A while ago I started to explore the options for adding some form of HiFi to a room (that currently has no music capability), using Computer based files.
So, with one eye on flexibility another eye on ease of use and my third eye on overall cost, I looked around for possible solutions.
My short list of requirements include:-
- Ability to use FLAC files
- Ability to easily connect to mainstream radio (Classic.FM, BBC R4 / R2 etc)
- Upgrade-ability / flexibility of components
- Ability to implement a “proof of concept” setup and then build on it.
- Convince my “better half” (through a demo) that it is Discrete, Easy to use, Worth the effort / Cost as well as being something she can use without saying “How does this BL***Y thing work!”
My understanding of the components I need are:-
HD storage for the FLAC files
Controller / selector
DAC
Amp
Speakers
Wired or Wireless network
For the purposes of the “proof of concept” I can get my hands on a spare NAD Amp and some small Mission speakers.
Several months ago (whilst decorating) I installed a cat5 cable /socket to the room in question, as a future proof for any possible visual/audio requirements. So I’m now looking to narrow down the remaining components for a trial.
With regard to the “ease of use” I’m thinking along the lines of SONOS (controller and ZP90) or Logitech Squeezebox Duet. I had been edging towards the Duet, but one shop salesman I talked to virtually said I’d be wasting my money – the SONOS was a much better/stable product. But I wasn’t convinced it would provide the flexibility and thought the cost was OTT for what it offered.
The other area I’m making little progress in is Data/FLAC file storage. I *think* the SONUS is more flexible with the type of storage it can cope with. So I’m thinking along the lines of a NAS, something like the NetGear Duo (special offer on at the moment – buy a empty chassis and Netgear send you a 500gb disk free)
But if I was to go for the Duet, it’s a little more fussy with which NAS , especially for streaming Radio, where you need the BBCAlien plugin.
So the QNAP range appear to offer better compatibility with the DUET but their NAS’s appear to be over-priced to my mind.
For the purposes of my test, I just about have enough free space on my PC to put a good selection of FLAC’d CD’s, but long term I need something better.
Another option would be to buy a cheap small low power PC (instead of a NAS) and leave is spinning most or all of the time. I’m thinking along the lines of :-
Acer Veriton L410 Small formfactor PC with 320gb disk
ASRock IONSTAR Atom 330 320gb Disk
Then adding Ubuntu etc.
Also looked at the possibility of building a dedicated home NAS, along the lines of:- http://www.ulverston.myzen.co.uk/mini-itx/index.htm
But now I see SONOS have introduced a new Controller (out of my price range) and RicherSounds (other suppliers are available) have dropped the price of the old controller from £280 to £180 or as a bundle with the ZP90 for £400
So now this is back on the radar.
The problem is, the more I look into it the more I’m confused, and don’t know which way to turn.
If I go for the Duet, I’ll probably not add a separate DAC for a while. If I go for the SONOS, I’m not clear what internal DAC it actually has, and if it would be a disappontment.
Also with the SONUS, I know its possible to stream radio, but I don’t know the details, or how successful/easy to use it will be in practise.
I haven’t mentioned “Apple”, not for any other reason than I have no experience of MAC O/S and think I’ve enough to consider without adding more options that are a total mystery. I don’t even know if I’d be locked into the “iTunes” world, with no chance of escape!
In an effort to keep this project on track, I think the time has come to ask the great and wise audience of this forum, to proffer their opinions on my dilemma.
In fact – should I even bother with HD based music?
Thanks in advance.
Serenity
So, with one eye on flexibility another eye on ease of use and my third eye on overall cost, I looked around for possible solutions.
My short list of requirements include:-
- Ability to use FLAC files
- Ability to easily connect to mainstream radio (Classic.FM, BBC R4 / R2 etc)
- Upgrade-ability / flexibility of components
- Ability to implement a “proof of concept” setup and then build on it.
- Convince my “better half” (through a demo) that it is Discrete, Easy to use, Worth the effort / Cost as well as being something she can use without saying “How does this BL***Y thing work!”
My understanding of the components I need are:-
HD storage for the FLAC files
Controller / selector
DAC
Amp
Speakers
Wired or Wireless network
For the purposes of the “proof of concept” I can get my hands on a spare NAD Amp and some small Mission speakers.
Several months ago (whilst decorating) I installed a cat5 cable /socket to the room in question, as a future proof for any possible visual/audio requirements. So I’m now looking to narrow down the remaining components for a trial.
With regard to the “ease of use” I’m thinking along the lines of SONOS (controller and ZP90) or Logitech Squeezebox Duet. I had been edging towards the Duet, but one shop salesman I talked to virtually said I’d be wasting my money – the SONOS was a much better/stable product. But I wasn’t convinced it would provide the flexibility and thought the cost was OTT for what it offered.
The other area I’m making little progress in is Data/FLAC file storage. I *think* the SONUS is more flexible with the type of storage it can cope with. So I’m thinking along the lines of a NAS, something like the NetGear Duo (special offer on at the moment – buy a empty chassis and Netgear send you a 500gb disk free)
But if I was to go for the Duet, it’s a little more fussy with which NAS , especially for streaming Radio, where you need the BBCAlien plugin.
So the QNAP range appear to offer better compatibility with the DUET but their NAS’s appear to be over-priced to my mind.
For the purposes of my test, I just about have enough free space on my PC to put a good selection of FLAC’d CD’s, but long term I need something better.
Another option would be to buy a cheap small low power PC (instead of a NAS) and leave is spinning most or all of the time. I’m thinking along the lines of :-
Acer Veriton L410 Small formfactor PC with 320gb disk
ASRock IONSTAR Atom 330 320gb Disk
Then adding Ubuntu etc.
Also looked at the possibility of building a dedicated home NAS, along the lines of:- http://www.ulverston.myzen.co.uk/mini-itx/index.htm
But now I see SONOS have introduced a new Controller (out of my price range) and RicherSounds (other suppliers are available) have dropped the price of the old controller from £280 to £180 or as a bundle with the ZP90 for £400
So now this is back on the radar.
The problem is, the more I look into it the more I’m confused, and don’t know which way to turn.
If I go for the Duet, I’ll probably not add a separate DAC for a while. If I go for the SONOS, I’m not clear what internal DAC it actually has, and if it would be a disappontment.
Also with the SONUS, I know its possible to stream radio, but I don’t know the details, or how successful/easy to use it will be in practise.
I haven’t mentioned “Apple”, not for any other reason than I have no experience of MAC O/S and think I’ve enough to consider without adding more options that are a total mystery. I don’t even know if I’d be locked into the “iTunes” world, with no chance of escape!
In an effort to keep this project on track, I think the time has come to ask the great and wise audience of this forum, to proffer their opinions on my dilemma.
In fact – should I even bother with HD based music?
Thanks in advance.
Serenity
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