[Quiet Earth]

Hi everyone,

I want to buy a standalone internet radio tuner such as the Grace IRDT200.  http://www.gracedigitalaudio.com/tuner-wifi-ethernet-radio-tuner-gdiirdt200-p-91.html

Does anyone here have any experience with this model, or a model similar to it? The idea is to bring internet radio back to my computer-less system in the most minimal, user friendly way possible. I already have an iPad that I can use as a remote, so that's a plus.

Simplicity and lack of gadgetry is my primary goal. Sound quality is secondary. (Heresy!  )

Budget is flexible .... more or less. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Q.E.

[wharfrat]

Hi Q. E.

I had one and found it was ok when it worked, but it wasn't a model of simplicity because I had two related problems with it.  First issue was how the wireless signal kept dropping.  Like many wireless devices I would have to turn it off/on to re-establish a connection.  This then led to a second problem, which would happen periodically-losing presets.

In the end I sold it and bought one of these.

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Squeezebox-Radio-Player-Screen/dp/B002LARRDK/ref=pd_sim_e_1

Hope this helps.

[Doublej]

Can you use your ipad to stream to an Apple Airport Express? Another possibility is the first generation Apple TV which has component video output. Unfortunately Gen2 and Gen3 (current) Apple TV have HDMI output only.

I believe the Roku boxes (under $100) have Tunein Radio and an ipad app. Hopefully the ipad app would allow you to control the box. They have either RCA out or min a/v jack outputs depending upon the model.

Then there is the Onkyo TX-8050 2 channel receiver which has built in network capability. Denon makes a similar unit in their mini line.

Many of the latest generation AVRs from Denon, Yamaha, Onkyo, Pioneer, HK, etc. have ipad control and internet radio features.

Lastly there are pricier Network Audio players from Marantz, Cambridge Audio and others. I believe these have internet radio capabilities as well.

[Quiet Earth]

Wharfrat,

Thanks for the info. Are you using the line out of your squeezebox radio? I was actually considering the C.Crane wifi radio before I stumbled upon the Grace unit. It has line out connector for the home system, or I could use it all by itself in another room. http://www.ccrane.com/radios/wifi-radios/cc-wifi-radio.aspx#.UOw2QXy9KSM

Can you use your ipad to stream to an Apple Airport Express? Another possibility is the first generation Apple TV which has component video output. Unfortunately Gen2 and Gen3 (current) Apple TV have HDMI output only.

Yeah, Apple TV or a similar cheap streaming box was another thought. I might try that if I can minimize the amount of boxes and wires.

Lastly there are pricier Network Audio players from Marantz, Cambridge Audio and others. I believe these have internet radio capabilities as well.

Yes, those look nice too. A little spendy for just the radio feature, but a possibility.

[wharfrat]

Wharfrat,

Thanks for the info. Are you using the line out of your squeezebox radio? I was actually considering the C.Crane wifi radio before I stumbled upon the Grace unit. It has line out connector for the home system, or I could use it all by itself in another room. http://www.ccrane.com/radios/wifi-radios/cc-wifi-radio.aspx#.UOw2QXy9KSM

Funny you ask.  I haven't used the line-out because when I brought it home I set it up in my bedroom to try it out.  Its been there since.  The Crane looks interesting.  If you get it I'd be interested in hearing you impressions.