View Full Version : Opinions on this Pro-Ject music streamer DSA?
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170315/6ef27d07b2107894c88d23842c0d9f93.jpg
https://www.projectaudio.com.au/products/stream-box-dsa
I was browsing the streamers on eBay, and came across this one. Anyone have any experiences with it? It's a bit cheaper on eBay than on their website.
I was a bit overwhelmed by the vast selection I saw on eBay, Cambridge, Marantz, Logitech, too many to count! I really don't want my PC tied up to the stereo all the time, and these boxes can also feed from a wifi server. I'm a complete noob with this stuff, trying to get educated. Help!
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I was browsing the streamers on eBay, and came across this one. Anyone have any experiences with it? It's a bit cheaper on eBay than on their website.
I was a bit overwhelmed by the vast selection I saw on eBay, Cambridge, Marantz, Logitech, too many to count! I really don't want my PC tied up to the stereo all the time, and these boxes can also feed from a wifi server. I'm a complete noob with this stuff, trying to get educated. Help!
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I'd suggest one or more raspberry pi's would be a good starting place
An ideal architecture IMHO is as follows;
1. Some form of NAS, hardwired to the network, holding your music files, should give you RAID (mirroring) capabilities for 'backup'
2. A pi3, hardwired to the network, loaded with piCorePlayer 3.11, running LMS, configured to read your NAS files, running as the 'server'
3. One or more pi2's either feeding an existing DAC, via USB, or coax (eg HiFiDigi+ Pro), or an on-board DAC (IQaudio, Audiophonics, HiFiBerry, Allo etc.). These can be either wifi or hardwired, I'd suggest wifi for an on board DAC.
Obviously one can have variations of the above, I've recently built an all in one server/player feeding off a USB HD, however the above architecture is a more flexible approach, particularly if you want to branch out into multi room streaming.
P.S. All can be controlled via a smart phone or tablet :)
I'd suggest one or more raspberry pi's would be a good starting place
An ideal architecture IMHO is as follows;
1. Some form of NAS, hardwired to the network, holding your music files, should give you RAID (mirroring) capabilities for 'backup'
2. A pi3, hardwired to the network, loaded with piCorePlayer 3.11, running LMS, configured to read your NAS files, running as the 'server'
3. One or more pi2's either feeding an existing DAC, via USB, or coax (eg HiFiDigi+ Pro), or an on-board DAC (IQaudio, Audiophonics, HiFiBerry, Allo etc.). These can be either wifi or hardwired, I'd suggest wifi for an on board DAC.
Obviously one can have variations of the above, I've recently built an all in one server/player feeding off a USB HD, however the above architecture is a more flexible approach, particularly if you want to branch out into multi room streaming.
P.S. All can be controlled via a smart phone or tablet :)
Wow that is so far over my head I don't know where to begin!
I don't presently have any audio files. I've got a few hundred CD's, but I've got a fairly nice CD player I haven't had that long. I was mostly just wanting to stream Spotify or Tidal into my stereo, without tying up my computer.
I'm sure what you've described can do that, but I wouldn't know where to begin. A bit alien to me, I've never even considered streaming until I started reading this forum. Perhaps you know of some good reading to help me understand the Rasberry Pi?
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Could get a chromecast dongle. Attach to your stereo and cast from mobile to it wirenlessly. Simple and cheap.. thats the chromecast audio dongle... it can come out via its own dac or it has an optical out too if you want to use your own dac.. does redbook
Wow that is so far over my head I don't know where to begin!
I don't presently have any audio files. I've got a few hundred CD's, but I've got a fairly nice CD player I haven't had that long. I was mostly just wanting to stream Spotify or Tidal into my stereo, without tying up my computer.
I'm sure what you've described can do that, but I wouldn't know where to begin. A bit alien to me, I've never even considered streaming until I started reading this forum. Perhaps you know of some good reading to help me understand the Rasberry Pi?
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I'm pretty sure one can use Spotify and Tidal are available via LMS as either plugins, or accessible through the mysqueezebox.com interface...
Do you already have a DAC?
Could get a chromecast dongle. Attach to your stereo and cast from mobile to it wirenlessly. Simple and cheap.. thats the chromecast audio dongle... it can come out via its own dac or it has an optical out too if you want to use your own dac.. does redbook
Probably a better solution if you just want to stream spotify etc...
