Squeze Box Question

I agree somewhat with what acurus just said--technology has a steep learning curve. I am about to go this route too, since I need a new computer anyway, and I just got a Bel Canto DAC3 hooked up and a squeezebox is sitting on my shelf. I know it is going to be a lot of work to set it up, load and rip the CDs, figure out the software/hardware interface, and get everything sounding right. We rely on each other here to share the good and the bad and take it all with a grain of salt. Also, I just got one of the new HD videocameras that uses AVHCD codec (blu ray) and it takes amazing video but my darned computer is too wimpy to process the video. Another reason I am going this route--I want to be *fairly* future proofed if I can help it, and want a computer that can be a media server--audio and video. Seems that every time I get a new gadget there is such a learning curve, but that's why we do it! Part of the adventur. Thanks for everyone's input and keep the advice coming!

Its true that it is not easy to work through "computer audio" related solutions like this.

The best way is to follow a model that has worked already for someone else and tweak from there if needed.

Sorry if it sounds like I'm pushing. My intent is to relate the benefits and encourage those interested not push someone into a zone of discomfort.

The model that I can relate which produces good results in line with the best digital and vinyl I have heard on my system is the one I've implemented in my virtual system built around a Vista PC, Roku Soundbridge, wireless connection (from PC to Roku), Windows Media Player, Windows lossless file format, and a good sounding jitter-resistant DAC of your choice.

Swanny -

I hope that you are giving serious consideration to a Mac... what you want is what they are built to do.

If you haven't you owe it to yourself to go to your nearest Apple store and spend some time at the Genius Bar.

I have avoided this subject like the plague, but this one has finally pushed me to ask the question.

But if I have a Mac/PC with Itunes or similar, a DAC like a Wavelength Brick, WHY do I need a Squeezebox or similar ???

Wayne,

You don't necessarily need a network player if you can connect from PC/Mac to DAC via a USB interface and are happy with the sound and control features.

The advantage of a network player device like a Squeezebox or Soundbridge is it connects to a network like a computer but is designed specifically as a cost effective but quality audio component and all that goes along with that compared to a general purpose computer.

It takes some guesswork out of which computers might sound good and which will not since that is what these devices are designed for.

They also provide useful control features that will vary from device to device like a remote control, random playback mode, etc.