Internet Radio Hardware

For the moment, I have been hooking up a laptop to my system. Not having a DAC available (and my Bryston CD player has no input), I've been running F/W to one of my Focusrite audio interfaces that I use in my keyboard rig. Does the trick (save for a nasty noise that is present when I use AC power to my HP laptop . . . ground loop . . perhaps).

Will be getting my hands on a Squeezebox (classic or duet) as they are easier to come by than the Roku (and I believe Roku can't handle Realaudio files?) and starting with that hooked direct to the Plinius and see how things go.

A followup to my original query . . .

Checking further, I'm seeing two seemingly critical upgrades required to any of the squeezebox units: PSU (ex. CI Audio) and external DAC. Given that I have neither of these (again, my only critique on the Bryston CD is no input), could it perhaps make more sense to look at the Transporter or (if available) SB+? New Duet + PSU alone where I live is the other side of $800 Cdn. Tack on even a used DAC and you easily breach the $1K mark, and have three modules to deal with. Could take progressive purchasing into account for the three modules, but any time I've approached it in that manner, usually in short order I'm upgrading/adding cost to achieve decent sound.

Again, thanks for the input on this.

I have the Transporter which is also capable of receiving internet signals at premium bit rates. Go for it.

I use iTunes,Apple TV and a Cambridge Audio Dacmagic. Throw in an iPod iTouch to use as a remote control, and you've got fun for day (weeks, months etc). I'm enjoying the heck out of discovering new stations and music.