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Best path for PC audio into the big rig..

Hi all,

I need help. I've got the urge to incorporate a bunch of ripped audio tracks on my PC into the main stereo system.

All the gear, PC and home audio are in the same room, the 'office'. the listening area is in an adjacent room... with just speakers.

I want to sit in the living room and via a wireless notebook, access those numerous tracks. I've two desktops. One wireless, one wired. both networked... and a fair to middlin' system.

Waht do I need, and how should I proceed. I use itunes on both desktops... and naturally, I can't use a Mac... not that I don't want to. Just can't due to accessibility reasons... nor any other device with a small screen for interface. It'll have to be a notebook for my purposes.

I'd also prefer not to have to use Microsofts "remote access" feature to get at the files, as that would mean another PC needs be online.

Audio quality is also pretty high on the list... my system is resolving, open, a notch past the warm side of neutral with very good extension at both ends, and spooky good in the midrange, especially with Vocals. If some sacrifice needs be made for the sake of conveinence, i'd rather it not be the musicality or hrmonics... and I've not terribly deep pockets.

Can do? ...or can't do...???

Thanks much.
blindjim
kennyt's avatar
kennyt
1,226 posts
 
I have the Slim Devices SB III and Apples AIrport Express (which would require the type of interface you desire... my preference as well)

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=7D88DA55&nplm=M9470LL%2FA

Check the above link, it will work with PC as well as MAC, and do just what you want.

You will need a mini toslink to toslink cable, the ony one I know if is in the Monster kit, though I am sure others exist. This puts it all in your hands fo ~$200.

BTW You will have to set the AE up as a client of your current network.... this is the one device Apple didn't do a great job packaging.
herman
2,290 posts
 
There are several ways to skin this cat.

Wired USB from computer to USB DAC
Wired USB from computer to USB/spdif converter to DAC
Wireless with Airport express to optical input of DAC
Belkin keeps threatening to release a wireless USB but keeps delaying it. If they do you can Wireless to Belkin to USB DAC.

There are systems like Slimserver also but I prefer a more open ended approach.

A system like mine will get you there for around $1,000

check these out

Audio Asylum

Wavelength

Emprical Audio

Altmann

Altmann sounds a bit like a madman on his website but his DAC sounds great.
blindjim OP
3,092 posts
 
Thanks folks... though perhaps I wasn't too clear. I 'have' to use a wireless PC notebook, FOR TWO REASONS... So I CAN ACTUALLY SEE WHAT i'M DOING WHILE ACCESSING TRACKS. Slimdevices, and clock radio sized visual interfaces simply won't do it for me.

Secondly, for ease of operation... I skip about, if given the chance, when I listen to music as I do have a variety of tastes and would REALLY enjoy being able to pick which ever track the mood moves me to pick routinely.

To clarify, are you saying that along with the notebook, I'll need a NAS drive, and a USB DAC? ...AND THE DAC needs be plugged into the NAS drive? ...and that's it?

I'll look into the "Airport gizmo" and the other links provided. I do appreciate them all.

Has anyone found certain advantages in NOT using lossless file formats when loading files onto a drive? ...or should strickly lossless be used, regardless? I have found some advantages with certain genres and periods of music, in burning them to CD... though of course not yet in playing unburned files on the more resolving main system, naturally.
kennyt's avatar
kennyt
1,226 posts
 
Blindjim,

The ONLY advantage of using lossless formats is saving hard drive space. Given the price of storage space, I elected to use AIFF for everything and then keep another user for MP3's should I use my iPods.

I hadn't looked at your system until now, so using an Airprt Express will require some sort of D/A conversion as well.
blindjim OP
3,092 posts
 
Thanks for the links ... especially the Altmann one. yep. He's out there... but entertaining for sure. Very Eeenteresting.

Kennyt thanks... the site i LOOKED AT ABOUT THE "AIRPORT" AND IT'S USER REVIEWS ISN'T VERY INSPIRING. ESPECIALLY THOSE ABOUT IT'S DURABILITY. SEVERAL POSTERS COMMENTED ON LIFE EXPECTANCIES OF LESS THAN 24 MONTHS.

My concern remains that I am plotting this correctly in that the only hardaware I will require adding is:
PC wireless notebook
NAS drive
USB DAC
...various ICs.
Yes?
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