View Full Version : WDTV Any good?
I'm looking for a relatively cheap solution for streaming audio. I already have a Qnap 409 NAS with nearly 30,000 songs all in FLAC. I used to have a Linn Akurate DS many moons ago, but had to move it on for financial reasons. So will a WD TV connected to a decent (cheap) DAC do the business? I know it won't sound as good as the Linn, which is still the best source I've ever owned, but will it be any good? Also can I control it, as in choose songs with an Android app?
One last thing, does it need to be connected to a tv/monitor to work too? Any other suggestions would be appreciated too.
Cheers
I'm looking for a relatively cheap solution for streaming audio. I already have a Qnap 409 NAS with nearly 30,000 songs all in FLAC. I used to have a Linn Akurate DS many moons ago, but had to move it on for financial reasons. So will a WD TV connected to a decent (cheap) DAC do the business? I know it won't sound as good as the Linn, which is still the best source I've ever owned, but will it be any good? Also can I control it, as in choose songs with an Android app?
One last thing, does it need to be connected to a tv/monitor to work too? Any other suggestions would be appreciated too.
Cheers
I run 4 Squezeboxes from a QNAP TS-119 (similar FLAC library), you might want to try a squeezebox touch, has its own screen too!...although they are no longer a 'current product'!!!
I run 4 Squezeboxes from a QNAP TS-119 (similar FLAC library), you might want to try a squeezebox touch, has its own screen too!...although they are no longer a 'current product'!!!
I did have a Touch too, sometime ago. If I could find one at the right money it would be an option. Anyone got one they don't want, for next to nowt'?
Hi Glen,
I've got a WD TV somewhere in the loft. its the std version, not the Live version.
If I remember correctly, you have an HDMI connection for the TV, a usb port to connect your tunes via a portable HDD, an infra red remote and a spdif optical.
There's no network connection, so it can only play locally stored files. For the NAS option, you need the Live version, I think.
Hope this helps,
I'm looking for a relatively cheap solution for streaming audio. I already have a Qnap 409 NAS with nearly 30,000 songs all in FLAC. I used to have a Linn Akurate DS many moons ago, but had to move it on for financial reasons. So will a WD TV connected to a decent (cheap) DAC do the business? I know it won't sound as good as the Linn, which is still the best source I've ever owned, but will it be any good? Also can I control it, as in choose songs with an Android app?
One last thing, does it need to be connected to a tv/monitor to work too? Any other suggestions would be appreciated too.
Cheers
Hi Glen,
I've got a WD TV somewhere in the loft. its the std version, not the Live version.
If I remember correctly, you have an HDMI connection for the TV, a usb port to connect your tunes via a portable HDD, an infra red remote and a spdif optical.
There's no network connection, so it can only play locally stored files. For the NAS option, you need the Live version, I think.
Hope this helps,
Thank you for that, I'll check it out.
aquapiranha
11-10-2012, 07:05
The new one has WiFi built in and the old one can have WiFi added with an adapter. Check out the WD website.
glennann, you really should try a Sonos Connect (ZP90)
It does not require any fiddly server-solutions.
It has got the very best App-interface you'll see anytime soon.
It supports Spotify within the same interface
And, it sounds pretty damned good too! (Especially using it's digital out options)
Regards
/Mike
glennann, you really should try a Sonos Connect (ZP90)
It does not require any fiddly server-solutions.
It has got the very best App-interface you'll see anytime soon.
It supports Spotify within the same interface
And, it sounds pretty damned good too! (Especially using it's digital out options)
Regards
/Mike
I know about the Sonos and I really like how easy it is to setup. The LMS (Logitech Media Server) does work on my older Qnap, but it does slow it down a bit, whereas the Sonos wouldn't. Only thing is it seems to cost quite a bit more... I'm trying to do this as cheaply as possible as I have very little money at present. But I'll look into it again and see if I can grab a bargain. Thanks for the input.
Thing Fish
12-10-2012, 08:37
I have been using a WDTV Live for a year now and have not had any problems. Pretty good piece of kit.
Peter Stockwell
12-10-2012, 09:07
Cheap fanless Netbook + JRiver(or free media app like foobar) + usb dac
Squeezebox is dead!
Sent from my GT-P7310 using Tapatalk 2
Squeezebox is dead!
...I beg to differ :)
Mine are all working perfectly well, along with my server!
The source code for LMS is freely available and is 'opensource', and will not 'erode' with time, and when my client devices break down I will be able to replace them with generic clients running 'squeezeslave', 'squeezeplay', or some-such...
