Don't know what I need to access my digital music collection
Discussion
I have a Cyrus CD player, a Krell KAV300i amp, Linn Keilidh speakers as a hi fi set up, and recently added a bluetooth adaptor so I could just flick through music I had on my phone and play that through the hi fi. However, I also have a NAS and a network in the house.
What do I need to hook the music on my NAS to my hi fi? Some sort of PC (I've got a couple of bare bones type PCs lying around I could use) plus some other gadetry? Some other thing? I'm reasonably tech savvy, but not sure where to start with this one...
What do I need to hook the music on my NAS to my hi fi? Some sort of PC (I've got a couple of bare bones type PCs lying around I could use) plus some other gadetry? Some other thing? I'm reasonably tech savvy, but not sure where to start with this one...
EggsBenedict said:
I have a Cyrus CD player, a Krell KAV300i amp, Linn Keilidh speakers as a hi fi set up, and recently added a bluetooth adaptor so I could just flick through music I had on my phone and play that through the hi fi. However, I also have a NAS and a network in the house.
What do I need to hook the music on my NAS to my hi fi? Some sort of PC (I've got a couple of bare bones type PCs lying around I could use) plus some other gadetry? Some other thing? I'm reasonably tech savvy, but not sure where to start with this one...
What's your budget?What do I need to hook the music on my NAS to my hi fi? Some sort of PC (I've got a couple of bare bones type PCs lying around I could use) plus some other gadetry? Some other thing? I'm reasonably tech savvy, but not sure where to start with this one...
Around £150 will get you a Denon network player rising through mid-priced Marantz and Pioneer models up to silly money.
Quite simple to set-up - music on NAS > router > streamer/renderer > amplifier.
Control playback with an app on a tablet or phone or use the supplied remote.
Only reason to have a PC turned on is to rip and transfer music to your NAS - no need for a PC for playback.
ah, the old hi-fi "what's your budget" question....
I'm really looking to achieve the 'as little as possible' scenario.
Before the 'classical music' thread degraded into a engineer speak vs hi-fi buff speak debate on bitrates, there was a post by Clockwork who said something about a laptop into a DAC into an amp comparing formats etc. Right now, I don't know what I'd connect to the DAC and how. If I listen to music on a PC via headphones, it's already done the DAC's work in the PC. So I need a digital output from the PC (so the NAS is the 'transport') to the DAC (which I gather is the important bit - but again, from clockwork's post, he was of the opinion that between 200-ish and 700-ish, the sound from the DAC was a bit of a much of a muchness). So what is the socketry / connector I need from a PC to get to the DAC? What's the DAC expecting? I know nothing about them on a practical level, although clearly, there's one living in my Cyrus.
So back to the budget, I guess I'd spend up to a monkey on a DAC if that's the way to go. Although I have good (but old) gear, I'm committed to a big house project at the moment and other projects on the go, so it would be nice if I can use stuff I have lying about to get this going.
I'm really looking to achieve the 'as little as possible' scenario.
Before the 'classical music' thread degraded into a engineer speak vs hi-fi buff speak debate on bitrates, there was a post by Clockwork who said something about a laptop into a DAC into an amp comparing formats etc. Right now, I don't know what I'd connect to the DAC and how. If I listen to music on a PC via headphones, it's already done the DAC's work in the PC. So I need a digital output from the PC (so the NAS is the 'transport') to the DAC (which I gather is the important bit - but again, from clockwork's post, he was of the opinion that between 200-ish and 700-ish, the sound from the DAC was a bit of a much of a muchness). So what is the socketry / connector I need from a PC to get to the DAC? What's the DAC expecting? I know nothing about them on a practical level, although clearly, there's one living in my Cyrus.
So back to the budget, I guess I'd spend up to a monkey on a DAC if that's the way to go. Although I have good (but old) gear, I'm committed to a big house project at the moment and other projects on the go, so it would be nice if I can use stuff I have lying about to get this going.
Thanks - I thought squeezebox had died and sonos had won that one, which was a shame as I preferred the SB offerings...
On the DAC, this one http://www.amazon.co.uk/Musical-Fidelity-Digital-A... seems to have a USB input plus optical, plus co-ax.
On the DAC, this one http://www.amazon.co.uk/Musical-Fidelity-Digital-A... seems to have a USB input plus optical, plus co-ax.
I didn't like Sonos' prices! The little SB was a neat solution. 
That is only the DAC, I think. Certainly I cannot see how it would drive/read the NAS. One of the reviews says "You need to hook up a Musical Fidelity V-Link as an intermediary between the computer and DAC. It's an extra $150ish, so be aware. If you are going to buy this DAC, buy both while you are at it and factor it into the overall cost of making this purchase."
