Recommend....Digital Media Server

[ivansfo]

I'm looking for a solution to store about 200 CDs worth of music in an UNCOMPRESSED format so I can play them back on my home system. I've read people accomplishing this by turning a computer into such a server. However, I prefer not to have to power up a PC to play back the music.

The system must have an interface where I can control the playlist without having a computer connected. Basically something like an iPOD for the home but without any form of compression. Then I would hook up the output of this device to an external DACs which then feeds a preamp.

I'm browsing Crutchfield and it appears a product like the Escient FireBall MX-111 would be it. But such a device is pricey. Are there any other recommendations to get what I need? Can a PS3 be used? Thanks.

[GV#27]

You could use an iPOD Classic ( with Apple Lossless files) Wadia transport combo.The Wadia extracts the digital data from the iPod which you would then connect to an outboard DAC. http://www.musicdirect.com/product/82178

[LessisNevermore]

I'm looking for a solution to store about 200 CDs worth of music in an UNCOMPRESSED format so I can play them back on my home system. I've read people accomplishing this by turning a computer into such a server. However, I prefer not to have to power up a PC to play back the music.

The system must have an interface where I can control the playlist without having a computer connected. Basically something like an iPOD for the home but without any form of compression. Then I would hook up the output of this device to an external DACs which then feeds a preamp.

I'm browsing Crutchfield and it appears a product like the Escient FireBall MX-111 would be it. But such a device is pricey. Are there any other recommendations to get what I need? Can a PS3 be used? Thanks.

Yes, I would say that for what you want to do, a PS3 with an external HD attached would be ideal. PS3 won't do FLAC,(yet?) but it will do Apple lossless, and .wav files. You can rip into lossless, and it's truely that. It works like a .zip file, rather than an mp3, which degrades SQ.

I have an HTPC that I leave on, and store all my music on a network drive in FLAC, using Media Monkey to serve them up via optical to a DAC. I couldn't be happier. I would use the PS3 for this, but as of now, it can't directly address a network drive.

[ivansfo]

You could use an iPOD Classic ( with Apple Lossless files) Wadia transport combo.The Wadia extracts the digital data from the iPod which you would then connect to an outboard DAC. http://www.musicdirect.com/product/82178

Is Apple Lossless truely "lossless"? I've done researching on that it I'm reading that it may not be 100% lossless.

Right now I use an 80GB iPOD classic storing my music ripped at 384k/bps. It's decent for use in the car and travel. But when I get home....I really want to hear the music uncompressed. And I don't want to go digging through my CDs every time I want a song. The Wadia transport looks pretty good but I will need a bigger iPOD too.

[ivansfo]

Yes, I would say that for what you want to do, a PS3 with an external HD attached would be ideal. PS3 won't do FLAC,(yet?) but it will do Apple lossless, and .wav files. You can rip into lossless, and it's truely that. It works like a .zip file, rather than an mp3, which degrades SQ.


I do like the idea of a PS3. Seems like a very popular choice these days that will allow me to play games and watch Blu-Ray too. However it isn't clear to me the interface needed to copy CD tracks into the PS3. Maybe the PS3 menu screen through a TV? Then for playback, I presume the PS3 would have a similar playback option like the iPOD where I can select songs by Artist, Title, Playlist, etc.... And again, use an interface on my TV? Copying to .wav file or equivalent is what I like.

It would be great if Apple would build an iPOD like product with 500 GB of storage and have digital outputs like COAX or TOSLINK.

[thsmith]

WD TV ($89) needs USB HDD, can support up to 2, does flac and just about everything else. I have mine connected to my PS Audio DAC over fiber and HDMI to TV for the GUI.

http://www.wdtvlive.com/products/wdtv#/highlights

Music
MP3, WMA, OGG, WAV/PCM/LPCM, AAC, FLAC, Dolby Digital, AIF/AIFF, MKA

[BlueFox]

Is Apple Lossless truely "lossless"? I've done researching on that it I'm reading that it may not be 100% lossless.


Yes, it is lossless. Why wouldn't it be? When sterophile reviewed the Wadia they compared uncompressed Apple lossless files to the uncompressed file and stated they were bit for bit identical.

