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Internet Radio

I'm looking to add internet radio accessibility to my listening room environment. Right now I use my iPad, taking the headphone out to a cable that is terminated with stereo RCAs on the other end. It mostly works.

But I'm thinking there should be better. I see the Grace digital tuner, about $165. Seems the knock is lousy user interface. Today I saw a Sonos Connect and bridge- would run about $400. Some complain the wifi connection isn't robust. I also see the Magnum Dynalab tuners, which is way more that I can justify right now.

If anyone has experience with this stuff I'd appreciate your insights. I would go with then Sonos is if it's a solid answer to my needs.
128x128zavato
wlutke
725 posts
 
I use a Sangean WFT-1 and it works well. About $250 on Amazon.

Bill
brf
1,715 posts
 
Find a used Logitech Squeezebox Classic or Touch.
hgeifman
2,193 posts
 
Does your iPad have access to the Internet? Let us assume it does.

You have many Internet Radio options to choose from using your iPad. For radio options, I suggest you look at Tune In (http://tunein.com). It offers many radio options for listening. Another option is the Internet Radio option in iTunes. Other streaming options include Pandora, Beats Music, Rhapsody, Calm Radio, Radio Paradise and many more.

The advantage of using Internet radio is that you can receive a clean signal and not have to worry about FM reception.

How is your iPad connected to the Internet? If you have a strong wi-fi signal, you are probably okay for Internet Radio. If not, you can connect your iPad to the Internet via an Ethernet cable.

I was not able to connect using an Ethernet cable. My Apple MAC Book Pro Computer has been connected to the Internet using an Ethernet over power-line connection for months (Internet over your existing power lines). It has proven to be a very reliable connection. I am using the Linksys PowerLine Home Plug AV Kit (PLSK400) rated at to 200Mbps (Ethernet over power). The Linksys PowerLine Home Plug AV Kit (PLSK400) lets you pass through the existing power lines in your home or office into a high-speed network. There are many other Ethernet Adapter brands on the market but the PLSK400 was highly recommend by a networking friend of mine.

Ethernet over power is much better connection than a wireless connection. It was very difficult for me to run another Ethernet wire from my router in my home office to my living room and the Ethernet over power solution works fine.

I hope this helps.
hgeifman
2,193 posts
 
I forgot to mention above that Tune In also provides you the ability to create a custom URL for stations you want to listen to but are not on the Tune In list.

A custom URL is a stream address that is most likely not in the TuneIn directory. Tune In gives the listener the option to enter their own URL in the custom space to listen to their private stream.

To listen to a custom URL, tap Favorites and then tap "add new custom URL" at the bottom of the screen. Enter the streaming URL in the text box.
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