View Full Version : NAS recommendations
Hi all
Now that my digital music has a new lease of life via a Caiman, I would like to put my music files on a dedicated storage device.
I've been trawling the forums - and web - for the most suitable option and am finding it a bit of a challenge as the area is a new one for me.
All I want is the ability to be able to store music files on a box that will sit happily next to my hifi, wired (ideally by TOSlink) to the Caiman, and find / play songs easily - using iTunes if possible.
This is the bit I'm unclear about. Am I right in thinking I can't send music out of the NAS into the DAC directly via a wired connection? I would have though a soundcard is required - and a decent one at that (and an external one as I'm not sure if there's a bay for one in a NAS?)
My set up is:
- Macbook Pro running OSX Lion (I'd like to replace this with the NAS)
- Caiman Gatorized DAC
- iTunes now configured as per Filterlabs excellent 'Audiophile output ...' instructions.
- iPad 2 and iPhone 4 with 'remote' app
I'm guessing I can only use my iPad / iPhone to access and control files in iTunes - and have seen NAS's that have 'iTunes Server' but recall a comment on the forums warning about this! However, all I want to do is be able to access the NAS in iTunes (or iTunes-esque environment).
Here's one that sounds like it will do what I need (and, as of yesterday, works with OSX Lion!):
http://www.amazon.co.uk/QNAP-TS-119P-single-Surveillance-Streaming/dp/B004BDAHNC/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt
I have also read that other NAS devices have web-based software that allows you access to files although usability and a friendly GUI is important - a downloadable option would be preferable too.
So, I'm learning as I go but don't pretend to know anywhere near enough to know what I need to buy!
Suggestions gratefully accepted!
TIA
Tony
StanleyB
27-09-2011, 16:41
I got one of THESE (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-TB-IOMEGA-SCREENPLAY-DIRECTOR-HDD-MEDIA-PLAYER-FULL-HD-NAS-DRIVE-MEDIA-PLAYER-/180727317903?pt=UK_Computing_HardDrives_RL&hash=item2a1430058f) and paid a lot more than what this one is going for. It can connect directly to the Caiman, but you need to connect a small monitor or TV onto it in order to navigate. But it can't handle FLAC through the digital outputs.
So I now use a laptop that connects to the Iomega drive wireless. The laptop connects to the Caiman. I might actually get a bigger HD for the laptop and use the Iomega as a backup drive.
Ali Tait
27-09-2011, 16:48
One way is to buy a Squeezebox Touch if you don't want to use a pc to play music. You can connect a NAS directly to the Touch via USB, though you need to connect the NAS to a pc to add music files. Can be done via the Touch if you add it to your network, but it takes ages to download files due to the small processor in the Touch.
As for NAS, I use a Drobo. They are not the cheapest, but can be picked up on ebay secondhand for not too much. The good thing with these is that they can accept four hard drives and they automatically share the files between the drives, so if one goes down you don't lose any music. Just plug in another drive and away you go.
Thanks Stan
Ideally I'm trying to remove the Macbook from the equation and have the ability to access and control music files on the NAS from my iPad and be able to wire it directly to the Caiman (or am I just asking for too much here?!)
Ali, not sure I want to buy yet another piece of kit just to be able to play the music on the NAS - especially if some now have 'iTunes Server'. I'll check out the Drobo as a back up disk is a sensible idea.
I think I have more searching and reading up to do to make sure I understand it all enough!
Cheers
Tony
Tony, have a look on the HDD forum and select your thread viewing carefully. There's a wealth of ideas there for doing just what you want (and a recent thread too) as with an ipad and one other box in your room (I understand), you should be able to connect to the NAS and keep things very simple.
Sorry I can't be more specific, but this subject's currently way outside of my skill-set....
Hi Dave
Is the HDD forum on AoS? Couldn't see it in the list.
I'm taking solace in vinyl as I type - giving Equinoxe by Jean Michelle Jarre a spin - don't think it's been out of it's cover in 30 years!
Tony
StanleyB
27-09-2011, 18:54
You should try JMJ in CD form through the Caiman. I have most of his records on vinyl, CD, and audio files.
