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Replacement for Squeezebox Touch?

It's too soon to panic, but with Logitech's action to discontinue the Squeezebox Touch I'm looking ahead to a replacement.

I currently have my music library (in FLAC format) on an external hard drive attached to my PC. I then use the Logitech Media Server running on the PC to distribute the music files to the Touch through my home network. I'm using the digital output of the Touch into a Musical Fidelity M1DAC, and I can see and control the player through an app on my iPad. It all works great, even with hi-res 24/96 files. Additionally, Pandora and Internet Radio are all available through the Touch.

The Touch was an extremely cost effective way to get into this new (to me) mode of listening to my library. Now that I'm hooked I don't want to be left high and dry when and if the Touch goes belly up.

What reasonably priced options are out there? I know that the Mac Mini has been used by some, but I'm clueless on how to set up something like that. I'd rather not put a computer monitor in my audio rig. Could the Mini be controlled from the iPad? Also, since iTunes doesn't handle FLAC, how do I deal with that?

I know there must be other options as well, but price is very much an issue. Some of the media servers I see on Audiogon are $3K to $5K or more. They're unfortunately not in the cards.

Any responses would be appreciated. I'm sure I'm not alone with concerns on this topic.
bama214

Showing 3 responses by vhiner

vhiner
544 posts
 
Bama214,

I feel your pain and, I initially panicked myself. However, my Touch's connection to the Squeezebox server has ironically been more reliable since they stopped production of the unit. I think Sc53 may well be right about the future. That said, the Sonos is really you're only alternative in this price range and it *is* a very well-put together system. If the SB server goes dark, that's where I'm headed unless some brainiac invents a better alternative in the meantime.
vhiner
544 posts
 
I repeatedly fool audiophiles into thinking they're listening to cd's when, in fact, the feed is MOG or Spotify from my Squeezebox Touch via coax into my PerfectWave MKII DAC. I wouldn't consider being without these services and I hope more audiophile companies will look for a way to match the Squeezebox Touch's strengths at a comparable price.
vhiner
544 posts
 
Sammydlaw,

Thanks for posting this. I am, however, very disappointed that it has no SPDIF digital out. Bit of a deal breaker for me. I know USBs are sufficient for many users and it may be a good choice if SQ is decent. I'm not sure how this is better than a Sonos, though.
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