[floppybootstomp]

I've been looking at the Logitech Squeezebox and I wondered whether it would be beneficial for me to get one.

First off, I can see that it receives internet radio stations via Wi-Fi and can read and play audio files from a PC equipped with Wi-Fi. Now, supposing I wanted to send audio signals via Wi-Fi to another location, what device acts as a receiver? Another squeezebox or a dedicated receiver designed for the purpose? I is a bit confused.

Also, consider this if you will. In my living room I have two computers, both desktops, one is used mostly for work and games and the other is purely a media PC. On the media PC I have my entire audio library stored mostly in FLAC files and about 10% in mp3 as that's how I originally came by those files.

That PC is plugged into my audio system and to my ears sounds pretty good. Because of this I rarely play CD's these days. I can also, of course, play internet radio stations over my audio systems, both in the living room and the bedroom.

Also, I have a computer in the bedroom connected via a network where I can also play music from the living room media computer through an audio system.

My network is wireless, I'm using a Linksys router, although all computers are hard wired through the ethernet ports and none actually have wireless cards fitted at the moment.

The only other room I play music is the kitchen and out there I have an amp, speakers and an I-Pod dock which I'm happy with.

So if I've got this right I don't think a Squeezebox would be very beneficial to me - your views?

And on a related subject as I don't play audio CD's very often - mostly just vinyl, FLAC files and tuner - I was considering losing the CD player from my living room setup, I've never been entirely happy with the sound of it anyway (it's a Cambridge Audio 640C).

Was also thinking of putting my 1400 CD's into storage in my lockup as they do take up a lot of room and mostly just gather dust. I have them all (and more) in FLAC files. I also have my entire digital audio library backed up to two external hard disks, one of which I keep at my lockup in case of fire or theft at home so I think I'm fairly well covered against hard disk failure and the aforementioned fire and theft.

Waddya reckon?

[Quadophile]

I have plenty to say on this subject but am at work in the field so will come back and post my humble opinion. Being the member of Houston Audio Society we have many members who own squeezeboxes and this subject has been didcussed in great detail on the exclusive forum as well as in the meetings. I also have had the pleasure of listening to various squeezeboxes at other members homes.

Later.....

[V_R]

Nice sounding setup you got FBS.

Looking forward to hearing Quads input, as i like the idea of a SB but dont know that much about them.

[floppybootstomp]

Originally Posted by V_R

Nice sounding setup you got FBS.

Looking forward to hearing Quads input, as i like the idea of a SB but dont know that much about them.

Nope, me neither.

But I figured - I already have music library playing through Hi-Fi in living room; I also have a hi-fi setup in bedroom where I can access FLAC files from living room media computer via hard-wired network and the kitchen is covered for sounds.

So I figure I'm pretty much covered but still wonder about this squeezebox thingie.

[Quadophile]

Read this article to get the insight into streaming music for the audiophile.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/15258...ing_music.html

Will comeback to this thread

[Quadophile]

Here is the input from Dennis Deacon a good friend of mine who is a member of the Houston Audio Society as well as an amplifier designer who manufactures D-Class amps with ICE modules from B&O.

I have been to his house many times and he is a big advocate for the streaming audio technology. Here are his comments from the HAS group forum.

Excellent input that makes two important poinst:

1) A component like the Logitech Squeezebox ($250-300) will stream digital
information just as accurately as the servers featured in Stereophile that cost
up to $5000. Plus, Logitech offers free, lifetime telephone support. Exact Audio
Copy (EAC) sumchecks each rip amd let's you know if all of the 0's and 1's made
it into the file. This is all that counts. Jitter is not an issue here and there
is no such thing as better or worse 0's and 1's. There is merit in digital
streaming from the less expensive servers into a higher quality DAC, either
stand-alone or in your processor.

2) The speaker calibration article describes how inexpensive it can be to obtain
a flat frequency response in your particular listening room. This one change can
make more of a difference in the sound quality than any others with the possible
exception of speakers and phono cartridges. The biggest improvement is the range
below 200hz where bass tightens and percussion comes alive.

In Support of More Quality for Less Money,

Dennis

Here is an article on Enjoy the music website about his amps

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazin...chapter103.htm

[Quadophile]

Coming back to your Squeezebox issue here is what I have to say:

The squeeze box is a device which goes in between the audio system and the computer or server and of course works in wireless mode. The squeeze box has digital outputs to feed to a DAC which in turn will feed to the amplifier. Since you already have the computer connected to your audio you actually have eliminated the need for the Squeeze box.

My personal advise to you would be to sell your 640C CD player and invest in a better outboard DAC to improve the sound quality through your hifi.

I actually had discussed your very issue with members of the Houston Audio Society on the forum exchanging messages with them. The responses I received have been bundled in a web page and saved on my desktop which I would like to forward to you for your reference. Check your email for that. Will drop a copy to V_R too as he is keen on the subject

If you have any questions or concerns do let me know and I will do my best to put forward my humble opinion.

Needless to say, the squeezebox is a great product and those who have a need can really benefit from the convenience. One of the members who happens to be a very well respected audiophile said this about the squeeze box: "Bargain of our lifetime"

[floppybootstomp]

Ok, I've read your links Quad and had a think about this.

As things are I can stream music between two decent audio systems in my living room and my bedroom, the only two rooms I'm interested in having that facility.

I'm a member of this UK DIY audio forum and they talk a lot of outboard DACS. Seems decent ones don't really cost a lot of money either.

So how would I employ a DAC? I'm assuming it would go between the computer's digital output and my amplifier via my switcher.

But this is where I get confused. I'm using the media computer's motherboard's onboard sound, which doesn't have a digital output, just analogue. So it seems to me I'd need to get a soundcard with digital output to take advantage of a DAC.

I'm really a little confused about this, any enlightenment would be welcome

[Quadophile]

Tony,

The important thing here is to process the audio in a clean environment before it is amplified and fed to the speakers. The inside of the computer is a very noisy environment and therefore any sound card if it is residing inside the case will be subject to all the garbage/noise generated and same be part of the audio when you hear it through the speakers.

The best way to get it out is digitally and process it out side and away from the computer environment. The DAC has digital inputs so the digital out from the computer is what is needed. The digital output could be optical or coaxial (the DAC's are flexible in that respect) The sound card with digital out need not be expensive one as it is not required for audio processing but just to get the signal out and in turn feed it to the DAC. I just googled for sound cards with digital output and there are scores of them and not too expensive. You can get one for as low as $30-$50 even less in your currency.

Here is a different point of view which I am sure you will find very useful. A similar question was asked by an audiophile looking for good sound and the thread is located here

Do let me know if I need to clarify things. Once you know what your options are and what you actually need we can discuss it further.

[floppybootstomp]

Ok, clearer now, thanks Quad.

Pretty much what I thought actually.

I've since looked at the motherboard manual (Asus M4N78-VM) and noticed the onboard sound actually has a digital out socket, I didn't notice it when I looked at the back of the computer as it's apart from the analogue audio sockets.

It's an Optical S/PDIF out port so I'll need a lead for that socket to the DAC.

Just by way of mentioning I already have on DAC in place between the TV's digital audio out and my analogue in via my switcher. It's a tiny thing and I do believe Taffycat sourced it for me.

The reason it's there is that the digital audio out was the only output from the TV that carrried all audio signals, the usual and the three HDMI inputs. As I'm using two of the HDMI inputs (Computer video information and Xbox 360 video & audio) I needed that device.