"Footnote 2: I recorded the bits coming from the Wadia's coaxial S/PDIF output to my lab PC via the digital input of an RME soundcard, with Wes's iPod Nano playing a losslessly compressed file. I then compared that recording with a WAV rip from the original CD. The files were bit-for-bit identical..."

http://www.stereophile.com/budgetcomponents/1008wad/index.html


I love my 120GB iPod Classic/Wadia combination. I started out with the Benchmark DAC1 and later upgraded to the Bryston DAC. I have classical music on the iPod and currently have 1800 "songs" in Apple Lossless. Since these are classical songs many are in the 10-20 minute range, and I still have 60GB of free space.

Without a doubt, for me, this has been my best equipment purchase since it has really gotten back into listening to music. I just spent $100 at lunch buying more CDs to listen to tonight and over the weekend, and the ones that make the grade will be loaded onto the iPod.

[inspiredsports]

. . . is Apple Lossless truely "lossless"? . . .

In another thread similar to this one, I asked a member who has iTunes but mostly used MM (Media Monkey) to rip to FLAC to compare . . .


I used MM to rip a FLAC track at the highest compression setting (8), and iTunes' ALAC default (no option to change?).

ALAC=18.2MB
FLAC=17.8MB

Although it is only one example, it looks like Apple Lossless (ALAC) keeps more data than FLAC?

##############

Just last Saturday I hooked my laptop with iTunes to my system. I've been ripping CD's into iTunes using Apple Lossless and then doing A/B comparisons between iTunes from my laptop and my CD player. The soundstage is wider and deeper, and image more tightly focused from the CD player, but only by a small margin.

I'm sure there are better solutions out there, but Apple Lossless trhough iTunes is very, very good.

I will be following this thread closely as I too am looking for a media server solution to hold about 2,000 CD's which will equate to about 1-1/2 to 2 terabytes of lossless data files.

[BlueFox]

It would be great if Apple would build an iPOD like product with 500 GB of storage and have digital outputs like COAX or TOSLINK.

Or anybody else build it. That is what I am waiting for, a 17" wide music server that sits on the shelf with the other equipment. It needs an LCD screen to display song playing, album art, and other data, along with a remote control, and SPDIF, coax, and optical outputs, along with an Ethernet connection for downloading. Instead of a hard drive it should use flash memory, or some other solid state emory, for quieter operation.

[BlueFox]

In another thread similar to this one, I asked a member who has iTunes but mostly used MM (Media Monkey) to rip to FLAC to compare . . .



Although it is only one example, it looks like Apple Lossless (ALAC) keeps more data than FLAC.


No, differant compression algorithims will have differant compressed sizes, but give back the original file when uncompressed. They both keep the same data, but one is more efficient in its compression.

[GV#27]

That is what I am waiting for, a 17" wide music server that sits on the shelf with the other equipment. It needs an LCD screen to display song playing, album art, and other data, along with a remote control, and SPDIF, coax, and optical outputs, along with an Ethernet connection for downloading. Instead of a hard drive it should use flash memory, or some other solid state emory, for quieter operation.

Something like this. http://www.naim-audio.com/products/hdx.html

[LessisNevermore]

Is Apple Lossless truely "lossless"? I've done researching on that it I'm reading that it may not be 100% lossless.

Right now I use an 80GB iPOD classic storing my music ripped at 384k/bps. It's decent for use in the car and travel. But when I get home....I really want to hear the music uncompressed. And I don't want to go digging through my CDs every time I want a song. The Wadia transport looks pretty good but I will need a bigger iPOD too.

I coudn't find anything to support that ALAC isn't 100% lossless. Two important reasons IMO, to use a lossless format: 1, tagging. WAV doesn't support it, so you'll have to use FreeDB, or similar to read track info. 2, Size.


I do like the idea of a PS3. Seems like a very popular choice these days that will allow me to play games and watch Blu-Ray too. However it isn't clear to me the interface needed to copy CD tracks into the PS3. Maybe the PS3 menu screen through a TV? Then for playback, I presume the PS3 would have a similar playback option like the iPOD where I can select songs by Artist, Title, Playlist, etc.... And again, use an interface on my TV? Copying to .wav file or equivalent is what I like.

