Amps Vinyls and MP3's
Discussion
One for the audio and tech’s me thinks.
We’re in the process of doing a bit of work to our house and as I’m at it I want to do something to the audio as I’ve never had an even half decent setup.
Currently I have all my MP3’s on a Dell desktop that is acting as a media server (along with movies and TV series) that sits behind the TV at the right hand side of the fireplace. Currently I never use the MP3’s as the sound quality from the TV is rubbish. Also, I want to start using my record player again. This is stored with my vinyl’s in the attic next to the broken amp.
What I am looking for is to find a way to setup one single amp, one single set of speakers and use both record player and the MP3’s off the one amp. The amp will be at the left side of the fireplace and I should be able to run light cables to the right side but not 100% as I haven’t tried yet. I do plan on using a sound bar and sub for the TV so no need to run the TV via the amp.
If I fail to be able to run cables to each other I might be able to do something with the layout but this is the ideal setup.
I also plan to use a tablet and Bluetooth speaker(s) of some kind to stream the MP3’s using an app called Plex (https://plex.tv/) which I use to play the movies and TV series from the same Dell desktop. This will mainly be in the kitchen next door to the desktop and the third floor up.
I currently have no CAT5 running around the house but plan to change that when I’m converting the attic later in the year. I’m happy to use Wi-Fi, whatever is best. Thinking on this is use Wi-Fi for the streaming MP3’s around the house via access points on all three floors.
I’m open to a whole new setup, software, hardware (price dependent) so open to options and opinions.
We’re in the process of doing a bit of work to our house and as I’m at it I want to do something to the audio as I’ve never had an even half decent setup.
Currently I have all my MP3’s on a Dell desktop that is acting as a media server (along with movies and TV series) that sits behind the TV at the right hand side of the fireplace. Currently I never use the MP3’s as the sound quality from the TV is rubbish. Also, I want to start using my record player again. This is stored with my vinyl’s in the attic next to the broken amp.
What I am looking for is to find a way to setup one single amp, one single set of speakers and use both record player and the MP3’s off the one amp. The amp will be at the left side of the fireplace and I should be able to run light cables to the right side but not 100% as I haven’t tried yet. I do plan on using a sound bar and sub for the TV so no need to run the TV via the amp.
If I fail to be able to run cables to each other I might be able to do something with the layout but this is the ideal setup.
I also plan to use a tablet and Bluetooth speaker(s) of some kind to stream the MP3’s using an app called Plex (https://plex.tv/) which I use to play the movies and TV series from the same Dell desktop. This will mainly be in the kitchen next door to the desktop and the third floor up.
I currently have no CAT5 running around the house but plan to change that when I’m converting the attic later in the year. I’m happy to use Wi-Fi, whatever is best. Thinking on this is use Wi-Fi for the streaming MP3’s around the house via access points on all three floors.
I’m open to a whole new setup, software, hardware (price dependent) so open to options and opinions.
Fit a half decent soundcard with optical out to your old PC.
Back up your music etc.
Install 'Vortexbox' put music back.
You can then control it from any tablet or phone with a browser.
Connect to amp, preferably via optical. Be amazed what you can do with a setup for almost nothing.
You can also auto rip cd and DVD by just inserting the disk.
Smart TV will see it as will anything else dnla compliant.
Been running it for years. Even an ancient PC will work fine.
Back up your music etc.
Install 'Vortexbox' put music back.
You can then control it from any tablet or phone with a browser.
Connect to amp, preferably via optical. Be amazed what you can do with a setup for almost nothing.
You can also auto rip cd and DVD by just inserting the disk.
Smart TV will see it as will anything else dnla compliant.
Been running it for years. Even an ancient PC will work fine.
As above, Install Vortexbox on your PC and keep MP3s on that. It can also rip new CDs if you like.
Buy a decent audio amp with phono inputs, plug PC and turntable in it job done.
Or you could get a Sonos connect amp and use a line converter for the turntable to give balanced phono inputs.
Buy a decent audio amp with phono inputs, plug PC and turntable in it job done.
Or you could get a Sonos connect amp and use a line converter for the turntable to give balanced phono inputs.
Thanks all so far, haven't had a chance to check out the suggestions but will soon.
PC can be the controller or the storage, I'm wasy on that
UpTheIron said:
Budget?
Also how do you want to control the playing of MP3's? From the PC? Or do you want the PC to purely be a server and have something more user friendly play them?
Budget, haven't one set but maybe £300 for an amp and same ish again for the speakers (shelf speakers)Also how do you want to control the playing of MP3's? From the PC? Or do you want the PC to purely be a server and have something more user friendly play them?
PC can be the controller or the storage, I'm wasy on that
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