No it's a separate forum altogether, initially created to help people and discuss HDD music and AV streaming etc.. many of the AVI "ADM" series speaker owner-crowd post there regularly, along with the vociferous sales director from said company, which is why I politely asked you to trawl the threads with care :lolsign:
http://hddaudio.net/viewforum.php?id=3
Having said the above, there are a number of fresh posters who've opened the closed-church up a bit, but I thought I'd better warn you first :)
StanleyB
27-09-2011, 19:12
I have abandoned visiting that site. After I mentioned that I was working on a DAC mod that would bring out more of the analogue/vinyl traits in a digital recording, many found it hilarious that I was not satisfied with the digital signature of CD etc. Luckily the Gator was far better received by people who know how good vinyl can sound:).
I used to have Oxygene and Les Chants Magnetiques but don't seem to anymore (wonder how many records I've lost over the years!) - co-incidentally, I ordered the remastered CD version of Oxygene earlier today from Amazon - I must admit to having to turn the sub up a bit for the vinyl of Equinoxe :)
I think they're good, the sound having more "texture" if you see what I mean. The very first CD of Equinox I heard, on Polydor, not Disque Dreyfus, sounded dirty and not pleasant.
Stan, I know where you're at, myself being regarded there as an arch subjectivist and all (that'll make Marco laugh :lol:). Perhaps if you'd said that you were designing a discrete output buffer to feed conventional amp inputs and given the reasons why (op-amps having too much gain and needing to be attenuated I think was one reason), you may have had a better ride there - all about "learning the lingo" in sales-training :)
For the OP though, I still think there'll be some useful information on doing what he needs to do. Once Tony has the info, he can come back here and continue to have some fun :)
Appreciate the warning there Dave!
Just checked out the HDD forum - and I shan't be joining! They seemed somewhat - shall I say - over sensitive, and mainly interested in protecting their own views by flaming anyone that offers a contradictory view.
Also (and I've only skimmed a few threads) the ethos appears to be more about the technology than the actual sound and the pleasure that music as a thing in itself gives us.
I much prefer the way AoS-ers look at things!
sburrell
27-09-2011, 21:31
Hi,
Like DSJR, I have to state that this area is, "currently way outside of my skill-set". However, I would like to offer a couple of tips, garnered through my own efforts into setting up a file-based hi-fi:
1) Don't neglect the idea that data is vulnerable to corruption over time; after spending hours accurately ripping all your CDs etc. to files, you have to make sure they stay accurate. To this end, I suggest that you employ a file-system that incorporates data-redundancy to compensate. The only one I really know anything about is ZFS, which has been ported in a highly-stable and -usable state to OS X here (http://code.google.com/p/maczfs/). Using data-redundancy will incur an overhead that reduces the amount of available storage in your NAS (I think at best by a third), but allows you to feel confident in the integrity of your data over time. You can also use a RAID that incorporates parity to achieve the same end. At the end of the day, it's better to go with the one you feel more confident using, as operator error is a frequent source of data loss.
2) General opinion appears to suggest that Integer Mode audio output offers the best results, sonically, so I would encourage you to factor that in to your equipment purchasing plans. Only certain software currently offers this type of output, and only certain audio hardware accepts it, but the benefits are apparently worth the effort. Amongst the OS X-compatible software that offers Integer Mode output is Audirvana, Decibel and Pure Music. A continually-updated list of hardware that supports Integer Mode is here (http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/Updated-integer-mode-capable-device-list). The Beresford Caiman is not one of them, but an intermediate step, in the form of the MF V-Link, is.
I understand that this seems slightly off-topic, but I find it pays to think ahead. The last thing you want 6 months down the road is to discover the benefits of Integer Mode or data-redundancy and find that the equipment you invested in doesn't support it, and you're at a dead-end in terms of upgrading.
Good luck :)
Try to look at the viewing on there purely as a means of gleaning info for your needs. Delivering the information digitally is supposed to remove most of the analogue-foo that so many accessory merchants have peddled while mercilessly fleecing the unwary. Getting your albums to the Caiman shouldn't be a problem with the right interfaces these days and to be honest, I do feel that much of the difficult stuff here was sorted years ago. The real fun begins in the Caiman output stage onwards to your speakers, and IMO you'll have loads of fun looking at amps, speakers, fancy wires and so on ;) Just ask Alex_UK, he's having a ball - when he's not working his butt off or being twisted hard round his daughter's finger :D
P.S. I think Alex is using some sort of device between his music-server/laptop and his Caiman. Some or most of these things (which convert USB to SPDIF/Optical) have built-in buffers which answer the so called "jitter problem" at a stroke I believe.