It would be great if Apple would build an iPOD like product with 500 GB of storage and have digital outputs like COAX or TOSLINK.

I believe the only formats it will import directly, are WMA, AAC, and Sony's format. I would rip the cd's on a computer-to the external drive, then take the drive over to the PS3, plug it in, and go.

[LessisNevermore]

In another thread similar to this one, I asked a member who has iTunes but mostly used MM (Media Monkey) to rip to FLAC to compare . . .



Although it is only one example, it looks like Apple Lossless (ALAC) keeps more data than FLAC.

##############

Just last Saturday I hooked my laptop with iTunes to my system. I've been ripping CD's into iTunes using Apple Lossless and then doing A/B comparisons between iTunes from my laptop and my CD player. The soundstage is wider and deeper, and image more tightly focused from the CD player, but only by a small margin.

I'm sure there are better solutions out there, but Apple Lossless trhough iTunes is very, very good.

I will be following this thread closely as I too am looking for a media server solution to hold about 2,000 CD's which will equate to about 1-1/2 to 2 terabytes of lossless data files.

No, FLAC's compression is slightly more efficient, that's all. (and non-proprietary) All the bits come back in both formats. I listened to both, and they are equals.

[BlueFox]

Something like this. http://www.naim-audio.com/products/hdx.html

Damn. I have to quit reading your posts. Between the Bryston DAC and now this, they are costing me to much money. ;)

I need to take a serious look, and research this device. After a quick look it looks like something to consider.

[inspiredsports]

. . . that is what I am waiting for, a 17" wide music server that sits on the shelf with the other equipment . . .

Great idea! You should patent it before someone else does. :) I never thought I would be intrigued by digital as I still listen to vinyl about 85% of the time, but I must say that a media server is in my future and I'll bet for many, many more with higher quality audio systems.

[LessisNevermore]

Damn. I have to quit reading your posts. Between the Bryston DAC and now this, they are costing me to much money. ;)

I need to take a serious look, and research this device. After a quick look it looks like something to consider.

LOT$$ to consider.....$9k:eek:

[GV#27]

Damn. I have to quit reading your posts. Between the Bryston DAC and now this, they are costing me to much money. ;)Hey I'm just handing you the needle,your pushing the plunger:D:D


I need to take a serious look, and research this device. After a quick look it looks like something to consider.

As Less points out it's spendy,but I suspect there will be a number of similar in concept but more economical units hit the market in the near future.

[BlueFox]

LOT$$ to consider.....$9k:eek:

Double yikes. :eek: :eek:

Its for the early adopters. I need the 2nd generation.

[ivansfo]

Damn. I have to quit reading your posts. Between the Bryston DAC and now this, they are costing me to much money. ;)

I need to take a serious look, and research this device. After a quick look it looks like something to consider.

Funny you mention the Bryston DAC because that's the exact piece I had my sights on. I just didn't know what to feed it. Now you've all given me a lot of ideas. That Naim is exactly what I want with the LCD displat and all but not at $6k!! Wow. Even at $1k it would be too expensive.

I think switching to lossless on my current iPOD with the Wadia would be pretty sweet. The WD TV product looks great too at a lower cost. I'll research both ideas a bit more.

Many thanks for all the replies.

[GV#27]

The WD TV product looks great too at a lower cost. I'll research both ideas a bit more.

I don't see a digital output on the WD unit so you would be resigned to it's internal D-A and analog stages.While it looks interesting and an economical choice I would think it would comprimised as far as sound quality is concerned and a far cry below the potential of the iPOD/Wadia/BDA1 combo.

[ivansfo]

I don't see a digital output on the WD unit so you would be resigned to it's internal D-A and analog stages.While it looks interesting and an economical choice I would think it would comprimised as far as sound quality is concerned and a far cry below the potential of the iPOD/Wadia/BDA1 combo.