The O2 joggler has already been used as a client (any other generic linux device is fine), and I doubt it will be long before someone has a Raspberry Pi running as an SB player too...
All that's happened is that there is no longer a mid-term requirement for a specialised 'player', and therefore less opportunity for Logitech to make any money from the 'Brand', their only revenue stream was the hardware.
Would you prefer to pay £250 (old SB Touch price) for a device to provide a USB feed to a DAC, or £34 for a Pi...or something similar ;)
Proprietary computing is dying...thankfully!!! ;)
Stratmangler
12-10-2012, 09:40
...I beg to differ :)
Mine are all working perfectly well, along with my server!
+1
Peter Stockwell
12-10-2012, 11:37
Of course, if you have squeezebox touch or classic it will continue to function, and no doubt admirably.
I just wouldn't start there if I didn't have one already, which the original poster presumably doesn't. I enjoyed my SB classic back in the day.
With software like JRiver, you can either define a local library, even if it's a shared folder on a NAS, or use the standard DLNA server function to use JRiver as a renderer.
Today, for me the NetBook/laptop dedicated as a transport is the way to go.
'
Sent from my GT-P7310 using Tapatalk 2
Sent from my GT-P7310 using Tapatalk 2
...or even your GT-P7310, running SqueezePlayer, when they eventually open up the USB port for audio (come on Google!) ;)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.bluegaspode.squeezeplayer&hl=en
Peter Stockwell
12-10-2012, 12:24
Please excuse me for my arrogance and ignorance, I'm just serving myself a large piece of 'umble pie.
Just seen what the raspberry pi is. The possibilities are monstrous.
I'be also seen you can get complete kids, case and everything for £50 or so. I have a 2006 Mac mini, the cd/dvd drive no longer works, it won't be to long before the pi is as powerful.
But, at present, I'm going to keep my NetBook solution, but I'll be keeping an eye on the pi.
Sent from my GT-P7310 using Tapatalk 2
Thank you for the feedback, but at the expense of annoying Peter I bought myself a Squeezebox Touch today. I've had one before. I liked the look and use of it, and It's neat and can be upgraded with a suitable DAC.
There are a plethora of alternatives, but at the moment this seems the best option for me.
Thanks again.
Thank you for the feedback, but at the expense of annoying Peter I bought myself a Squeezebox Touch today. I've had one before. I liked the look and use of it, and It's neat and can be upgraded with a suitable DAC.
There are a plethora of alternatives, but at the moment this seems the best option for me.
Thanks again.
...solid choice chap :cool:
P.S. I also use a QNAP (TS-119), and I've found that LMS 7.7.2 is more efficient than earlier versions, I'd previously been using 7.3.3, due to warnings about later versions being too resource intensive...however due to acquiring a touch I had to upgrade to a later version, and I'm pleased I did, now a full rebuild of over 2k cds only takes 45mins, and a delta takes 4, it used to be 4 hours and 45 mins respectfully!!!
...solid choice chap :cool:
P.S. I also use a QNAP (TS-119), and I've found that LMS 7.7.2 is more efficient than earlier versions, I'd previously been using 7.3.3, due to warnings about later versions being too resource intensive...however due to acquiring a touch I had to upgrade to a later version, and I'm pleased I did, now a full rebuild of over 2k cds only takes 45mins, and a delta takes 4, it used to be 4 hours and 45 mins respectfully!!!
In preparation for getting the touch, I upgraded LMS to 7.7.2 yesterday. When I get round to installing the Touch, that is!
Thanks for the info.
Hi mate,
You have an important PM :)
Marco.
Peter Stockwell
14-10-2012, 04:48
I bought myself a Squeezebox Touch today. I've had one before. I liked the look and use of it, and It's neat and can be upgraded with a suitable DAC.
A year ago I would have bought an SBT, maybe even a month ago. It is neat, which my netbook installation isn't yet. I din't have a NAS when I had my classic, had to run the squeeze server on main PC, I didn't care for that.
My netbook is a bit lame as a PC, doesn't really have the grunt to do too much at one time, but it's adequate to run JRiver, and EAC (for riping), and can also connect to the TV via HDMI for catch up TV, in a pinch. It's versatile.
Yesterday I listened to the Wadia 6i and a rip of the same CD via JRiver, they are very close. Involvement in the music is equal.
But congrats on your new/old toy :-)
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2026 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.