Life is complicated, lets keep it simple.

From a PC-centric standpoint, allow me to offer my experience. I am running a wireless network in my home using a LinkSys Broadband router. The router is located in my basement along with 3 desktop PCs and a laptop PC. I have approx. 1 terabyte of available disc space - hi-speed (7200 rpm) external USB drives are getting crazy cheap nowadays.

Upstairs, I have a LinkSys Wireless MusicBridge connected to my hi-fi using its coax digital out into my HK Signature 2.0 pre-pro.

This setup allows me to stream any Windows Media Player compatible file (WMA, WAV, MP3) to my hi-fi. In order to be able to use even more file types, I have substituted WinAmp for the Windows Media Player. This allows me to also playback (natively) FLAC and APE files. I can also stream internet-based music broadcasts.

It sounds *quite* good and the convenience of having the laptop as my master control panel/remote control is unbeatable. I can sit in my favorite listening position and summon a vast library of music while never leaving the chair. I've requested my wife to bury me in this position [smirk]

The really cool part? The Wireless MusicBridge cost me all of $55 delivered to my door. Setup was problematical until I realized that I needed to do it using one of my desktop PCs with a hard-wired connection - the laptop with its wireless connection just wouldn't do it.

If anyone else would like to converse about this, feel free to contact me, I can get ya up and running in no time at very little cost...(rlwainwright@verizon.net)

-RW-

Rhbowker, on your comments about using multiple hard drives, one of the new features of the just-released iTunes 7 is the ability to manage music libraries across multiple hard discs. I haven't tried it and don't know how it works but it's worth looking into.

Marco, in the same release, iTunes 7, there is now a function for transferring your music from the iPod to another computer. Again, I haven't tried it and dont' know how well it works but it's obviously in response to the issue you raised.

USB cable from your Mac to Wavelength Brick DAC, one set of interconnects to your amp. Sorted!

I wanted to thank all for the quick and informative replies.

I have reviewed some of the products discussed above and have refined my question a bit. Lets say I want to turn off my computer yet still want music. Is there a solution for simply taking a portable hard drive (it could be a I-pod like device which allow a interface for selecting the song to be played) and simply plugging it into my stereo. In short, the idea of wireless transmission seems to get away from the solid wired system I think would create the best sound. I also do not want to sit in front of my computer in my office to select songs which will play in my living room. What do you all propose. I looked into the sonus system but seems a bit expensive, almost like buying another computer dedicated to my stereo, Not exactly what I picture. The additional issue of using a ipod with a simple $19.95 RCA plug is that it most likely will not fully utilize the quality of my stereo and also does not play the lossless compression formats I may use. Sorry to be so much trouble but when I look to my computer friends, they seem quite pleased at listening to their Def Leopard from the ipod they hooked into the back of their boom box. I may not be quite as happy.