Probably a better solution if you just want to stream spotify etc...
As I was saying, I don't want to tie up my computer to stream. So the dongle is out. I use my notebook to record at band practice and to edict video, etc, so it moves a lot.
My CD player does have a digital input to use its internal DAC. But the Project box I listed at the start of this thread is better than a Squeeze box isn't it? Has it's on DAC, wifi connected and can store music on a remote server, and has that feature to allow you to use a smart phone as the remote control. I see a used one on eBay for $500. I guess I was really asking if this Project box is what I think it is? It does a lot of files types too.
I saw several stand alone boxes on eBay, Marantz, Cambridge, others, and most were more than this one. And I read some bad reviews on the Marantz. I saw a Pioneer, was very expensive.
I'm afraid the learning curve in the Rasberry Pi would be too steep, and I really wanted a stand alone solution. If the Squeeze box is best, is it really better than this unit from Project? If so why? What feature does it have to make it better? I'm really looking for someone with experience here, I am starting from nothing here.
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Infinitely Baffled
16-03-2017, 10:01
I'm really looking for someone with experience here, I am starting from nothing here.
I feel your pain and confusion! I can see folks are trying to be helpful, but for me this thread reads an agenda for a Silicone Valley trade conference.
I was curious about augmenting my traditional hi-fi sources with access to digital streams/radio/ computer-based files and what-have-you. I was at someone's home, and they were using a Squeezebox Touch linked into their hi-fi. It looked simple and fun, so I tracked one down, bought it and, guess what ... it simple and fun!
I use it connected into the input of a tuner/receiver in the kitchen, allowing me to toggle between my conventional terrestrial radio stations and a mind-boggling choice of internet radio stations at the push of a button. The Squeezebox does in fact have its own on-board DAC so you can simply run its analogue output straight into an amplifier. It also has an optical and a digital co-axial "out" so you could run it via a "better" offboard DAC if you wanted. The touchscreen interface is simplicity itself to operate and for the most part is very intuitive. There are a range of downloadable apps on the "mysqueezebox" website to enhance the functionality of the unit and permit direct connections to internet-based streaming services. I'm still trying to work-out how to use the "podcast" one, though (yes, that's how bad I am with digital technology!)
All in all, though, it's a great little package and simply opens up a world of interesting radio stations, even if you don't want to take it any further. It goes without saying, too, that you can also set it up to play digital files from your computer or phone via a wireless router connection. You can also plug in a USB stick or slot-in a memory card. Very versatile and straightforward. And cheap!
I'm sorry I don't have any experience of the Pro-ject Streaming Box that you mention in your opening post, so I can't help you there. But I just wanted to provide a bit of encouragement: don't give-up or be put-off by a seemingly steep learning curve. The Squeezebox at least doesn't require much digital expertise, and is very rewarding. Good luck with your journey!
IB
As I was saying, I don't want to tie up my computer to stream. So the dongle is out. I use my notebook to record at band practice and to edict video, etc, so it moves a lot.
My CD player does have a digital input to use its internal DAC. But the Project box I listed at the start of this thread is better than a Squeeze box isn't it? Has it's on DAC, wifi connected and can store music on a remote server, and has that feature to allow you to use a smart phone as the remote control. I see a used one on eBay for $500. I guess I was really asking if this Project box is what I think it is? It does a lot of files types too.
I saw several stand alone boxes on eBay, Marantz, Cambridge, others, and most were more than this one. And I read some bad reviews on the Marantz. I saw a Pioneer, was very expensive.
I'm afraid the learning curve in the Rasberry Pi would be too steep, and I really wanted a stand alone solution. If the Squeeze box is best, is it really better than this unit from Project? If so why? What feature does it have to make it better? I'm really looking for someone with experience here, I am starting from nothing here.