There. I think I've dug myself a deep enough hole. Now to jump in over my head and bury myself :lol:
<sigh> thanks Simon - more new things to read up on and try to understand! ;)
Do you have a direct connection from your NAS to a DAC? Does that work in terms of a wired connection rather than have the NAS stream to an iPad or other controller (and then streamed back again?!) - sounds a stupid question I know but I don't really get that part ...
Also, think I read somewhere that OSX Lion doesn't have integer mode ...?
Thanks for the info guys - much appreciated.
Vincent Kars
28-09-2011, 10:21
The petite histoire is that a developer of a audiophile media player asked Apple a couple of questions about inter mode.
This made Apple realise that you can bypass their mixer.
As a consequence they removed this option in Lion.
Vincent Kars
28-09-2011, 10:30
How to get the audio out of a compuer?
Direct playback using a computer
- On-board audio
- Sound card
- Outboard DAC using SPDIF or USB
Streaming
A server process on a computer and a separate client able to browse the server and play the content.
This requires a network protocol like UPnP, DLNA, AirPlay, etc.
The clients are called media players.
Examples are Squeezebox, Sonos, etc.
http://thewelltemperedcomputer.com/HW/DAP.htm
Both solutions has their con and pros
This is discussed here: http://thewelltemperedcomputer.com/Intro/Streaming.htm
Thanks Vincent
The bit I wasn't clear on was whether I could connect a NAS directly to my Caiman (likely by USB as I've not seen one with an optical out). I'd prefer a wired connection but I did think a soundcard would be required but questioned whether any NAS's came with one (or at least a bay to install one) or if I would need an external soundcard (or alternative?) connected via USB?
In my mind, it's simple:
NAS holding my music library > wired connection to Caiman > controlled by iPad / iPhone / Macbook
However, the more I find out about it, the more complex it's becoming!
To me. this looks just fine (but would still need a soundcard if I wanted a wired connection into the Caiman?):
http://www.amazon.co.uk/QNAP-TS-210-Server-iPhone-Streaming/dp/B002SD71FO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317210638&sr=8-1
Sorry if I'm coming across as a bit of an idiot here!
I've just bought an external hard drive to store my lossless iTunes library on. I have over 200GB now. I did the necessary job to move the library to the new drive and I stream those files to my amp via an Airport Express, all controlled by the Remote app on the iPad.
You could do the same with a NAS in place of the ext hard drive. The advantage of the NAS is that you can access your library while the mac is off or asleep.
Right then! Here's my (revised) thinking:
I'm putting the 'can I connect a NAS directly with a cable to my DAC?' thoughts away for now as further googling confirms that I need media player software on the NAS and hardware (on or offboard soundcard). I'll still go for a NAS with iTunes server installed as this may work?!)
I've had a look at Airport Express and - as I understand it - I connect it (network cable) to my router, then (TOSlink) from the headphone socket (which doubles as an optical out) into my DAC and finally with (USB) the NAS.
I'm guessing that NAS will stream (via USB) directly to Airport Express which will send the music file (via TOSlink) into the DAC - controlled by 'remote' on the iPad (the only wireless part of the equation).
Have I got that right?!
(nagging question - where does iTunes fit in if the NAS is streaming direct to Airport - what is actually playing the music files?)
Right then! Here's my (revised) thinking:
I'm putting the 'can I connect a NAS directly with a cable to my DAC?' thoughts away for now as further googling confirms that I need media player software on the NAS and hardware (on or offboard soundcard). I'll still go for a NAS with iTunes server installed as this may work?!)
I've had a look at Airport Express and - as I understand it - I connect it (network cable) to my router, then (TOSlink) from the headphone socket (which doubles as an optical out) into my DAC and finally with (USB) the NAS.
I'm guessing that NAS will stream (via USB) directly to Airport Express which will send the music file (via TOSlink) into the DAC - controlled by 'remote' on the iPad (the only wireless part of the equation).
Have I got that right?!
(nagging question - where does iTunes fit in if the NAS is streaming direct to Airport - what is actually playing the music files?)
