stream-it -
Seems you need more information
I think I have all the information I need, thanks. I don't really have the time to get into an extended debate on this topic. But if you feel other products better fit your needs, buy them. That is the beautiful thing about the vast array of products available in this area. You can choose the product that best fits your needs and philosophy. If the StreamPlayer is not it, so be it.
I have used many of the products on the market today and found that none of them were exactly what I was looking for personally. So I built a device for myself. If no one purchases it, that is fine with me. I have the unit I wanted and that is what is important to me personally. But perhaps others would be looking for exactly what I was looking for. Time will tell.
1. The stream server appears to be based on Vortexbox. This picture sums things up:
http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=42106
The StreamServer prototype is currently running on Vortexbox. No decision has been made as to what linux distro will be used in the final production version. We are currently concentrating our focus on the StreamPlayer (which does not use Vortexbox) and will make our final decision about the StreamServer distro at a later date.
2. The stream player appears to be based on the Alix project.
Here is a pic taken from a CA post of the pair. The left unit is the stream player:
http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2011/0720/100px/horizontal/IMG_2318.jpg
Here is the alix board:
http://pcengines.ch/pic/alix2d2.jpg
Same board!
Yes, this is one of only a few boards available that met our needs and is probably the board we will use in production.
The alix board uses a CF flash drive. You said it does not use an ssd or hdd. You should know that a CF flash drive is an ssd.
I guess you could say that. No problem.
3. You need to do some research before you say things. The Bryson http://bryston.com/pdfs/09/Bryston_BDP1_LITERATURE.pdf is a one box solution also based on an alix board. That is where the similarities end. It has a remote control,
Not needed. The iPad app I use for remote control, for example, is far superior to any dedicated remote control.
custom linear power supply,
We are working on an optional lithium ion battery pack which will be even cleaner. The power requirements of the StreamPlayer are so low, this is a very viable option and probably the best.
24/192 aes/ebu and spdif ouput,
The added complexity is not needed for my application. But if you need it, buy it.
[/quote]lcd track display[/quote]
Switching device, not needed.
control buttons on the face.
Not needed.
IMO it's not close or comparable.
You are entitled to your opinion and I respect it. No problem. Mine just happens to be different.
BTW it says Auraliti at the bottom.
They helped design it.
4. Ripping noise both acoustic and eletrical are a mute point when it's not ripping.
This is an interesting comment. The first question I was asked when we began this project is what software was used for ripping. As I thought about this, I realized that the ripping software I use (dbPoweramp) is the gold standard where ripping accuracy is concerned and it is not available for the linux platform. Since I use the optical drive on my computer to rip directly to my music server, there is really no need for a drive in the server itself. It only serves to increase the power supply demands on the server. Using the optical drive on any of my computers results in the most accurate ripping possible. So why would I want a ripping drive on my music server? It is simply not necessary. You might go so far as to say it is undesirable for a number of reasons.
5. According to your definition of what is good. Vortexbox streaming over the network to a $299 Logitech Touch http://www.logitech.com/en-us/speakers-audio/wireless-music-systems/devices/5745
would provide spdif and analog output.
I have used both vortexbox and the Logitech Touch for a few years now. It is a good combination and will serve the needs of many users quite well. But there are levels of software and hardware not required for the basic function involved and they only serve to increase system complexity, increase power requirements and increase noise.
As I understand your comments (hopefully I am reading them correctly), you seem to feel that more features equate to a better product. I have no problem with that, but it is the opposite of the "less is more" philosophy that guided us in this endeavor. If you truly feel that way, it is certainly OK. I would never criticize your point of view and it is certainly as valid as mine. Fortunately, there are plenty of other products on the market that will better fit your philosophy. The beauty of this industry is that we have almost unlimited choices and you can select the product that is perfect for you.
- Jim