I am of the opinion that one does not need to spend a large amount of money on these cables, that the connectors are actually more important than the cable itself (secure, prevent light leakage, etc). Obviously, since conveying the signal as light, the key is to not allow for a kink in the cabling.

Over the years, I have had many more problems with RCA/SPDIF cables failing (two times) than toslink cables (I have never had one fail).

I have also found no difference as to the cost of the cable and its performance (I have a pretty revealing system and can certainly tell a notable difference with difference ICs and SCs).
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