I've not set up or tried this arrangement myself but I would think you'd attach the NAS to the router via ethernet so its now part of your network. You then move your iTunes library content to the NAS. Then plug in the airport express somewhere near your caiman. I'm assuming you have a wireless router. iTunes will then stream your music from your NAS via the router to the airport express wirelessly. Use a toslink to connect to the caiman. It (the airport express) should be bit perfect but it won't play hi res files. Where is your router in relation to your hifi?
Does that make sense?
Link to tutorial on moving iTunes library: http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/moving-your-itunes-library-to-a-new-hard-drive/
P.S. The issue of NAS compatibilty with Lion may only be in regard to using it as a time machine backup drive. I'm not 100% sure though as I've not researched it thoroughly.
Thanks Lee - yeh, that does make sense.
I do have a wireless router (I'm with Virgin on their 20mb 'x' package) - it's maybe 5-6 feet away from my hi-fi so I can run an ethernet cable between them pretty easily.
What do you mean by hi-res files?
Thanks Lee - yeh, that does make sense.
I do have a wireless router (I'm with Virgin on their 20mb 'x' package) - it's maybe 5-6 feet away from my hi-fi so I can run an ethernet cable between them pretty easily.
What do you mean by hi-res files?
I believe iTunes and the airport express is restricted to 16 bit audio. Standard cd quality.
Ah - that'll do for now!
Hoookaaay - time to pick out some kit! Will let you know how I get on.
Cheers
Ali Tait
28-09-2011, 16:51
As has been said, the Airport is limited to standard resolution ie 16 bit at 44.1- the cd standard. High resolution files are becoming more popular and often offer superior sound quality to standard resolution. I have little doubt that hi res will become more and more the norm in the future for file audio, so IMHO you would be better going for the Squeezebox Touch, as it will play up to 24/96 files. I think it's a great sounding bit of kit too, especially for the price. A Touch and decent dac will rival some seriously expensive cd players.
Vincent Kars
28-09-2011, 17:10
Many ways too Roma
NAS + USB DAC. Can be done (NAS=Linux box) but you must be very fluent in Linux
NAS + iTunes server: as far as I now this is a matter of reverse engineering as Apple don’t support it. Might fail after an update of Apple components.
NAS + Media server: this is in general UPnP/DLNA, a standard supported by many manufacturers. You need a media player supporting this standard + SPDIF out to the DAC. The Cambridge is one of them
http://thewelltemperedcomputer.com/HW/DAP.htm
NAS+SqueezeServer + Squeezebox
Propreitary protocol so you need a NAS suit for SqueezeServer and most of the time install it yourself.
Have a look at Vortex box
http://shop.smallgreencomputer.com/VortexBox-1TB-Automatic-CD-ripping-NAS-vb1000b.htm
NAS+Laptop
Can be used in 2 ways
Streaming: both NAS and laptop use DLNA (streaming)
File sharing: audio on the NAS, media player on the laptop, a very simple solution with a good GUI as a bonus.
Variant NAS+ HTPC
Direct playback
Dedicated laptop/desktop/ HTPC with all audio/media player on board.
DAC connected over USB or SPDIF (if the PC supports it)
NAS can be used as a backup.
Probably the most simple solution
alfie2902
28-09-2011, 19:45
Hi all
Now that my digital music has a new lease of life via a Caiman, I would like to put my music files on a dedicated storage device.
I've been trawling the forums - and web - for the most suitable option and am finding it a bit of a challenge as the area is a new one for me.
All I want is the ability to be able to store music files on a box that will sit happily next to my hifi, wired (ideally by TOSlink) to the Caiman, and find / play songs easily - using iTunes if possible.
This is the bit I'm unclear about. Am I right in thinking I can't send music out of the NAS into the DAC directly via a wired connection? I would have though a soundcard is required - and a decent one at that (and an external one as I'm not sure if there's a bay for one in a NAS?)
My set up is:
- Macbook Pro running OSX Lion (I'd like to replace this with the NAS)
- Caiman Gatorized DAC
- iTunes now configured as per Filterlabs excellent 'Audiophile output ...' instructions.
- iPad 2 and iPhone 4 with 'remote' app
I'm guessing I can only use my iPad / iPhone to access and control files in iTunes - and have seen NAS's that have 'iTunes Server' but recall a comment on the forums warning about this! However, all I want to do is be able to access the NAS in iTunes (or iTunes-esque environment).
