Internet radio streaming - Sqeezebox vs PC w/out Sbox

mfsoa · « **on:** 4 Jul 2006, 02:19 pm »

I'm in the first stages of learning about PC based audio. Debating Sbox vs USB/SPDIF/DAC.
I love the idea of streaming internet radio for access to new music, but I was wondering if the Sbox offers any advantage for streaming vs. a non-Sbox PC system.
Seems like as long as the PC has internet access, you should be able to stream as well as through a Sbox, or is there something that SlimServer does that's special?

Thanks for the help.

Val · « **Reply #1 on:** 4 Jul 2006, 03:23 pm »

I had the opportunity to rebuild my stereo system from almost zero (a REL Storm III was the only survivor), decided to take the PC audio route and got to the same place you're at right now. The Squeezebox won for two reasons: 1) initial cost; 2) upgrade path at lower cost. I believe it's difficult to beat a fully-modded SB directly driving the amp unless you're willing to spend a lot more money.

DeadFish · « **Reply #2 on:** 4 Jul 2006, 03:36 pm »

If internet radio is important to you, and IF you have a router that your pc is connected to, you don't even need the pc turned on to get to the internet with the Squeezebox, as it does it thru the router.
I find that a plus, even though I'm not much on radio.
I haven't pursued other directions, but my modded SB is the best digital sound I have had in my system.

Happy choosing, and good luck!

DeadFish

mfsoa · « **Reply #3 on:** 4 Jul 2006, 03:43 pm »

Val,
Actually, my PC audio plans are at the end of my system rebuild, so the "a lot more money" has already been spent! I need to use a preamp for multiple sources, so the SB advantage of direct amp connection is not important for me. Have to agree that for the cost, a modded SB can't be beaten but I think for ultimate performance an external DAC might be best. The question is do I use SB as transport or PC/USB etc. route.
Is the file structure/searching etc. of Foobar comparable to SlimServer, or is the Slim interface so good that it becomes a significant factor?
Is it easy to navigate by the SB alone? Having to have a PC monitor within eyesight of the listening position is a drawback for me.
While I'm at it - I think Slim has a web interface that you can access from a laptop connected to the same LAN - Can I do this with Foobar also or do I need to directly access the PC that Foobar is running on?

Sorry for the newb questions - Hope you all can help me out.

lcrim · « **Reply #4 on:** 4 Jul 2006, 04:25 pm »

I use PC audio in my two systems, one with a wireless SB3 and one with a USB device but both from the same laptop and both using a NOS DAC via SPDIF. The determinate was physical proximity not cost or sound quality. If you are concerned w/ the PC being an annoyance because of its noise or the RFI, EMI it will generate then the SB may make more sense.
My personal experience, leads me to believe that the USB path, w/o the additional translation to SPDIF, i.e. using I2S directly to the DAC chip has an edge in ultimate resolution, but very high quality playback can be achieved with either architecture. There is a whole range of options in the USB method that utilize I2S. John Swenson over on the Asylum has found a way to access I2S on the Squeeze Box however I don't think thats ready for prime time yet, but I keep cautioning that the rate of change may make everything very last year overnite
Slimserver is criticized by many but I think it works well and I find it more convenient than Foobar and yes you can use a browser interface from another PC on your home LAN to access it as opposed to Foobar which requires a remote control session for me. The debate over whether or not to continue using a CDP as opposed to PC audio is simply settled for me. Like MFSOA, I have multiple sources in both systems and I also like the things that a tubed preamp does to the sound but I wanted to try both architectures and I'm satisfied with both.
BTW, you can do internet radio w/ Foobar too, its just that I find the (bit rate,compression) sound quality total crap.

ctviggen · « **Reply #5 on:** 4 Jul 2006, 04:29 pm »

I have two SBs (one modified; one not). The cool thing about these is that I can sincronize them and have music playing everywhere in my house (computer speakers, outdoor speakers on second zone, downstairs stereo on first zone, upstairs stereo). If I hate the song being played, I fast forward and all the systems change at the same time.