Ok guys suggestions please!

[avalonsounds]

Hi Guys.I was using an MSB ilink.Basically an Apple ipod that was used to store the digital stuff only.Then it allowed for the signal to use an outboard dac,fed into my preamp.That has failed.
Now, I have all my music on my pc(downloads and cd rips) with no where to play them.
So, what i need is another unit, I can download my music onto, and feed into my dac.Preferably with remote control.Basically, taking the place of a cd transport.
Any views, at any pricepoint would be appreciated.I dont want any other techy stuff, just transfer from my pc, and itunes.
Thanks!

[Thebiglebowski]

Does your DAC have a USB input? if so just plug your laptop into the DAC and play them from that.

[struth]

as above or if not you need a usb to spidf convertor then int. dac. they are not ness expensive. Stan B does one for about 60 odd quid that is as good as i have heard. plenty other options though

for a program you have j river or the ecellent free ones including foobar

[avalonsounds]

Thanks guys.I dont want to use my PC.Its not practical, and I use it to work, whilst im listening.I cant believe nothing is out there.Ive no problem, getting a dac with a usb.
how about one of those tablet thingys would that be acceptable?

[MCRU]

Thanks guys.I dont want to use my PC.Its not practical, and I use it to work, whilst im listening.I cant believe nothing is out there.Ive no problem, getting a dac with a usb.
how about one of those tablet thingys would that be acceptable?

a squeezebox touch will do what you need if you can track one down

tablets are ok but not much storage capacity

the touch is what you need

[Oldpinkman]

I have recently built a wannabe squeezebox touch using a Raspberry Pi and a Hifi Berry Digi+ (a board which gives you SPDIF and toslink connectors as well as the USB option). Total cost is about £60. USB only probably £40. It needs a wee bit of patience and basic computer familiarity, but its not hard (I am f****ing hopeless with computers , and I managed easily enough)

It is a box about the size of a large match box, which connects to your desktop via ethernet or wifi, and plugs into your DAC. Using a mobile phone app, or tablet app, you can select music from your main PC server using Logitech Media Server, and play it on your main system. The quality is indistinguishable from the CD transport. You can have more than one of them, and synchronise both systems to play in more than one room at a time. Happy to point you in the right direction if you would like help.

Some pictures

http://i1315.photobucket.com/albums/t582/oldpinkman/rpi2_zpsfa290893.jpg (http://s1315.photobucket.com/user/oldpinkman/media/rpi2_zpsfa290893.jpg.html)

http://i1315.photobucket.com/albums/t582/oldpinkman/20150102_1120361_zps92e8cf90.jpg (http://s1315.photobucket.com/user/oldpinkman/media/20150102_1120361_zps92e8cf90.jpg.html)

http://i1315.photobucket.com/albums/t582/oldpinkman/20150102_1128581_zpscb4b598a.jpg (http://s1315.photobucket.com/user/oldpinkman/media/20150102_1128581_zpscb4b598a.jpg.html)

[struth]

Very tidy Richard...impressive.:)

[Oldpinkman]

Very tidy Richard...impressive.:)

Thank you grant. I have 2 different ones. The black one has a dac in it, to feed the nad 3020 in the kitchen , the other has the spdif output for use with dacapo. Both operate seamlessly as a squeezebox controlled from my android phone. :cool:

[avalonsounds]

Wi-fi, servers,routers, interfaces!! argh!! I dont understand any of this! Nor do I really want too.I appreciate the help guys.plenty of squeezeboxes about but, you have to have the programme on your pc.More complexity that i wont be able to work out.
I dont own a smart phone either.I dont really want it wireless either particulary!:scratch:

[Oldpinkman]

Its much less complicated than you fear. The server sits on your pc but once set up you never use it there. In use you have a little Pi attached to your dac, your music stays on your pc, and your "remote" is the cheapest android tablet you can pick up. Say £100 all told. You just choose the music from your pc using the tablet and listen to it through your dac. If you don't want WiFi run an ethernet cable or a home plug.

[Thebiglebowski]

The simplest and most non PC savvy friendly solution would be a Sonos Connect. I'd recommend buying a NAS and Sonos so that you can have all your music in one place. You can then control the Sonos via your laptop or even by embracing the 21st century using a smartphone or iPad/tablet. If you don't want to buy a NAS you just share your music folder on your laptop and point the Sonos at it. The internal DAC on the Sonos is very good and can connect straight into a line in on your pre/int amp.

If you don't want to embrace technology then I would avoid the squeezebox or raspberry Pi

[vacdac]

A Fiio X3 or X5 DAP*(*Digital Audio Player) would seem to do what the OP wants. Both use micro SD cards for expandable memory. Both Have SPdif digital out.

See Fiio X series players, here @ Amazon (http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Fiio+x)