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With a chromecast dongle you dont need a pc. It just connects to a power source and your stereo. You mobile device will communicate with it via your broadband router wirelessly ... spotify on say your phone is sent to it using the cast button. Its simple and sounds very good. It will also work with Tunein radio from phone . I use it a lot
Pieoftheday
16-03-2017, 10:12
With a chromecast dongle you dont need a pc. It just connects to a power source and your stereo. You mobile device will communicate with it via your broadband router wirelessly ... spotify on say your phone is sent to it using the cast button. Its simple and sounds very good. It will also work with Tunein radio from phone . I use it a lot
The Pioneer NP 01 looks a good alternative,£249 at superfi
I second the Chromecast Audio, for around £20 it's a no brainier, can use Tidal, Spotify, Play Music, TuneIn Radio, Deezer and countless other music sources, just plug it into your CD digital input ( need to buy a cable as it doesn't come supplied with the Digi one ), or via the 3.5 to rca inputs in your amp. Digital will be superior but rca will be fine too see if it will do the trick for you.
I'd resist spending to much as the makers are very good at making your current streaming device obsolete with new models seemingly arriving monthly lol.
I could loan you a Chromecast Audio to try and see if it's for you [emoji6]
Pieoftheday
16-03-2017, 10:55
The Pioneer NP 01 looks a good alternative,£249 at superfi
I second the Chromecast Audio, for around £20 it's a no brainier, can use Tidal, Spotify, Play Music, TuneIn Radio, Deezer and countless other music sources, just plug it into your CD digital input ( need to buy a cable as it doesn't come supplied with the Digi one ), or via the 3.5 to rca inputs in your amp. Digital will be superior but rca will be fine too see if it will do the trick for you.
I'd resist spending to much as the makers are very good at making your current streaming device obsolete with new models seemingly arriving monthly lol.
I could loan you a Chromecast Audio to try and see if it's for you [emoji6]
Does the chromecast hook up to your pc? The OP dosnt want this?
Pieoftheday
16-03-2017, 11:05
Nope
Ah well then, you live n learn��
All the CCA needs is a micro USB psu 5v, a wifi connection and either a smart phone or tablet (iOS or Android) and then connect it your amp, active speakers or DAC.
You can even use it as a headphone amp, I regularly use one of mine to listen via headphones as the 3.5mm output can be either analogue or digital, just use the phone or tablet to control volume.
For money, ie about 25 quid or so, you cant touch it really. Sound is damn good too. Ive got one attached to my stereo, and one on my headphone rig. Just tune in on phone or tablet, to spotify and press cast button. Bingo it comes out other end. Remarkably stable too. 16/44 output as well, although spotify is 320kbs, run tthough my dac into headphones you wouldnt know. Rarely use my rpi now. Convenient, cheap and good. Even comes with a short cable, and a 5v psu
Pieoftheday
16-03-2017, 11:29
Seems a no brainer for streaming then
Here is my headphone one with optical into my minidac and out to cans. I sit mine in a metal phone cradle as it acts as a heat sink. I use a battery power pack to run it
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170316/2799ddbd07d17e34261ba9cfbb890243.jpg
Here is my headphone one with optical into my minidac and out to cans. I sit mine in a metal phone cradle as it acts as a heat sink. I use a battery power pack to run it
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170316/2799ddbd07d17e34261ba9cfbb890243.jpg
I'm not sure what I'm looking at in that picture? Is that a picture on the front of the device? A video screen? Or a disc? And is the Chromecast device really a "dongle" if it doesn't plug into your computer?
But I'm still a bit confused. You run power to this device, and then plug its output into a DAC, and it connects to the internet via WiFi, and you operate it with an app on a smart phone, that also connects to the device through WiFi, Is this correct? Sounds like a lot for such a low price. Will wonders ever cease? I do appreciate the offer to loan me one, but I'm over here in the States, the shipping will be more than the device.
But I will read up on this Chromecast device, heck, for that price I'll buy one just to see what it does. I've probably got enough cables lying around to hook it up. And i do have a smart phone and iPad, so it could prove the cheapest solution. Thanks all for your input. Once I get something up and running, I'll better understand the logistics of the whole process and see where I want to go from there.
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pretty much.. its not got a screen. its just an etched front. Then onnection can be mini optical for a dac or 35mm(headphone size) audio jack as the unit has a dac in it(a fairly decent one). How they do it for £30 and less is unknown. if you wish you can plug headphones straight into it, as I used to before getting the mini dac/headphone amp. volume will be controlled by the smartphone. You could use it with a pc, if you were running an app that had cast, or through the chrome web browser which obviously has it, and cast all things from your pc too should you wish. They do get hottish, but apparently thats normal. I sit mine in the phone holster which acts as a heatsink of sorts and it runs cooler. I use mine a good few hrs a day, unless I have the pc on when I run a sb cable through to the same dac, and listen to any msic I own on flac via headphones.
