Squeze Box Question

Wayne,

You don't necessarily need a network player if you can connect from PC/Mac to DAC via a USB interface and are happy with the sound and control features.

The advantage of a network player device like a Squeezebox or Soundbridge is it connects to a network like a computer but is designed specifically as a cost effective but quality audio component and all that goes along with that compared to a general purpose computer.

It takes some guesswork out of which computers might sound good and which will not since that is what these devices are designed for.

They also provide useful control features that will vary from device to device like a remote control, random playback mode, etc.

Wayne,

While you could hook up your computer via a digital cable or USB cable to a DAC, the Squeezebox allows you to have physical separation of the computer and the stereo system. This allows you to have the computer in your home office, and the stereo in the basement, for instance. Also, the Squeezebox has analog outs (in addition to digital outs), so a DAC is not required. Of course, you can use a DAC and presumably be able to get better sound.

Things really get neat when you have multiple Squeezeboxes. So if you have a couple different rigs throughout your house, simply put a Squeezebox on each one. Then using the web-based server software, you can designate which songs to play for each Squeezebox, or you can synchronize two or more of them so that they play the same thing. I have 3 of them; one on my 2 Ch system, one on my HT system, and one on my little office system. They're all controlled via the same Linux-based server in my basement. It's really slick.

Hope that helps.

Michael

Wayne, thanks for those points.

I have a second system that I well may try a Squeezebox on at some point for comparison to Roku.

This is exactly why I want to go this route: Have all my music in one place, not worry about the type of computer or the sound card, and be able to have music anywhere I want in the house! Thanks for everyone's responses. PS, have not decided to go Mac or PC yet, but I can get a PC with screaming processing speed for a fraction of what an equivalent Mac would cost. I believe I'd have to go MacPro and spend about 4K to process AVCHD files. Not really in the budget! I know PCs are far from elegant, and I love Mac products. I'd rather spend my money on the stereo!!

Swanny,

Toshiba Satellite Vista laptop with Windows Media Player as the server program and 300 Gb disk or larger and 3 Gb memory like mine costs about $800 and works well. My family uses it for other things while it is serving up music over the wireless connection to the ROku. Very cost effective!

I'm sure a Mac could work as well or even better perhaps but they are pricier.