Thanks GV. Then the WD is off the list.
Reripping my CDs now from 320K/bps to the Apple Lossless. Hope it all will fit on my 80GB iPOD. If not looks like the new 160GB version for sale is cheaper than what I paid for my 5th gen version. ARgg... Will start shopping for a Wadia too.

[BlueFox]

Will start shopping for a Wadia too.

Everywhere I have looked, except used, the Wadia is $379. Unfortunately, while the stock Wadia sounds great, like everything else in this addiction, there is room for improvement.

The two things I have done to the Wadia have both made a postive audible improvement. They are upgrading the stock SPDIF cable, and the external power supply.

While there are countless cables to buy, I have only seen one power supply. The power supply I bought is the CIAUDIO, and the digital IC is a Mapleshade. The benefit to these upgrades is they made the sound so much better. The drawback is they turned a $379 product into a $1000 product. C'est la vie.

Power supply
http://www.musicdirect.com/product/83276


Digital IC – 1 meter
http://www.mapleshaderecords.com/audioproducts/planardigitalzephyr.php

[debussyj]

For what it's worth, I'm a big Apple computer user. My server is a souped up (larger, faster, hard drive, maxed out in RAM) Macmini. I love the thing. It's small and compact is very peppy. I is my itunes library and I also enjoy watching movies with it. I've got it connected to my 52" Sammy display and it looks gorgeous. Front row is really pretty. To make things even more fun I use my Itouch as a remote control for all of my tunes-way cool. I also have the Wadia/Ipod, PS Audio DAC, combo in another room and that sounds fantastic. The only thing I miss with that you can only shuffle music or play a playlist. To choose a specific tune you have to do it manually with the ipod docked, which is a pain. Suppose I've become spoiled using the Itouch as a remote.

[thsmith]

I don't see a digital output on the WD unit so you would be resigned to it's internal D-A and analog stages.While it looks interesting and an economical choice I would think it would comprimised as far as sound quality is concerned and a far cry below the potential of the iPOD/Wadia/BDA1 combo.

WD TV has toslink, that is digital.

[GV#27]

WD TV has toslink, that is digital.Thanks I'm aware Toslink is Digital,but looking at the pic I didn't see one.I looked again and it's hard to tell for sure but that could be a Optical port beside the yellow RCA video out?Ofcourse it does have HDMI but that won't help him with his 2 ch DAC.

[rallyshark]

Yes, the WD TV does have toslink. I use it with great success. I second thsmith on this one. I have the WD TV with two 2TB hard drives hooked up. It pretty much plays everything you throw at it from my experience:) I use it primarily for movies, but it can handle the music end to. I use the PS3 for music. I have a 500 gig hard drive in it, so it's got plenty of room for the tunes. The WD TV handles my movies. You need A LOT of space if you are going to do movies uncompressed. You can get around 425 movies on a 2TB drive give or take.. I hope this helps:)

[thsmith]

Thanks I'm aware Toslink is Digital,but looking at the pic I didn't see one.I looked again and it's hard to tell for sure but that could be a Optical port beside the yellow RCA video out?Ofcourse it does have HDMI but that won't help him with his 2 ch DAC.

Like I said up top I have mine connected to my PS Audio DAC III and it works great. THe only problem I have is I have to put the WD TV on a 12v trigger because even when it is off the laser is still hot and my DAC never powers off. Most componetnts with Optical behave the same way, easy fix.

I rip DVDs to it instead of putting then on DVD-Rs. For the cost and what it is it does great. The OP wanted something that does not connect to his PC.

I use a portable 500g HDD that is USB powered eleminating a wall wort.

WD TV is not the end all to be all but for me it works great.

[GV#27]

Like I said up top I have mine connected to my PS Audio DAC III and it works great. Ooops,sorry I missed that part:o And my comment regarding compromised SQ was if it's internal D-A and analog sections were used.I would think having the ability to send the data to an outboard DAC like your PS Audio would prove a signifcant upgrade,and make it a much more attractive device.Especially so considering it's budget price.

[ivansfo]

The talk of WD TV got me looking around for similar devices.

Anybody have an Apple TV? There's a 160GB version and it and that thing has a TOSLINK port.

