Squeezebox Duet + inexpensive stand alone server


I have finally added wireless digital to my vinyl/Cd system.
Love it! Dell PC + Duet + Linn 5103 DAC + ipod touch controlling 3 areas.
Have downloaded 100 albums AIFF onto my PC and am now panic stricken in case of hard drive failure.
Would like a stand alone server (cheap pc?) with 1 TB storage and same as back up.
It should be in a separate room and operated by my PC or Controller or ipod Touch.
It can be on 24/7.
Just audio usage.
Thought I was going with a ReadyNAS but read so much about slowness and issues with Squeezebox I'm very hesitant.
Read lots about Atoms and build your own but it just gets so complex so quick and the jargon goes way over my head.
Simple is better and I have $600 burning a whole in my wallet.
Help needed!
clarets2
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.
Love your Zino reccomendation.
What specs will I need over the basic model . I'll go for 1TB storage. Any other upgrades beneficial or is the rest marketing?
Audio only usage for me.
For audio only, essentially the only program you'll be running is Squeezebox Server, so I suspect the basic hardware configuration (entry level CPU, 2 or 3 MB RAM, HD of your choice) will be more than up to the task. Salvage an abandoned monitor and keyboard and you be off and running in no time.

My friend opted for the wireless card, but you're probably better off it you can wire it to your router.
I use a Vortex Box as a server for two Squeezebox Touches and a Duet. Works great.

http://shop.smallgreencomputer.com/