network storage servers

Drrnc2 - Another vote for the Vortexbox appliance. You can alter the data ripped using any tagging program on a networked computer. Here's what I do: Everything is connected via my Verizon FiOS wireless home network. I have a Windows 7 laptop ($360) with dBPoweramp ripping software ($38). I rip the CDs using dBPoweramp, since it allows metadata retreival and editing prior to the rip. It rips directly to my Vortexbox 1TB appliance ($405), with 1TB USB drive backup ($70), and APC surge protector and battery backup ($45). I then review and edit the tags using MP3Tag (free download). Playback is via my Squeezebox Touch ($250) and from there to my DAC, preamp, amp and speakers. The only limit to sound quality is the quality of your DAC, preamp, amp, speakers and cabling, for which the sky is the limit. But for your budget, I cannot imagine a more turn-key, user-friendly solution. I update the Vortexbox software regularly, and have never had a playback glitch of any kind. However, software updates can require the temporary connection to the Vortexbox of a keyboard and monitor. I bought a used monitor on ebay for $40 and used an old keyboard I had lying around. Support via the Vortexbox forums is outstanding. Happy to answer any questions you might have.

Thanks Bondmanp. Interesting. My web connection is Verizon Broadband(cannot get FiOS way out here in the country) into a Dell desktop with Windows 7 64 .. I see no problems with using Broadband though.

Are you wired or wireless from your computer to the VB? My computer is not located in a way that would allow easy wired connection to the music system. I may have to get a laptop and dedicate it to the music system.

I had planned to get the J Rivers ripping/converting software, and I assume it would function the same as/as good as the dBPoweramp??

I also think my move would be to Go from the Vortexbox to my Cambridge Stream Magic 6 (it contains a DAC & pre-) to my amp. I assume it would be better to go from the VB to the SM6 via wire rather than wireless(if the VB is capable of wireless)

I have a SB Touch also, but as I see it, it would be an extra step to go VB to the Touch and then to SM6.

Again, I am not sure I understand all of this, being pretty new to it. Regards, Rich

Sorry for the delay, Drrnc2. My VBA is connected to my wireless router via ethernet cables, it cannot connect wirelessly, afaik. The SBT picks up the wifi signal from the router. I've never used JRiver, but it is very well-regarded in computer hifi circles. I tend to stick with what I like when I find it, so I am sticking with dBPoweramp. Wired is usually less prone to glitches than wireless. I have yet to have any glitches with my setup (some Squeezebox issues aside), although I haven't really done any hi-res file streaming yet. Not sure about your SM6. You need some way to control the Vortexbox. You can use a player on your laptop (wifi), an iphone or smart phone with the appropriate app, or a player like the Squeezebox. The SBT would connect to your DAC/pre. If you are going direct from the Vortexbox to the DAC/pre, and you have a laptop, iphone, or some way to navigate the files on the Vortexbox, I think you can go from the USB output on the Vortexbox right to the DAC/pre, unless you need a USB to S/PDIF converter.