[xandra]

If you want TOTALLY UNCOMPRESSED music for your iPod you can burn your music as AIFF (this is Apple's totally uncompressed format). But frankly I've never found anyone able to hear the difference (have tested on quite a few audiosnobs er...philes).

PS: Until someone comes up with as seemless a way to create personalized playlist and sync music. I'll probably stick with iPod as my main music server.
I'm also pretty addicted to using my laptop with Airport Express but I doubt the audio quality would be as good as the Wadia's.

[ivansfo]

After flopping between the Wadia and a few other devices, I've decided to go with the 160GB AppleTV to keep things simple. I already have iTunes and just spent the Thanksgiving break reripping all my CDs into the Apple Lossless format. Now just waiting for the right deal on the Apple TV!

Thanks for the suggestions. All have helped in steering me to the right product for me.

[xandra]

Glad you came to a conclusion. Many folks love the device.

But don't hold your breath tooo long for the right deal. Apple rarely/never? discounts its stuff until it's about to discontinue or upgrade an item. Tho... Maybe wait till after Xmas (when any conceivable deal would exist). It's also POSSIBLE someone might bundle the device.

Good luck - I'm sure you'll enjoy.

------
PS Re Toslink, under what you need (from Apple's website)"
Cables

HDMI to HDMI cable
or
HDMI to DVI cable and analog stereo or optical digital audio
or
Component video cable and analog stereo or optical digital audio

[adam2434]

Couple questions on the WD TV and Apple TV:

How is music navigation/selection on these devices, compared to a program like iTunes, Foobar, WinAmp, etc.?

Can you quickly and conveniently create playlists or drag a whole genre or artist into a playlist?

Also, do you know if they can handle ReplayGain tags?

I agree that it would be nice if there were more devices like this (for audio) with their own display for those who don’t have a display in the room or don’t want to fire up a big TV or projector just to select music.

I have a Squeezebox, but like the idea of a unit that doesn’t require a computer and network for operation.

[BlueFox]

I agree that it would be nice if there were more devices like this (for audio) with their own display for those who don’t have a display in the room or don’t want to fire up a big TV or projector just to select music.

I have a Squeezebox, but like the idea of a unit that doesn’t require a computer and network for operation.

Check this out. A fellow CP member turned me on to this device. My only concern is that it does not support Apple Lossless format so I cannot just drag those files over to it.

http://www.olive.us/home.html

[Gaara]

I have a Squeezebox, but like the idea of a unit that doesn’t require a computer and network for operation.

If you like your Squeezebox you may want to look into the most recently released ones. The touch has a screen and doesn't need a PC to work, just attach a external HD and you are gtg.

[adam2434]

BlueFox, that Olive stuff is pretty pricey, but looks cool.

Gaara, do you know if USB connection has the full functionality of the server connection? In other words, from a GUI and music browsing standpoint, would there be no difference?

So, I guess the server software doesn't have to be running with the Touch to work with USB.

Can't see ditching my Classic for the Touch right now, but do wish the Touch existed when I purchased.

[steveinaz]

I'm looking at Olive's offerings, specifically the Melody No. 2. At $599 it seems pretty reasonable, but I'm still researching all the ins and outs of it. I know so far that it supports flac...

[steveinaz]

BlueFox, that Olive stuff is pretty pricey, but looks cool.

Gaara, do you know if USB connection has the full functionality of the server connection? In other words, from a GUI and music browsing standpoint, would there be no difference?

So, I guess the server software doesn't have to be running with the Touch to work with USB.

Can't see ditching my Classic for the Touch right now, but do wish the Touch existed when I purchased.

The Sqb Touch runs (will run, when you can find one) internal server software. As Gaara said, you can connect your ext usb HDD, and away you go! VERY COOL. Word is the SPDIF interface has been improved/simplified for better digital audio, as well as improved analog audio.

[adam2434]

I wonder what the $600 Olive has over the $300 Squeezebox?

The SB Touch does look neat.

I'm curious to find out the details of music navigation when using USB. For example, does USB show up as a separate Music Library that can be navigated/selected by artist, genre, etc.

