Possible alternative to PC+Squeeze Box

lcrim · « **Reply #20 on:** 23 Dec 2005, 06:12 pm »

To restate the obvious, there probably is amarket for a device that provides playback of audio from a hard drive and takes all the setup variables out. What I initially referred to as "pc audio with training wheels." The device that Zybar/George started the thread with is obviously overpriced and the one that Vinnie posted provides more functionality at a lower cost but it is still inherently flawed because there is no upgrade path. The traditional audiophile model of source>preamp>amp>speakers allows one to improve or change various pieces which in some way or other reflects a quest for better sound. PC audio as a source can be somewhat daunting but from a hobbyist point of view, one is able to achieve very high quality reproduction enhancing the experience of music listening for a reasonable cost. I've always thought this web site was a place where that model was foremost. You can always throw money at it and these two devices would IMO fall into that category. I think its fun to play with this stuff and there's a real sense of having achieved something when you get to work properly. I'm not disparaging anyone but personally I would rather try and fail then spend a bunch of bucks on an integrated solution and maybe thats nuts. It isn't just about the music.

Folsom · « **Reply #21 on:** 23 Dec 2005, 07:59 pm »

Quote from: Feisal K

I suppose audiophiles will go for the Ti48, and the average music enthusiast may plump for a Musica instead; just like CD players - some will buy a Goldmund and the masses will buy a NAD, Rotel, Marantz and the like.

Well every one in a great while it might have some thing to do with price. Also I am not a fan of Goldmund style. Granted the Edios universal player is interesting. I am more of a fan of wood then I am of the hard cold steel look.

Feisal K · « **Reply #22 on:** 24 Dec 2005, 03:06 am »

larry,

these are source equipment and doesn't take anything other than a CD player out of the chain. you can still play with your preamp, amp and speakers.

now, if Olive/Zero1 were to include a TI Equibit digital amplifier inside their box... that might be interesting

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #23 on:** 24 Dec 2005, 03:34 am »

Quote from: Feisal K

now, if Olive/Zero1 were to include a TI Equibit digital amplifier inside their box... that might be interesting

hhhmmmmmmm, very interesting......

Feisal K · « **Reply #24 on:** 24 Dec 2005, 05:24 am »

well.... how about it, Vinnie?

imagine HDD -> [ FLAC-> ] PCM -> PWM

on another note, I cannot believe it's taken this long for someone to put a digital amp inside a DAP (Kenwood, finally)

lcrim · « **Reply #25 on:** 24 Dec 2005, 04:20 pm »

Feisel K:
PC audio offers you the opportunity to do things w/ software cheaply that would be unavailable if you buy an integrated solution.
The analogy I was making apparently wasn't clear. One can buy a receiver that includes a preamp and processor section, an amp section and a tuner etc. Or one can opt for individual components. Allowing you to take advantage of advances or better components over time.
Using a pc as an audio source allows flexibility with the tradeoff that implementation requires knowledge of pc technology.
Integrating an amplifier into this box mimics the receiver analogy even more strongly. When new technology or in the case of pc's new software is written, you have to throw out your whole box to take advantage of it. Been there, done that.

Feisal K · « **Reply #26 on:** 24 Dec 2005, 06:32 pm »

Larry,

I'm afraid I'm still not getting your analogy; I agree you'd have to be PC savvy to want to implement your pC as an audio source - but if new software is written, you upgrade the software. If new hardware is required, you replace a board in the PC

Throwing out a PC is no different from having to buy a new receiver when your old 5.1 receiver doesn't support 7.1 - except that in the PC's case, you can just buy a new 7.1 sound card and replace the old 5.1 card.

In the case of the Olive, if they update the software the Musica will download and install it. Furthermore, it isn't likely to need new hardware to contend with digital stereo audio.

I agree that putting an amplifier in the box makes it more like a receiver (as opposed to separates) but I'm thinking of a mass market midrange digital jukebox

JLM · « **Reply #27 on:** 28 Dec 2005, 06:38 pm »

Do the Olive units include volume controls?

Jon L · « **Reply #28 on:** 28 Dec 2005, 06:46 pm »

Quote from: Vinnie R.

Quote from: Feisal K
now, if Olive/Zero1 were to include a TI Equibit digital amplifier inside their box... that might be interesting

hhhmmmmmmm, very interesting......

