Digital media

[md.harvey]

I currently play my digital media through my AV amp using an ipod docked in an apple dock. Is there a way I can play the music through the AV amp directly from some sort of NAS device instead of having to use the ipod?

Thanks

Mark

 

[Andrew Everard]

Depends on the amp: if it has network streaming capabilities, then yes; if it doesn't, you'll need some kind of device to connect to the network and output audio to the amp.

 

[md.harvey]

Hi Andrew

I've read the April issue and have got a few questions you may be able to help me with. I have a sony strda 1200 amp, monitor audio radius speakers set up. My music is in itunes. I intend to add a NAS device but am still not sure what else i need to get the music from the NAS to the amp?

Thanks

Mark

 

[d4v3pum4]

Apple Airport Express, Sonos and Squeezebox. Check the relevant manufacturers website for NAS support. Squeezebox can be a bit flaky if you go for the wrong NAS.

 

[md.harvey]

Do these have their own displays so you can use itunes?

 

[TnA200]

I've used an Airport Express for many years, first via WiFi then wired to ensure no dropouts.

Mac computer with iTunes > Airport Extreme Router > Airport Express > Onkyo TX-SR875 AV Receiver & Floorstander speakers.

The computer can be a PC, the router does not have to be from Apple, but the essential component is the Airport Express. Which for £83 is cheap!

www.apple.com/uk/airportexpress/features/airplay.html

You can then use your iPod/iPhone/iPad as a fantastic remote via WiFi using the Remote app from the iTunes App store.

Personally I plan to get an AppleTV device next as it can perform the same functions as the Airport Express but includes video.

Hope this helps.

TnA

 

[md.harvey]

Thanks for the advice. Ideally I was trying to avoid using the ipod at all and take the music straight from the NAS to the AV amp but i'll check out the apple kit.

 

[The_Lhc]

Thanks for the advice. Ideally I was trying to avoid using the ipod at all and take the music straight from the NAS to the AV amp but i'll check out the apple kit.

I'd suggest squeezebox or Sonos then. Sonos is easier (Squeezebox requires your NAS to run software on it if you don't want a PC on at the same time, not all can, Sonos has no such requirement and will just read your music directly from the NAS) but more expensive. Both have remotes with displays (the Sonos one is extra though), however both can be controlled with a iPhone/Touch/Pad app as well.

 

[Anonymous]

Going down the Apple route you'll have to have your computer turned on to listen to music. As far as I know the Airport Express/Apple TV won't stream from a nas. You could look at something like a Squeezebox Touch. This has a touch display. I can have an external usb drive attached with all your music on so you won't need a nas/router. If you want to stream to more than one location then you would need something like a nas. The Netgear ReadNAS I have can be used with a Squeezebox system.

Try this website for more info:-
http://www.ripcaster.co.uk/