Here's one that sounds like it will do what I need (and, as of yesterday, works with OSX Lion!):
http://www.amazon.co.uk/QNAP-TS-119P-single-Surveillance-Streaming/dp/B004BDAHNC/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt
I have also read that other NAS devices have web-based software that allows you access to files although usability and a friendly GUI is important - a downloadable option would be preferable too.
So, I'm learning as I go but don't pretend to know anywhere near enough to know what I need to buy!
Suggestions gratefully accepted!
TIA
Tony
Thanks Stan
Ideally I'm trying to remove the Macbook from the equation and have the ability to access and control music files on the NAS from my iPad and be able to wire it directly to the Caiman (or am I just asking for too much here?!)
Ali, not sure I want to buy yet another piece of kit just to be able to play the music on the NAS - especially if some now have 'iTunes Server'. I'll check out the Drobo as a back up disk is a sensible idea.
I think I have more searching and reading up to do to make sure I understand it all enough!
Cheers
Tony
Hi Tony,
Firstly slow down mate!
What are you trying to achieve? It seems to me you just want to spend some cash!
Why do you want to take the Macbook Pro out of the system?
What benefits do you expect to get from a NAS used in its place?
Please don't spend any money until you (we) work out what you're really trying to achieve here!
The biggest problem you have is the D/O on your mac if you want to spend some money a USB to S/Pdif may well improve things!
What's wrong with adding an external HDD to your Mac for storage? best to buy 3 really, one for back up kept at home & the other as a back up kept at work or mates etc.
Hi Alfie
My Macbook is used for lots of other things, including being my work machine. I was after dedicated storage that could effectively become part of my hi-fi with the ability to access and play the songs quickly and easily.
I appreciate I could carry on as I am now - plugging my Macbook into the Caiman via USB (TOSlink cable is coming) - which is better than it was a week ago when it was connected via a 3.5 jack > phone leads > analogue aux input!
There are two other reasons:
1. Storage capacity - especially as I'm looking to save larger files such as AIFF in future (I know an external HDD would solve this).
2. System 'tidiness' and convenience - an easier 'remote' than the Macbook (iPad / iPhone ideally as I have both). I appreciate the 'tidiness' could be improved going wireless but I'd still rather have a more convenient remote than the Macbook.
Maybe it's partly my old skool view of music equipment being for music only! Perhaps I'm looking at things in the wrong way!
sburrell
28-09-2011, 22:45
Hey,
I think the NAS is a bit of a red herring at this stage.
What you want, essentially, is a dedicated device for playing your ripped CDs through your Caiman, that can also be controlled by one of your iOS devices (iPad etc.). If I were you, I'd start by finding out which devices have apps that allow you to control them from the iOS device - that'll narrow things down nicely. Also, given that the controller is what you'll be interacting with most, it's best to get something that you're comfortable using, and can do all that you require.
Here's a viable solution: a second-hand Mac Mini with Snow Leopard, connected over USB to your Caiman. All your music can be in iTunes, so you can use your Remote app, and you can either store your music on the internal drive or on a USB/FireWire/NAS hard-drive.
Later, to improve output, you could add a Musical Fidelity V-Link between the Mac Mini and the Caiman to take advantage of Integer Mode, and use one of the many apps that offer this form of output. You could still control it via your iPad.
alfie2902
28-09-2011, 23:09
Hi Alfie
My Macbook is used for lots of other things, including being my work machine. I was after dedicated storage that could effectively become part of my hi-fi with the ability to access and play the songs quickly and easily.
I appreciate I could carry on as I am now - plugging my Macbook into the Caiman via USB (TOSlink cable is coming) - which is better than it was a week ago when it was connected via a 3.5 jack > phone leads > analogue aux input!
There are two other reasons:
1. Storage capacity - especially as I'm looking to save larger files such as AIFF in future (I know an external HDD would solve this).
2. System 'tidiness' and convenience - an easier 'remote' than the Macbook (iPad / iPhone ideally as I have both). I appreciate the 'tidiness' could be improved going wireless but I'd still rather have a more convenient remote than the Macbook.
Maybe it's partly my old skool view of music equipment being for music only! Perhaps I'm looking at things in the wrong way!
Hi Tony,
By all means try the optical cable, but the digital out on the Mac is very jittery & the USB as your using now may well be better!
If you can stand keep pluging your Mac into your Dac/HiFi it will work very well, if you wirelessly connect it to your network & also wirelessly connect either your iPhone or iPad (or both) you have your remote control using the remote app!
