Help required on dipping my toe in the music server arena!
REPOSTED due to wrong forum:
OK, so after hearing the NAIM HDX and being blown away by by its usability I want something similar. So, i'd like some advice on my options, here's the criteria/options:
Budget = £250 - £500 hence, I cant afford the Naim HDX 
Sound quality and convenience/usability are of equal importance, this means for me I dont want to use my PC for a music server as I dont want the noise, power consumption, etc
Options:
1. Something like the Cambridge Audio music server would be ideal apart from having to re-rip my entire music collection! (unless it supports external drives?)
2. I could buy an ipod classic and arcam r-doc?
3. Get something like the Naim but cheaper? Like the Linn Sneaky DS and External drive?
So what's my best option for Sound Quality and conveniance?
Also, most of my music is MP3 or WMA in 190 to 320kbps, should I start ripping in FLAC or WAV??
Do you have a compooter?
Yipee a reply! 
Yes but dont like to leave it on so this is out. I want an elegant solution which looks/opertates like a piece of hifi not a piece of s#!t - sorry thought that was funny
Squeezebox + NAS?
Sounds perfect..is it that simple?
i've seen some buffalo 1Tb NAS for about £200 plus the squeezebox = £500ish all in...nice.
Anyone got one?
You'll need a NAS capable of running Slimserver. I'm not sure exactly which ones (somebody here will have more experience than me) but I know that Qnap are a popular choice with the Squeezebox. This is their cheapest enclosure.
Coolio.
There is a website, ripcast maybe which has loads preloaded with slimserver...so there you have it!
I liek the look of the QNAP, very sleek and cheap!
Can I manage with the cheaper slim device without the colour remote?
Yeh, anything that can run Slimserver. Poking my nose in, I think if you're investing in such a device it's worth spending more. Where enclosures are concerned your paying more for the device rather than the storage. If you're prepared to pay a little (actually alot) more something like a Thecus N5200 or a ReadyNAS NV+ will do, with the added benefit of RAID 5.
The HDX is a computer with a Mini iTX motherboard, 1.6 Ghz processor via C7 processor, 2 x 400GB Seagate hard-drives, CVS DRL-200 disc drive, and a Burr-Brown "soundcard".
It is in a very nice case, but has an average user-interface, and a high price-tag.
Personally I would use a little laptop, like a netbooks available, as they have the same processor or better, and you have the choice of adding your own DAC and hard-drive. You could also use iTunes, which is my favourite user-interface for computer audio.
A laptop, 1TB hard-drive, and USB DAC won't set you back much.
hmm, interesting.
I need a netbook so its feasible!
£300 gets a good Eee PC or similar...then a DACmagic and i'm away
Like it!
My two favourite ways of playing computer music are:
- Mac Mini running iTunes, straight into a DAC, and controlled wireless by iPod Touch (Remote App).
- Laptop on my lap/sofa, streaming iTunes to an Airport Express, feeding a DAC.
However, by taking the approach mentioned above and placing a dedicated laptop on the HiFi rack, you can effectively make a simplified music server. This may be better if lots of people in the house want to play music, as the laptop is static - not out and about with you!
I would simple make iTunes a start-up item, and use the laptop to store music. Once everybody is happy with that you can add music services like Spotify and Last.FM and various radio. You could even use the laptop for downloading music from various sources. If there's a TV nearby perhaps use iPlayer too...
The list goes on because a computer is far more versatile, but needn't be complex or any hassle, if implemented well i.e. simply.
In regards to DACs the Dac Magic may be fine, but there are plenty more to look at too. If it's only USB you need try something professional from Edirol or M-Audio because it will sound as good for less money. However, a Bereford or Dac Magic adds optical inputs too, which could be fed from nearby games consoles, DVD players and Sky boxes - therefore improving the quality of all sources!!
The DAC is an essential "hub" in today's stereo systems with multiple digital sources.
Personally would go with the Squeezebox and NAS solution. Wouldn't get het up on the inclusion of RAID within the NAS box though as I think this is pointless in a home setup.
Eddie just to be sure, I'm not going against your suggestion there; it's a good one.
The thing is though, I think we're in the early stages of RAID servers in the audiophile world. I know plenty of people on here own them but they need to be suggested as these things go. I have mine stored in a cupboard, running 24/7 - if I didn't have a short term memory I wouldn't know it was there.
cram:Wouldn't get het up on the inclusion of RAID within the NAS box though as I think this is pointless in a home setup.
Would you care to elaborate?ÿ
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am I allowed to bump this?
;P