Starting a computer based system

i've had a different experience than colorfulpellets--i was unable to get my squeezebox to work properly with just an external hardrive (no computer), as i originally envisioned. (it did work fine with a flash drive or sd card, which contain much fewer files). i spoke to logitech and read their forums and was advised that the sb isn't optimized for use as a server with a big external hd without a computer, although it'll handle a small capacity hard drive.

77jovian, the Squeezebox Touch has an internal server (I think it is called TinySB) that works very well with a powered external hard drive (can't use a USB-powered drive; the bus on the Touch does not output sufficient voltage to drive a big ol' 3.5" disc). Some folks have had issues with this configuration, but not I. The key is to ensure that your hard drive has no partitions or bloatware on it; format it (i.e. strip it down) and then put one folder with music files on it. When connected, the Touch will install it's own driver, scan the folder, and you're off the the races.

Thank you to everyone for the information. Will stick with the MacBook and use the Maverick Audio TubeMagic D2 DAC.

It may take some time but I will post a review when finished.