Vinnie, if you're thinking about putting the Squeezebox board inside the Panny SA-XR55 (using TI Equibit) and modding the whole thing, I would say Hmmmmmmm, too

Imagine: Use your old computer anywhere in the house, wirelessly stream lossless digital to SB inside Panny, SB board passes digital out straight to Equibit chip inside Panny, Panny uses its on-board bi-amp feature to use 4 of its channels to power the speaker of your choice with authority!

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #29 on:** 28 Dec 2005, 09:49 pm »

Quote from: JLM

Do the Olive units include volume controls?

Hi JLM,

Yes, like the Squeezebox, the Olive has a remote controlled volume for the analog outputs (I'm not sure if this is true for the digital outputs).

Regards,

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #30 on:** 28 Dec 2005, 09:54 pm »

Quote from: Jon L

Vinnie, if you're thinking about putting the Squeezebox board inside the Panny SA-XR55 (using TI Equibit) and modding the whole thing, I would say Hmmmmmmm, too

Imagine: Use your old computer anywhere in the house, wirelessly stream lossless digital to SB inside Panny, SB board passes digital out straight to Equibit chip inside Panny, Panny uses its on-board bi-amp feature to use 4 of its channels to power the speaker of your choice with authority!

Hi Jon L,

I'm thinking about many things.....let's see what I have time to do in 2006

For now, I need to finish all these SB3 mods, which are going well but are taking a lot more time than I ever anticipated...

Regards,

thayerg · « **Reply #31 on:** 29 Dec 2005, 12:29 am »

Meanwhile, back in the land of mass-market consumer electronics, Griffin claims to be about to ship the 'bluetrip', which sends digital audio from an iPod via bluetooth to a base station. And here's the best part: SPDIF output from the base station. So you can use it with an external DAC or pre/pro. True, iPod storage is smaller than with these other devices. Otherwise this seems like a great solution.

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #32 on:** 29 Dec 2005, 02:25 am »

Quote from: thayerg

Meanwhile, back in the land of mass-market consumer electronics, Griffin claims to be about to ship the 'bluetrip', which sends digital audio from an iPod via bluetooth to a base station. And here's the best part: SPDIF output from the base station. So you can use it with an external DAC or pre/pro. True, iPod storage is smaller than with these other devices. Otherwise this seems like a great solution.

The problem with Bluetrip is that is sends the analog output of the iPod wirelessly (bluetooth) to the base station, which has to convert it back to digital and then to the spdif standard, only to be converted back to analog via the external dac of your choice. Bad!

Feisal K · « **Reply #33 on:** 29 Dec 2005, 04:47 am »

the AirPort Express does digital-out - for $129 it's a cheap solution, but you're tied to iTunes on the PC

Feisal K · « **Reply #34 on:** 3 Jan 2006, 08:08 am »

ok, so now Iomega is into HomeAV

full article

Then there's this PixelMagic HD Mediabox

RichardS · « **Reply #35 on:** 18 Jan 2006, 03:14 pm »

Did anybody see the Olive products (Musica, etc) at CES, or has anyone heard/used one?

Did they introduce a way to add hard drive space, as promised? Prices? Warranty on the drive? With all the talk of drives' limited life, this would be essential.

I've recently purchased a Squeezebox, but by the time I get the digital upgrades/PS upgrades it will be nearly as expensive as this, and this is certainly less hassle (no router issues,etc).

Would it benefit from mods, or is it top-notch as-is?

RooX · « **Reply #36 on:** 19 Jan 2006, 02:32 am »

cambridge audio also has a box out now. Had it home to demo before christmas, was pretty good. Horrible display though (as per all cambridge products)

http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/summary.php?PID=39&Title=Summary

bcretty · « **Reply #37 on:** 27 Mar 2006, 03:04 am »

Has anyone thought of modding this player. Has video and Flac support.
http://www.z500series.com/
Other nice features such as hdmi out, coax out, removable power cord, and wireless. If I can view my music flies on the LCD screen without the use of a tv I'm game.

Later

kfr01 · « **Reply #38 on:** 27 Mar 2006, 06:49 am »

Quote from: bcretty

Has anyone thought of modding this player. Has video and Flac support.
http://www.z500series.com/
Other nice features such as hdmi out, coax out, removable power cord, and wireless. If I can view my music flies on the LCD screen without the use of a tv I'm game.

Later

Very interesting. If the sonics are good, this could be a great device.