Music file server/player - Windows, Mac or other?

[Martinh]

Hi boffins :eyebrows: I hope that you can help me.

I'm looking to build myself a music file server/player to replace or compliment my Apple TV streamer.

I'd like it to be a self contained unit that rips, stores and plays files and spotify to my Bushmaster DAC.

My main goal is sound quality and convenience (must be usable by the whole family) with the user interface shown on the TV screen.

I've seen this unit, which seems to have nearly everything I need including a copy of windows for £250.

http://image.ebuyer.com/UK/w0288844_newpage.jpg

http://www.ebuyer.com/288844-lenovo-ideacentre-q180-nettop-vc71fuk

I like the idea of a tiny unit that fits onto the VESA mount of my plasma TV. File storage would be using a small USB HDD, but I also have a small uPNP NAS drive (200GB), that could be used. Don't really want to have a my main PC on for file serving.

My other option is to buy a 2nd hand Mac Mini and run everything from that.

Or something else?

Any ideas chaps?

[Ali Tait]

Speak to Gary about his server, probably the most cost effective route.

[Martinh]

Cheers Ali, just found Brian's thread http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=18860

Cheers,

[brian2957]

Hi Martin , I've been using the server which Gary built me for a week now and it really does everything you appear to require . It has a 4GB RAM and a 64GB SSD installed . I'm currently using a 1TB external hard drive.It also has JRiver installed which I have found very easy to use .
You would need to speak to Gary regarding internet access . I did have a little dongle lying around which worked . So now I have internet access .
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WIRELESS-USB-WiFi-ADAPTER-INTERNET-DONGLE-for-XP-VISTA-/250863902200?pt=UK_Computing_USB_Wi_Fi_Adapters_Do ngles&hash=item3a68a75df8
The server Gary built for me couldn't be easier to use as I'm a computer numpty :). The case is exceptional value for the money , 5mm thick front panel ( I think ) and an all-metal case . Very classy looking .The unit is very quiete in operation IMO and I could not be happier with it . The sound quality through my Caiman SEG in exceptional BTW . Also plays DVDs to a high standard.
Hope this is of help.

[Gazjam]

Martin,
no problems with internet access as long as your using ethernet.

The MB doesn't have inbuilt wifi so if going that way you'd need a dongle like Brians.


Make sure you get Jriver remember, and look into the audiophile options. Setting up Brians we had a bit of a moment when I suggested we disable the system volume control within JRiver as it sounded better.

Brian's reaction was priceless... :eyebrows:
(we agreed it was better)

[Martinh]

Hi Gary and thanks for that.

I've posted a couple questions over on Brian's thread about the general usage.

Cheers,