That is only the DAC, I think. Certainly I cannot see how it would drive/read the NAS. One of the reviews says "You need to hook up a Musical Fidelity V-Link as an intermediary between the computer and DAC. It's an extra $150ish, so be aware. If you are going to buy this DAC, buy both while you are at it and factor it into the overall cost of making this purchase."
http://www.hifiwigwam.com/showthread.php?112010-De...
Put all your music onto your NAS, buy the Denon and Ethernet it to your router.
Plug the Denon into a spare input on the Krell (nice amp by the way) and away you go.
Anything you have on iPhones or iPads can be 'air played' to the Denon wirelessly too.
That's about the cheapest way of doing it and (IMHO) is far better than laptop into DAC into amplifier and is a damn sight less clunky.
I think you'd be pleasantly surprised with the sound quality compared to the Cyrus too.
Put all your music onto your NAS, buy the Denon and Ethernet it to your router.
Plug the Denon into a spare input on the Krell (nice amp by the way) and away you go.
Anything you have on iPhones or iPads can be 'air played' to the Denon wirelessly too.
That's about the cheapest way of doing it and (IMHO) is far better than laptop into DAC into amplifier and is a damn sight less clunky.
I think you'd be pleasantly surprised with the sound quality compared to the Cyrus too.
You need a media player of some kind, to get the files from your NAS via your home network. Either a relatively cheap player with an external DAC, or a relatively expensive player with a decent onboard DAC.
You can get media players that use a normal remote for control, and your TV for the display, or ones that use a phone or tablet app for both display and control.
My setup is based around iTunes running on my server, several Airport Expresses connected with Ethernet for my "media players", and Apple Remote app for control. The Airports connect directly to microsystems in rooms where sound quality isn't so important, and to an external DAC where the best quality is needed. I also have a Denon AV amplifier which is Airplay compatible (basically has an Airport Express type gadget built in), and a WDTV Live media player, which uses it's own remote and a TV for display. I've also got a Dune HD media player, which works the same way as the WD unit.
My suggestion would be to get a media player that'll work with your NAS first, and see if you are happy with the sound quality. Rip a few CDs into a lossless format.
If you aren't happy, get an external DAC. I went for a Flying Cow DAC, as it offered excellent sound quality for the price.
You can get media players that use a normal remote for control, and your TV for the display, or ones that use a phone or tablet app for both display and control.
My setup is based around iTunes running on my server, several Airport Expresses connected with Ethernet for my "media players", and Apple Remote app for control. The Airports connect directly to microsystems in rooms where sound quality isn't so important, and to an external DAC where the best quality is needed. I also have a Denon AV amplifier which is Airplay compatible (basically has an Airport Express type gadget built in), and a WDTV Live media player, which uses it's own remote and a TV for display. I've also got a Dune HD media player, which works the same way as the WD unit.
My suggestion would be to get a media player that'll work with your NAS first, and see if you are happy with the sound quality. Rip a few CDs into a lossless format.
If you aren't happy, get an external DAC. I went for a Flying Cow DAC, as it offered excellent sound quality for the price.
Squeezebox is now effectively open source.
Use one of the barebones PC's to run Logitech Media Server (aka Squeezebox server) this will also run on some NAS boxes but not all. Install one of the Squeezebox clients on the same machine or on a Raspberry Pi. Plug the client machine into your amp. Use ipeng (ipad) or one of the android apps to control.
Then add a DAC.
Use one of the barebones PC's to run Logitech Media Server (aka Squeezebox server) this will also run on some NAS boxes but not all. Install one of the Squeezebox clients on the same machine or on a Raspberry Pi. Plug the client machine into your amp. Use ipeng (ipad) or one of the android apps to control.
Then add a DAC.
EggsBenedict said:
ah, the old hi-fi "what's your budget" question....
I'm really looking to achieve the 'as little as possible' scenario.
The cheapest solution would be a Logitech Squeezebox Duet (used - around £120 on Ebay) - although they can't play hi res files (not that I've ever found that to be a limitation personally).I'm really looking to achieve the 'as little as possible' scenario.
The next best option would be a Logitech Squeezebox Touch (used - around £200 on Ebay).
Neither of the above require an external DAC, and the sound is not that bad if using them directly into your amp.
They can be upgraded with an external DAC at a later date.
