ps audio bridge

I believe a netbook has no disc drive. You will need a drive to rip CDs. Get a laptop. Best to check computeraudiophile for advice on computer/storage/networking hardware in an music system application.

Good point Edorr. Netbooks do not have disc drives. Since I already have multiple computers, the Netbook was a very affordable solution to be used as a dedicated server. Kedoades will definitely need a drive for ripping his CDs. Of course laptops are more expensive than Netbooks, but you can still find some pretty good deals. Also, the laptop will allow you more RAM.

I have a budget of about 4 grand. I can get the ps audio with bridge used for about 2900, thats leaves just over 1 grand for computer wi fi router, and cables, if you guys can stir me in the right direction as to drive for cd ripping and cables wi fi router ect. that would be helpful. Also, what is the best way to get my music from cd's to the computer, software? Sorry for all the questions, and thanks for all your help

Is there a Best Buy in your area? If so, go there and tell one of the sales reps (typically, they’re pretty knowledgeable) what you're trying to do…

1) Ask to look at Netgear routers, which are are pretty good and, for what you need, can be had for around $100.00.

2) There are a host of laptops available at Best Buy in the $400-450-range. You’ll want to have at least three-Gigs of RAM and a decent processor (talk to the sales rep)

3) You’ll need an external hard drive (maybe 1-2TB depending on the quantity of music you’ll be saving to files) - $100-range

4) Cat-6 (or Cat-7) cable (“Ethernet cable) from your router to the Bridge = “cheap” – say around $40

5) EAC (Exact Audio Copy) free software for ripping your CDs = Free download

So far, you’re in for less than $700! You can put more into the laptop if you prefer...

Kedoades:

I forgot to add something to the list. You'll need a control point (literally, something to control your Bridge-based music server with). With the money left over, you should purchase something like an iTouch (if you're going to dedicate it to your music server, you can very easily get by with only 8 Gigs - the least expensive - although, you can get a new one with 16 Gigs for around $200). Next, you can download the free controller software from PS Audio ("eLyric" - which is actually an app available via the iTunes App store).

Recap:

1) You need a router (WiFi) for your network.
2) you need a server (which is server software that you download on your new laptop - there are many, but PS Audio's EMM is free and sufficient for the time being ...visit the PS Audio forum to learn more).
3) You need a control point (which is the free controller app and the iTouch I spoke of above)
4) you need a renderer (which is the Bridge).

Connect the Bridge to the WiFi Router via Ethernet cable (Cat-6 or cat-7) / sink up the control point (your iTouch with the free eLyric app) to your WiFi network / load the server software to you lap top and point it to your external hard drive / rip your Cds via the free EAC software that you'll download from the internet onto your new laptop...