2. pc-audio
  3. 1120582298

Building a Music server

Hi All,

I am building a music server. My first one. So I need your experienced help in correcting my obvious and not so obvious mistakes.

I see a lot of advantages for using a computer as an input device to my receiver. Suddenly we are protected from format changes, Technology expiry etc.

My Design Objectives are:
=================

Store, CD Ripped and downloaded music with minimal losses.
Expandable Disk based storage with initial space of 120GB (I have a spare IDE)

Download and store music and video. So the machine should be connected.

A clean, small preferably touch pad screen for controlling the UI. Also a wireless control for the Keyboard and mouse.

CD Qualuity, Music output to my receiver.

Play CDs and DVDs (Music and Video to be channeled to my receiver.)

Fairly fast (Not for gaming). Tuned for good sound and video.

Sleek looking, so that it can fit into my music system.

Under $500

I am planning on an used P-IV machine with 512 MB RAM. Upgrade the sound and video cards. Add an USB card if required. Run a good flavor of Linux. An LCD screen (12").
An external sound processor of the likes of,

Stereo-Link 1200
Waveterminal U24
Edirol UA-1X
M-Audio Sonica
Yamaha DP-U50 CAVIT External Audio Soundboard

These are my initial thoughts. I am waiting for your comments. So please pen your thoughts.

Thanks
Boni
bonigv
bonigv OP
19 posts
 
Hi All,

I can see that my plans are getting good clarity. Thanks to Edesilva for the time you have taken to write all these details. Very informative. I am not very conversant with Mac. I live in Linux and Windows world of Intel processors. I will do some reasearch and cost comparisons to understand it better. For the meantime, My plan is leaning towards the following setup

P4 512MB RAM, Linux (I have another machine which can be used for EAC ripping)

I will definitely have an internal HD (Something like 120Gig), But I think an external IDE Array will be a good expandable option for the future.

10" touch screen monitor
RF or Bluetooth Keyboard and mouse

USB 2, connection to Waveterminal U24

Can any one put a critical finger on this setup please.

Thanks
Boni
tonet's avatar
tonet
18 posts
 
Bonigv,

I'm on the same quest.

Please follow this link:

http://www.coolermaster.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2747

However my soundcard alone will shot past your $500.00 budget.

However, I am getting very wonderful results!!!
bonigv OP
19 posts
 
I am a miser :-), So my budget is very very tight. Bursting at its seams..
bonigv OP
19 posts
 
Any thoughts about
DSM-320, http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=318

This can receive Music streams. The documentation is biased towards receiving MP3 streams. But I feel it should be able to receive any streams from PC software (Since it is not a File Pull).

Can the audio quality of this device be improved with a Waveterminal U24 ?

Thanks
Bonib
bonigv OP
19 posts
 
An update from my side. Just Placed a order for Waveterminal U24 for $159. :-)

$340 left for remaning setp :-(

Thinking on Edesilva's comments, How is Mac Mini any way ?. I mean, its display out. Will I be able to use it as a good quality DVD Player ?

Thanks
Boni
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