Digital Drive

• RE: The problem - mls-stl 06:34:35 07/15/12 (3)
  In Reply to: RE: The problem posted by layman on July 14, 2012 at 06:48:03

  Take a look at the Vortexbox servers. They have models that start at about $400 for a 1 Terrabyte system. They also have "audiophile" versions available.
  
  They come with direct player software and also support DLNA, Squeezebox and Sonos. I've got one and highly recommend it. (They are designed as a headless system so ideally you want a laptop, iPad or Kindle to use as a controller.)

  • http://www.vortexbox.org   (Open in New Window)

  
  

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  • RE: The problem - layman 11:26:57 07/15/12 (2)
    In Reply to: RE: The problem posted by mls-stl on July 15, 2012 at 06:34:35

    Thanks a bunch for the suggestion.
    

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    • PS - mls-stl 12:00:52 07/15/12 (1)
      In Reply to: RE: The problem posted by layman on July 15, 2012 at 11:26:57

      Vortexbox also makes their operating system & software available as a free download. You can always build your own server and save some money.
      

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      • RE: PS - layman 05:25:07 07/16/12 (0)
        In Reply to: RE: PS posted by mls-stl on July 15, 2012 at 12:00:52

        Thanks a bunch.
        

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• I see the problem! - mr.bear 15:39:54 07/14/12 (2)
  In Reply to: RE: The problem posted by layman on July 14, 2012 at 06:48:03

  You want to rip all of theses CD's ONCE, for sure- it's a ton of time spent! Do rip losslessly and back your rips up to a second HD. I keep my backup HD in my waterproof safe.
  
  Check on computer audio at computeraudiophile.com and especially thewelltemperedcomputer.com for good basic, balanced information you can use.
  
  I am stumped why you wouldn't want a computer around- a "music server" is essentially a midget PC any way you slice it. I'm a cheapskate and use an old laptop PC connected to a big external HD to play music through a USB-to-S/PDIF converter, thence to the digital input of my preamp. I also use that laptop to rip discs and to stream internet radio. The laptop is conveniently set atop my hi-fi credenza thingy. I drilled a hole in the credenza to *almost* invisibly run the power, LAN and USB cables down into the back. The HD and the converter are stashed behind things and the whole affair takes a footprint of about 12 x 14"- Bearette doesn't even hate it and can play her music with a couple clicks and a minimum amount of growling.
  
  I'm pretty sure the settings on the computer are all good and that all the software other than music handling and internet explorer is removed. The laptop is not working hard at all, it never makes ugly noises or hiccups. The smallish (15") screen provides a display of what's cued-up, what's playing, album art, etc. without having the television on. Its pretty inoffensive and sounds really quite good compared to the original CDs.
  

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  • RE: I see the problem! - layman 11:22:56 07/15/12 (1)
    In Reply to: RE: I see the problem! posted by mr.bear on July 14, 2012 at 15:39:54

    Thanks a bunch for the suggestions.
    
    I am wary of using a PC as a server.
    
    I have never used or owned a PC that did not at some point get a virus that interfered with its functionality. I would hate to go to the trouble of ripping all these discs only to have the library made useless.
    
    I see a server as a way to integrate the library into my hifi system without PC functions that I don't need (like the internet - I don't plan to download anything) and without exposing the library to malicious code.
    

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    • Comment - mls-stl 14:45:08 07/15/12 (0)
      In Reply to: RE: I see the problem! posted by layman on July 15, 2012 at 11:22:56

      The Vortexbox software is based on Linux and therefore far less susceptible to viruses than MS Windows.
      
      Second, you should keep a backup of the music only on at least one separate, external drive. (I keep two backups, one of them away from my home).
      
      If your system does crash or get infected, it is then a simple process of restoring the software from your install discs and then copying the music from your backup drive to your system.
      
      I also do not use my music server for ordinary internet access, so that machine getting hacked or infected is one of the last issues of concern to me.
      

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• No problem - Dynobot 06:58:55 07/14/12 (0)
  In Reply to: RE: The problem posted by layman on July 14, 2012 at 06:48:03

  All that -and more- can fit on one of these.
  
  
  Dynobots Audio
  Music is the Bridge between Heaven and Earth - 音楽は天国と地球のかけ橋
  
  

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