Hi Clarets2.
You have many options, so I will report only what I chose. I started out thinking I needed a NAS, but in the end I just went with a PC. I am glad that I did because the added CPU power relative to a NAS helps Squeezebox Server run smoothly.
I bought a "barebones" kit from Newegg, which is a box, power supply, and CPU. I went with an Atom 330 processor because they are energy efficient and plenty powerful to serve music. Today I might go with the Atom 510, which is newer, but anything similar power-wise will be plenty of CPU.
To that, I added a 1 TB hard disk, 1 MB of RAM, and a DVD drive, as I use that machine for ripping CDs. I also bought a USB HD to use as a backup for my music.
To that, add your operating system of choice. I use Linux, where 1 MB is plenty, but if you go with some form of Windows, get more RAM. Connect the box to your router, install SB Server, and you should be on your way.
A friend recently bought a Dell Zino that was on sale, came configured better than I described above (it's not an Intel Atom processor, but it's AMD's equivalent), and works very well. Cute too.
If you don't like the idea of putting something together yourself, the Zino is a nice solution for a better than fair price.
Again, there are many viable options. Have fun.
You have many options, so I will report only what I chose. I started out thinking I needed a NAS, but in the end I just went with a PC. I am glad that I did because the added CPU power relative to a NAS helps Squeezebox Server run smoothly.
I bought a "barebones" kit from Newegg, which is a box, power supply, and CPU. I went with an Atom 330 processor because they are energy efficient and plenty powerful to serve music. Today I might go with the Atom 510, which is newer, but anything similar power-wise will be plenty of CPU.
To that, I added a 1 TB hard disk, 1 MB of RAM, and a DVD drive, as I use that machine for ripping CDs. I also bought a USB HD to use as a backup for my music.
To that, add your operating system of choice. I use Linux, where 1 MB is plenty, but if you go with some form of Windows, get more RAM. Connect the box to your router, install SB Server, and you should be on your way.
A friend recently bought a Dell Zino that was on sale, came configured better than I described above (it's not an Intel Atom processor, but it's AMD's equivalent), and works very well. Cute too.
If you don't like the idea of putting something together yourself, the Zino is a nice solution for a better than fair price.
Again, there are many viable options. Have fun.