music server

I think the Sqeezebox 3 would be a good item for you check out based on how you've said you'll be using it. You can have your CDs, etc., on an existing computer and still use the computer for normal computer duties. The SB can be either wireless or wired. I'm using it wirelessly with no problem. It's a very well thought out design - very easy to set up and use. I mostly use it to listen to Sirius and other streaming audio. The only weakness is the D/A but it does have an optical and digtial coax output. The D/A is Burr-Brown which has a reputation for being good. It's average or a little above average for a consumer device D/A. If you wanted it to really sound good and demodulate uncompressed digital from your hard drive, pick up a good DAC to run with it. I think you'd like it. The SB is a well-done device.

regards, David

thanks to all.
I can a refurb Yamaha unit for under 400.00/ I thik regardless I will obtain a good quality DAC to use with whatever I by. I was thinking the mod route, but I think Id like to keep the unit stock and I will get more mileage from a DAC. So Im still looking at Olive, Cambridge or Yamaha unit.. though for price I may start Yamaha. I am fairly computer and audio literate.. just want to do something the easy way for a change :) and keep quality.

I like the Olive solution as it's a single unit, can rip if needed (although a PC is best), can easily transfer files from a PC, is a good transport with digital output. Of course, I will use it with a DAC.

I've been waiting for Olive to get its act together in one respect: a user replaceable hard drive. Now, I realize there is info on the web on doing this yourself but it defeats any warranty, obviously.

Considering that ridiculous capacity (~ 750GB) can be had for ridiculously low money I see no need for a NAS system. A simple one drive USB backup, either connected to the Olive or a PC is all one needs.

Also, consider that you also have all your files already backed up (or in original form, for that matter) on your PC - or at least I do: FLAC on the PC, copy in FLAC or whatever to the Olive and MP3 to an iRiver player. Yes, I do use RAID where it's important: in my PC system, and RAID6 at that as I am rather paranoid here.

When you consider the MTBF of even USB drives, and how long you listen daily to music, there is little chance of failure. If it happens just pop in a backup for cheap money. Yes, I realize you need to reinstall the OS - that's whereyour "computer savvy" comes in.

Finally, Olive also needs a better remote with an LCD display. Their solution is to use a Nokia PDA. Sure, that'll work if you can stand a 3-hour battery life! Considering you're paying $1000+ for a glorified CD player/PC a proper remote is mandatory.

Mimberman - Like I said, dont let the poor sound of the Sonos stop you. With the Pace-Car reclocker it is world-class, inaudible jitter. Best combo of user interface and quality.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Again, I think the Cambridge is a great unit for those that are not highly computer savvy. I also looked at the Olive units (did not listen though) and from what I recall reading, they too, are quite simple to use without requiring too much computer savvy. I cannot comment any more than what I have read on the Olive systems in terms of sound quality (good, bad or otherwise).

I can tell you that my Cambridge is used by everybody in the family, from my wife, my 11 year old son and with his help, my 7 year old daughter. Which may not say much as kids now days are more computer savvy than most of us.