[steveinaz]

Hit the squeezebox forum (type that in yahoo)---some of them guys seriously know their shit.

I'm running the Olive vs Sqb Touch debate in my brain as we speak.

[Gaara]

Gaara, do you know if USB connection has the full functionality of the server connection? In other words, from a GUI and music browsing standpoint, would there be no difference?

So, I guess the server software doesn't have to be running with the Touch to work with USB.


What I have read jives with what Steve posted, the touch has its own software in the unit that is the same as the software that would be on your PC. Therefore functionality wise you shouldn't be able to tell a difference, unless you are doing processor intensive stuff like transcoding or playing full res 24/192 FLAC.

I am unsure on how the music libraries would show, but my experience from having two different hardrives with music on them was that they show up as different music libraries.

I can't wait until they update the Boom so it can play music of a USB flashdrive or perhaps SD card. It would be awesome if it was battery powered to, I would bring that little guy everywhere.

[steveinaz]

Gaara
From what I've read, upon plugging in your HD or memstick, the libraries will be read and populate in the players database. Once you unplug, they'll disappear.

They go into how this works in great detail on the squeezebox forum, under "SQb Touch" or "audiophiles" sub-forums. There are a couple of guys that are beta-testing the Touch for Logitech on the forums. One guy is even working on a firmware upgrade that would allow digital "output" from the USB port for those with USB DAC's.

After a ton of research last night, I'm gonna go with the touch. Now, only about 325 more CD's to rip :eek::D

[vmaxer]

I just ordered the Western Digital WD TV Live Network-ready HD Media Player WDBAAN0000NBK-NESN from Amazon for $119.00.

This version also connects to your home network and the internet, so you can play music, movies, and view photos from any device on your home network.

We'll see how good it works soon!!

[alexsash]

The Sqb Touch runs (will run, when you can find one) internal server software. As Gaara said, you can connect your ext usb HDD, and away you go! VERY COOL. Word is the SPDIF interface has been improved/simplified for better digital audio, as well as improved analog audio.

Steve,

I'm planning on getting the new Touch. Are you sure that you can use an external HDD straight into the Touch? Doesn't it require some software interface ie a PC?

Hey... I live in Phx, too. Howdy neighbor.

[steveinaz]

It runs "TinySC" server (stripped down SBS) internally. Go to the slimdevices forum for more details, but YES, it will run external USB HDD's and USB flash drives. Of course for internet content you'll need SBS on your computer, but the above will run stand-alone.

Squeezebox Touch isn't available yet, you can preorder, but it looks like Jan-Feb release.

Oh, and hello fellow Arizonan!

[steveinaz]

I just ordered the Western Digital WD TV Live Network-ready HD Media Player WDBAAN0000NBK-NESN from Amazon for $119.00.

This version also connects to your home network and the internet, so you can play music, movies, and view photos from any device on your home network.

We'll see how good it works soon!!


Looks very interesting! Let us know what you think....

[alexsash]

It runs "TinySC" server (stripped down SBS) internally. Go to the slimdevices forum for more details, but YES, it will run external USB HDD's and USB flash drives. Of course for internet content you'll need SBS on your computer, but the above will run stand-alone.

Squeezebox Touch isn't available yet, you can preorder, but it looks like Jan-Feb release.

Oh, and hello fellow Arizonan!

Thanks for the tip. I'll check out that forum, too.... after I get out of the pool...hahaha!

[kp1706]

Music Direct has some great deals on combo Wadia Transports and DACS.
http://www.musicdirect.com/products/brand.php?b=WADIA%20DIGITAL

[Gaara]

Gaara
From what I've read, upon plugging in your HD or memstick, the libraries will be read and populate in the players database. Once you unplug, they'll disappear.

They go into how this works in great detail on the squeezebox forum, under "SQb Touch" or "audiophiles" sub-forums. There are a couple of guys that are beta-testing the Touch for Logitech on the forums. One guy is even working on a firmware upgrade that would allow digital "output" from the USB port for those with USB DAC's.