EggsBenedict said:
Before the 'classical music' thread degraded into a engineer speak vs hi-fi buff speak debate on bitrates, there was a post by Clockwork who said something about a laptop into a DAC into an amp comparing formats etc. Right now, I don't know what I'd connect to the DAC and how. If I listen to music on a PC via headphones, it's already done the DAC's work in the PC. So I need a digital output from the PC (so the NAS is the 'transport') to the DAC (which I gather is the important bit - but again, from clockwork's post, he was of the opinion that between 200-ish and 700-ish, the sound from the DAC was a bit of a much of a muchness). So what is the socketry / connector I need from a PC to get to the DAC? What's the DAC expecting? I know nothing about them on a practical level, although clearly, there's one living in my Cyrus.
The NAS is not a transport - it's the source. Whatever you use to play the files off the NAS is your transport.Debates about bit rates always rage on any forum - however I suggest that you use your ears. If your CD player has sounded satisfactory to you then there is no reason to go for higher bit rates, unless you think you can really hear any difference.
EggsBenedict said:
So back to the budget, I guess I'd spend up to a monkey on a DAC if that's the way to go. Although I have good (but old) gear, I'm committed to a big house project at the moment and other projects on the go, so it would be nice if I can use stuff I have lying about to get this going.
As above - one of the Logitech devices - add a high spec DAC at a later date. (unless you really can't live with the resulting sound form the outset).I will surely be lambasted for this - but be wary of jumping on the high bit rate bandwagon - trust your ears.
Logitech Squeezebox Duet:
Logitech Squeezebox Touch:
Bullett said:
Squeezebox is now effectively open source.
Use one of the barebones PC's to run Logitech Media Server (aka Squeezebox server) this will also run on some NAS boxes but not all. Install one of the Squeezebox clients on the same machine or on a Raspberry Pi. Plug the client machine into your amp. Use ipeng (ipad) or one of the android apps to control.
Then add a DAC.
This appeals to my geeky side. It will run on my NAS, so I'll give that a crack as a 'something to do' type thing.Use one of the barebones PC's to run Logitech Media Server (aka Squeezebox server) this will also run on some NAS boxes but not all. Install one of the Squeezebox clients on the same machine or on a Raspberry Pi. Plug the client machine into your amp. Use ipeng (ipad) or one of the android apps to control.
Then add a DAC.
It is open source, and written in Perl. So it will basically run anywhere.
EggsBenedict said:
This appeals to my geeky side. It will run on my NAS, so I'll give that a crack as a 'something to do' type thing.
It is open source, and written in Perl. So it will basically run anywhere.
For audio quality, I use Jriver streaming software, I also re-clock everything from the media PC prior to going into the amp, sounds much betterIt is open source, and written in Perl. So it will basically run anywhere.
EggsBenedict said:
Could you explain what re-clocking is and how you do it please?
For some reason With digital music the clock accuracy goes all over the place, computers don't care about quality, just that it's there, if you re clock it, it puts it back how it should be. I heard one a couple of years ago and couldn't believe the difference, i thought it was all about bit rate before this.I found this, there is lots of stuff on the web about it, I'm not going to pretend I understand it fully but I get the impression all the better manufacturers will be bringing them out http://www.musictech.net/2014/06/ten-minute-master...
Edited by Adrian W on Wednesday 14th January 07:44
Westyrs said:
Possibly a silly question but I'll ask anyway..
I have a Logitech touch.. plays thru amp and floor flooring speakers.
I also have a sonos 1 in the kitchen.
Can I link the 2 ?
Apologies to the original poster but we appear to be talking about the two.
There is actually a way to do this. A guy on the slim devices forum has written an app specifically to allow a Sonos to function as a squeezebox.I have a Logitech touch.. plays thru amp and floor flooring speakers.
I also have a sonos 1 in the kitchen.
Can I link the 2 ?
Apologies to the original poster but we appear to be talking about the two.
I'm not sure how easy it is to set up but once its running any UPNP devices show up as a virtual squeezebox and can be played to just like any other squeezebox.
EggsBenedict said:
Before the 'classical music' thread degraded into a engineer speak vs hi-fi buff speak debate on bitrates......
EggsBenedict said:
Could you explain what re-clocking is and how you do it please?
What... At the risk of degenerating the thread? 
I'd recommend squeezebox touch. Easy to set up, files can be on a pc, certain nas or even a memory stick in the back of the device, you can install an app on a iPad, iPhone and probably android devices (not checked) that give you control in addition to the touch screen device or remote, it supports higher res formats and you can upgrade the sound either through a better power supply, having it modded or easier buying a better dac.
Given your existing hifi, I'd want an upgrade path.
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