[Christof]

For the past couple years I've been running music directly from my Desktop (G5) USB output into a little, inexpensive Firestone Audio FUbar2 DAC.  With my loft finished, I now need to pull my desktop out of the equation (back to office duty) and dial-in my system.

All of my music files are ripped in Apple Lossless and stored on external HD.  I thought about replacing my desktop with a Mini but that would require an additional display (no TV in my home, just a PJ for movies).  Going the Mini route I'm over $1K just to output a digital signal....  Is there  better solution than this?  Is a wireless server the solution?  I tried  an Airport Express but I really didn't like the set-up.  I'd love to have a nice user friendly remote to navigate with...I'm not fond of the little Front Row remote with the Mac.

There are just too many choices for a midget mind like me.   I'm very curious about the Sonos system mostly due to the Remote UI and expandability.   On a $2K budget could I pull off audiophile sound quality from a Sonos and, say a Benchmark Dac?  Would it best a Mac Mini with my current Firestone Audio Fubar2 DAC?  Any other recommendations?

Thanks
C.

[BradJudy]

Even with a Sonos, you need a computer with the drive attached - if they would add a USB port to their devices, that would be interesting.

Either Sonos or SqueezeBox (the new Duet has the type of remote you want) can do this, but they need a computer or NAS (network attached hard drive) for the files.  The cheapest option is to buy a NAS device that works with your product of choice (Sonos has broad NAS support, SlimDevices is a bit more limited). 

[Christof]

I should have mentioned that the G5 desktop is going into my home office so it can still be part of the system just not located in my listening area.

Thanks
c.

[randytsuch]

If you don't mind leaving on your G5 whenever you want to listen to music, then you can use the G5 as a music server, and get the new SB duet system (except I'm not sure if it is shipping yet).  A modded SB sounds very nice, and it appears the new SB will be even easier to mod then the current one, since it no longer has the built in display.

In the long term, if you want to seperate your music server from your G5, you can build a pretty cheap "headless" music server using Linux and a Via processor.  I built one that just sits in my garage, so I basically never have to worry about it.

Randy

[BradJudy]

Yeah, since your G5 is still available for use as a music server, then either SqueezeBox Duet or Sonos would be good options.  I think I'll be ordering a Duet when they come out. 

[avta]

I use a Mac Mini for my system. I bought it used on Ebay about a year ago. It's a G4 model with 1 gig ram. It came with a keyboard. I use a Squeezebox 2 unmodded and an external hard drive. I thought the expense was modest and the system is very easy to use. There are plenty of used and new Mini's on Ebay. You might check them out. I use a wireless connection with the built in Airport Express card in the Mini and a Netgear Rangemax router which is 802.11g version.