After a ton of research last night, I'm gonna go with the touch. Now, only about 325 more CD's to rip :eek::D

Steve,

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it. I guess I will have to keep myself abreast on the developments, I would love to have a player that could access music via thumbdrive, being able to play via USB DAC would be icing on the cake.

[vijayl]

BqB Touch is exactly what I was looking for.

[alexsash]

The slimdevices forum is a great read... lots of good stuff there. Thanks for that tip, Steve.

[steveinaz]

You bet, I'm still green as hell when it comes to wi-fi music--but I'm learning.

[concealer404]

Check this out. A fellow CP member turned me on to this device. My only concern is that it does not support Apple Lossless format so I cannot just drag those files over to it.

http://www.olive.us/home.html

Man.... i was so turned on to this thing, i was about to order it right then and there.

And then i saw the price. :eek: :(


Bummer.

I need something that i can just jack a 3.5" hard drive into, anyways...



Which, speaking of, and i apologize for potentially threadjacking...

Is there something that i can drop a 3.5" HDD in that will just read all my files and give a menu up on the TV? I have an old hard drive from one of my past computers that just has a TON of music on it accumulated through the ages, and i don't feel like setting up a full HTPC or dealing with a network player to accomplish this.

I just want to drop in the drive, and have something with a toslink, rca, and hopefully HDMI outputs.

[rtart]

I went down this path a few months ago looking for a media server for my Russound whole house audio system. The WH system will mimic IR commands from any room back to the equipment closet, so the server needed to be IR remote controllable. I used a P4 PC with MS Media Player 11 and Streamzap's remote (about $25) to control it. I have over 400GB of music files so far, and teh PC option works great, and plays nicely with my Windows Home Server as well.

I use the 1/8 mini plugs and a converter to get to dual RC plugs, but there are PCI cards that can allow output in SPDIF (Toslink) or digital coax that I could add if I was using an AVR.

Part of my logic was that MS will certainly be around to support my install, while other more specialized audio companies might not be. Also, I can rip in lossless format, which gives me the same quality I had from my three Sony 400 disc changers.

I have been very pleased with the setup, and can't ever see going back to disc-based music. My out-of-pocket was basically $25 for the Streamzap SW and remote. However, if I did not have the idle PC already, and had to buy one, my choice would have been different, basically due to cost.

[bikezappa]

Wow There is so much info on this thread. My mind is all messed up.

I have been drolling for an Olive for a few years but can't spend that kind of money. I have 3 Sony juke boxs also and want to set up a music server but I'm not sure what to get. I also want to be able to show the music information on my TV and be able to locate any tune and play it from my seat on my 2 channel set-up remotely.

Wow again, great thread.

[steveinaz]

I like the Olive No. 4 alot, $1500 isn't incredibly bad for 1TB of storage, an on-board CD ripper/player, and no need to be running the computer unless you want internet content (which I don't)....

On a SIDE NOTE: I asked Patrick if we could have a "Networked Audio" sub-forum, but no reply yet. I figured with all the interest now (and more to come) about music streaming, servers, NAS, players, etc; it could be very useful.

[steveinaz]

Please cast a vote in the Poll I created....

[Marty913]

Man.... i was so turned on to this thing, i was about to order it right then and there.

And then i saw the price. :eek: :(


Bummer.

I need something that i can just jack a 3.5" hard drive into, anyways...



Which, speaking of, and i apologize for potentially threadjacking...

Is there something that i can drop a 3.5" HDD in that will just read all my files and give a menu up on the TV? I have an old hard drive from one of my past computers that just has a TON of music on it accumulated through the ages, and i don't feel like setting up a full HTPC or dealing with a network player to accomplish this.

I just want to drop in the drive, and have something with a toslink, rca, and hopefully HDMI outputs.

Most of the inexpensive ($120) media servers like WDTV Live and Seagate Theater+ allow you to plug in USB drives and will do what you describe. If you don't need the networking piece, the original WDTV will do if you can find one. If your 3.5 is a standard IDE / SATA internal computer drive you would need a cheap USB enclosure for it. Nothing I'm aware of that will let you drop in a standard 3.5.

