2. digital
  3. 1297380317

MUSIC SERVER - HOW DO YOU............

I have a all McIntosh system with Tannoy speakers and have decided to go digital. Recently purchased a MDA 1000 to replace my C46. Easily over a 1000 cd collection.

I need a way to store and play. What I want to do is store to a NAS or similar device, sit on the couch with a touch screen of some sort to scan and select my listening pleasure. Can be hard wired or streamed. I use FLAC. Don't care about internet look up of playlist and cover art.

I'm not a computer wiz nor do I want to be. Is there a system that does what I want, seems like from what I read most self built servers require that you spend more time configuring and dealing with online support then listening to music.

What do you suggest? Thanks in advance for your help.
fishcricket
ckoffend
684 posts
 
I really like the squeezebox Duet or the new version I think is the Touch. It is really easy to set-up, operate and enjoy. It benefits from going into a DAC vs. using its internal DAC. It is inexpensive and allows for streaming wirelessly or wired full resolution. The remote is great and it overall is easy to work with.

Best of all, you don't need to be a computer wizard.

I think the Mac Mini is also great, though I cannot comment on the required computing skills. I like the Squeezebox because it is so easy. Even my 10 year old daughter loves it. Selection of music is much like an Ipod.
mmike84
309 posts
 
Since you already have the Dac my solution above is still your best bet. Also using an Empirical Off Ramp connected via Spdif to your Dac will outperform any USB Dac I have heard and I have heard many.
jax2
3,031 posts
 
One of the Squeezebox devices, like the Touch, using SqueezeServer software (free) will allow you to use your FLAC files and ignore iTunes altogether. I agree on MacMini as a processor. You can use the Touch wireless or via ethernet cable (better). As has already been mentioned, it is a very easy interface to get up and running with. You will NOT need a USB/SPDIF convertor, or a even a USB DAC running this way. You'd connect your computer to the Touch via wireless or ethernet, and the Touch would be connected to your DAC via an RCA SPDIF digital cable. I use this route and the results are excellent. If you are really picky and want to tweak it out you can get an aftermarket external power supply for the Touch, like the one made by CIA, and or add a dejitter interface between Touch and DAC if your DAC has poor jitter specs (actually, I'm told the jitter coming from the Touch is pretty low). I can tell you that even bone stock it sounds damn good to me.
nieuwen
60 posts
 
X2

Rbstehno has described the approach I use as well! I use toslink directly into my DAC. Sold my CD player 2 years ago. I still have a CD player in my car, but don't use that either! My 160 GB iPod has pretty fair share of my music on it! :-)
fishcricket OP
3 posts
 
Thanks Guys, it's going to take a little while for me to digest your suggestions, however it seems the Mac Mini is unanimous. At this time I don't want to say any more for I will certainly show my computer ignorance. Also appreciate you not bashing me for not knowing how this works, I'm a civil engineer and thank goodness for the IT department.

One thing I forgot to mention is that my DAC has coaixal, optical and balanced digital audio inputs so is one type input better than the other?

Time for me to start really studying your responses, thanks again.
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