Whilst plugging your Mac into your Dac just plug in a external HDD with all your files on into your Mac too. 1TB holds alot of CD's worth of music! A 2nd to back up to prevent loss & your away!
If you really want to buy NAS that's fine, but the advantage of NAS is to store all your files outside the listening room, to defeat any disc/fan noise. Also a NAS would allow a multi room system i.e streaming to your Mac in the main listening room, streaming to a SB Touch in your bedroom or a 2nd listening room system & streaming to a SB Radio/Boom in your kitchen & any other file sharing between any computers on the network wired or wireless. Which is great if you need or would use it, but it's no better than an external HDD if it's just for the one application.
A NAS though is just an underpowered PC with lots of storage. So I see no real benefit to having one in your music room as opposed to your Mac!
If you have an old PC your not using, format the drive & download the Vortexbox software (It's free) add some HDD's & you've got NAS plus all the other functions that it offers http://vortexbox.org/about/ check it out!
I hope some of this helps & doesn't confuse the issue more!
Regards, alfie.
One, if I had a MacBook I wouldn't want to lock it's location by plugging it in to external devices.
Two, if I had a MacBook, I'd rather use that to control iTunes than the remote app. The remote is good, but it doesn't sort in the same way as iTunes and you don't get coverflow, if you happen to like that.
alfie2902
29-09-2011, 10:17
One, if I had a MacBook I wouldn't want to lock it's location by plugging it in to external devices.
Two, if I had a MacBook, I'd rather use that to control iTunes than the remote app. The remote is good, but it doesn't sort in the same way as iTunes and you don't get coverflow, if you happen to like that.
One, a 5m USB cable would allow some flexibility & external HDD's aren't heavy.
Two, If you need coverflow? download the app 'Music Flow' http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/music-flow/id368387536?mt=8. even then the Macbooks not far away if the remote app doesn't do everything you need.
One, a 5m USB cable would allow some flexibility & external HDD's aren't heavy.
Two, If you need coverflow? download the app 'Music Flow' http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/music-flow/id368387536?mt=8. even then the Macbooks not far away if the remote app doesn't do everything you need.
I suspect music flow only works with the iPod app and not with apple remote, but thanks, I didn't know about music flow.
Thanks again for all the input guys - I'm learning a lot here.
I've had a look at a few 2nd had Mac Mini's and the cheaper ones (£200 - £300) have small HDD's and low RAM - I'd need to add an external HDD but am guessing the RAM isn't such an issue (?) as all I want it to really do is play music files.
£400 is the cheapest I found on ebay for a decent spec machine and I can get a decent 2TB (quietish!) NAS and Airport Express for that.
Can't say I fancy the option of adding an HDD to the Macbook as I'll be plugging / unplugging this a lot and the only place to site the Macbook currently is on top of my turntable!
I'll carry on looking around at both options (and I'll take a closer look at the Squeezebox as everyone seems to rate that - and my partner has become a bit of an iPad hogger!)
Hi all
Whilst looking at Vortexbox I found they sold a box ready to go - and then found this:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2TB-Music-Server-CD-DVD-Ripper-NAS-Vortexbox-Sonos-DLNA-/320764775312?pt=UK_Computing_Networking_SM&hash=item4aaf120b90
It looks just the job and has moved my thinking further down the 'stuff-dedicated-to-music' only path!
I've asked the seller if there is support for iTunes (yet to hear back) but it's not the end of the World if it doesn't as I've also found:
http://www.ericdaugherty.com/dev/itunesexport/#Download
Anyway, as I'd like have higher quality files I'll want to rip all my cd's again anyway!
Add an SB Touch to the mix and that should be that - even if it will leave me nearly £600 poorer!
I know it may seem like I'm bouncing around a lot but - to me - it feels like I'm getting somewhere!
Thoughts (good or bad) appreciated as always.
ebay seller replied! -
"Yes you can. Vortexbox has a built in DAAP server which is what iTunes uses when serving music. You can put all your music on the server and then access it from any computer running iTunes on your network. You can then use your iPad/iPhone to control iTunes and for playback.
This webpage has some more info:
http://vortexbox.org/documentation/streaming-music-to-itunes/"
So - SB Touch can wait (until I have a decent amount of music converted to FLAC format).
£260 for a ready-to-go 2TB music server sounds a good deal to me
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