[concealer404]

Most of the inexpensive ($120) media servers like WDTV Live and Seagate Theater+ allow you to plug in USB drives and will do what you describe. If you don't need the networking piece, the original WDTV will do if you can find one. If your 3.5 is a standard IDE / SATA internal computer drive you would need a cheap USB enclosure for it. Nothing I'm aware of that will let you drop in a standard 3.5.

Yeah, i had a brain fart on the whole usb enclosure thing.

I think i need to do some research to see which of them has the best/most intuitive menus...

I don't remember how much of this music and stuff was actually sorted. I think i may have just had it all dumped into winamp and just searched through there.

[adam2434]

Steve, keeping the discussion going, here are some things that would sway me away from an all-in-one unit like the Olive 4 versus using a computer for some tasks. Maybe the Olive can do some of these things, but it's not obvious from their website. These are personal considerations based on how I use my music files, so they won't apply to everyone.


1) ReplayGain

It's not apparent that the Olive can create or recognize ReplayGain tags. ReplayGain is a way to level the volume of tracks from various albums without changing the music file itself (it can be turned off and on for playback). This is a very nice thing to have when you are listening to a playlist from various CDs when casually listening or entertaining.

Folks often use a program like Foobar to add the ReplayGain tags to the files. ReplayGain can be enabled or disabled for playback in Foobar software and Squeezebox systems.


2) Playlist creation

Playlists can be created with the Olive. However, I would think that it is much easier to create playlists on a computer due to quicker library navigation and the larger viewing screen. I will typically create playlists in Foobar, which I then use with my Squeezebox.


3) File conversion

My library is all FLAC for home playback, but I use Foobar to convert most of the FLAC files to high bitrate MP3s (lame VBR 0) for my portable player (Zune) which is used in the car, for travel, with headphones, etc. So I end up with a folder containing FLAC files for the Squeezebox and a folder of MP3 files that get copied to my Zune for portable use.


4) Editing tags and tagging obscure CDs that are not in the on-line databases.

I would imagine that the Olive has a way to edit tag info, but it's probably less efficient than a computer keyboard.

[steveinaz]

Olive isn't real informative on their site, that's for sure. I had to do some digging just figure out which software front-end would be compatible with it, and wether or not the Melody No. 2 could run without a No. 4. Pretty poor website...

My horse in this game has nothing to do with "whole house audio." I'm just interested in having the consolidated music libary with everything on the hard drive in a good lossless format. I would love to have a simple hard drive source component of good quality.

[Gaara]

Is there something that i can drop a 3.5" HDD in that will just read all my files and give a menu up on the TV? I have an old hard drive from one of my past computers that just has a TON of music on it accumulated through the ages, and i don't feel like setting up a full HTPC or dealing with a network player to accomplish this.

I just want to drop in the drive, and have something with a toslink, rca, and hopefully HDMI outputs.

Plenty of products like this, the Popcorn Hour comes to mind. Last I checked it retailed for $200, you just pop the standard 3.5" HDD in and your are GTG.

[vmaxer]

I just ordered the Western Digital WD TV Live Network-ready HD Media Player WDBAAN0000NBK-NESN from Amazon for $119.00.

This version also connects to your home network and the internet, so you can play music, movies, and view photos from any device on your home network.

We'll see how good it works soon!!


Looks very interesting! Let us know what you think....



For the money (119.00), I like the unit. Check out the description here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002KKFP9Y/ref=ox_ya_oh_product

It is small, simple, and seems to work great. My computer is always on, so I just use it for storage. I did try it with a USB drive also and both work as described.

I received it Friday and connected and have used it a few hours, so I still have a lot to learn.

[concealer404]

Plenty of products like this, the Popcorn Hour comes to mind. Last I checked it retailed for $200, you just pop the standard 3.5" HDD in and your are GTG.

Looking into this.... their website sucks, :p

[mmadden28]

Just FYI, in case anybody was definitely going to get the Squeezebox Touch when its released...Its on sale right now at Amazon (Preorder) (http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-930-000074-Squeezebox-Touch/dp/B002LARRDA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1261618765&sr=8-1) 5% less at $284.64.