Best Way to Play Flac Files

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Just to shed some light on options, I'll say that the best way to play flac files is with either a Sonos or Squeezebox Touch, if you have an NAS. Either can be controlled from an iPad, iPod, iPhone, Android device, etc.; and with the NAS, you don't have to leave a computer on, nor do you have to tweak hardware or software to get it to sound right.

The Sonos, although is limited to 16/48 files does have its advantages. The first is that the software and hardware are bullet and idiot proof. I've never had a crash or any sort of problem. As far as its being limited to "low res" files, that's never bothered me, since I got over the whole "hi res" thing. I don't know how much hi res music it is that you have, but I've spent a good deal of money on HDTracks only to find, in the end, that most of their stuff doesn't sound any better than ripped CDs.

The Squeezebox does play files up to 24/192, but it's a bit quirky. Sometimes the unit locks up and needs to be rebooted. Sometimes the controller software freaks out on me, but it is still a good unit. I've found myself using the Squeezebox more often lately, because it's capable of being controlled with an IR remote. Since I have a Harmony 900 rf system, I can go through my play list and control the volume with the convenient remote. It is, however, my understanding that the Touch has been discontinued; although you may be able to find one used.

Actually, the stock Squeezebox Touch only plays up to 96/24, although there are mods out there that get you to 192/24, IIRC. Of course, if you don't already own a SBT, you're SOL.

Bondmanp, you're right. Sorry. I had completely forgotten that I did that, although it is done with a 3rd party app that you can install right from the SBT menu.

He is also right about not owning a SBT already. If you don't, good luck finding one for a reasonable price; although they can still be had.

In any case, that still leaves the Sonos. Like Steve N. says, the Sonos apparently still suffers pretty badly from jitter. On the other hand, I enjoy mine immensely. I guess my mid fi system just isn't resolving enough for me to be affected by the jitter or 20 years of competitive shooting has really damaged my hearing. I think it sounds just fine.

What it all boiled down to for me was that I got tired of having another computer to deal with. I just spent $300 on a Synology 2TB NAS and have a directory on the NAS setup as the target location for dbPowerAmp. I rip CDs, they go on the NAS, and done. When I want to listen to music, it's a matter of selecting the Sonos activity on my Harmony 900 and pulling my phone out of my back pocket.

As far as the Hi Res files go, I do have the SBT for those; but to tell the truth, I've found very few recordings that are worth the trouble.

I'm going to throw another vote in for JRiver. In my case, the interface is JRemote on an iPad, with ripping/conversion accomplished by dBpoweramp. These, combined with my server (Music Vault Diamond) and DAC (Antelope Gold) have provided me with the best digital reproduction I've ever heard.