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Music servers and other computer based digital audio technologies.

Two approaches

There are some packaged solutions that provide CDripping and tagging, storage and a simpler (non-computer like) user interface.

The VRS system has been mentioned. Sonos is another (http://www.sonos.com/) and Olive Musica is a third one. These packaged solutions often seem like first trys with major limitations: limited hard disk storage, limited provision for backing up your music files and limited ability to play music files located on your existing computers. Cost is another factor.


The other approach is to roll your own solution using one or more PCs, soundcard and perhaps a DAC and software.

You'll want to allow for lots of hard disk storage. Plan on 3 CDs worth of music per Gigabyte with a lossless format that preserves the quality of the original. I'm building a music PC with 1 Terabyte for now.

You can build a quiet PC but one with a terabyte of storage might be audible in your listening room. Another poster suggested two PCs - one with music file storage located away from your listening room and a quiet one near your stereo equipment. You could use a Squeezebox or Transporter (http://www.slimdevices.com/) in place of the quiet PC. The disadvantage is that the Slimserver software is clunky and the 2 line display on the Squeezebox may be limiting.

Soundcard/DAC alternatives: internal soundcard on PCI card (Lynx one, Two or L22, ESI Juli@, E-MU 0404 or 1212m. USB DAC (lots of discussion on this forum.) Either a PCI soundcard or a USB audio device can be used to feed a digital signal to a standalone DAC.

Possibilities for player s/w: Slimserver (mentioned above), Foobar2000, J. River Media Center 11 (supports multiple zones and multiple PCs) and iTunes.

Bill


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  • Two approaches - Old Listener 11:11:01 08/29/06 (3)


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