I have one in main system but it doesnt see an awful lot of use. in fact my main system doesnt as im addicted to this setup.
Nothing really to lose at that price. if you want to use it into a dac you would need a mini optical to optical cable, otherwise a 3.5 mm to twin rca will do.
pretty much.. its not got a screen. its just an etched front. Then onnection can be mini optical for a dac or 35mm(headphone size) audio jack as the unit has a dac in it(a fairly decent one). How they do it for £30 and less is unknown. if you wish you can plug headphones straight into it, as I used to before getting the mini dac/headphone amp. volume will be controlled by the smartphone. You could use it with a pc, if you were running an app that had cast, or through the chrome web browser which obviously has it, and cast all things from your pc too should you wish. They do get hottish, but apparently thats normal. I sit mine in the phone holster which acts as a heatsink of sorts and it runs cooler. I use mine a good few hrs a day, unless I have the pc on when I run a sb cable through to the same dac, and listen to any msic I own on flac via headphones.
I have one in main system but it doesnt see an awful lot of use. in fact my main system doesnt as im addicted to this setup.
Nothing really to lose at that price. if you want to use it into a dac you would need a mini optical to optical cable, otherwise a 3.5 mm to twin rca will do.
I've got a few Toslink optical cables, but have not seen a mini optical? I'm sure they've got it on eBay. It sounds like much of the work is being done on the smartphone? Not just a remote? I'll let you know how it turns out once I get it rolling!
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I feel your pain and confusion! I can see folks are trying to be helpful, but for me this thread reads an agenda for a Silicone Valley trade conference.
I was curious about augmenting my traditional hi-fi sources with access to digital streams/radio/ computer-based files and what-have-you. I was at someone's home, and they were using a Squeezebox Touch linked into their hi-fi. It looked simple and fun, so I tracked one down, bought it and, guess what ... it simple and fun!
I use it connected into the input of a tuner/receiver in the kitchen, allowing me to toggle between my conventional terrestrial radio stations and a mind-boggling choice of internet radio stations at the push of a button. The Squeezebox does in fact have its own on-board DAC so you can simply run its analogue output straight into an amplifier. It also has an optical and a digital co-axial "out" so you could run it via a "better" offboard DAC if you wanted. The touchscreen interface is simplicity itself to operate and for the most part is very intuitive. There are a range of downloadable apps on the "mysqueezebox" website to enhance the functionality of the unit and permit direct connections to internet-based streaming services. I'm still trying to work-out how to use the "podcast" one, though (yes, that's how bad I am with digital technology!)
All in all, though, it's a great little package and simply opens up a world of interesting radio stations, even if you don't want to take it any further. It goes without saying, too, that you can also set it up to play digital files from your computer or phone via a wireless router connection. You can also plug in a USB stick or slot-in a memory card. Very versatile and straightforward. And cheap!
I'm sorry I don't have any experience of the Pro-ject Streaming Box that you mention in your opening post, so I can't help you there. But I just wanted to provide a bit of encouragement: don't give-up or be put-off by a seemingly steep learning curve. The Squeezebox at least doesn't require much digital expertise, and is very rewarding. Good luck with your journey!
IB
Thanks Gary, that was most helpful. eBay sent me an email ad for the Squeezebox, around $600. And its even got a tiny video screen on the remote. A nice looking piece for sure. Sounds like the Squeezebox and the Project are very similar devices, except for that video oh the remote, but of course you can never tell which is best unless you've got both in front of you. While I may start with the super affordable Chromecast device, if I think I'm going to stick with it, then I will be upgrading to a unit like the Squeezebox or Project Streamer. I like the idea of a full featured rack sized piece of gear that looks like real stereo. With the coax digital out, doesn't tie up your phone or PC, sounds like a powerful machine.
I studied computers in college! I got a computer Sciences degree in college and was Valedictorian! First in a class of 300! And worked my way up to managing the whole computer department for a $4 billion dollar company! I was known for being able to fix anything, but that was nearly 15 years ago, and now I've forgotten more than most will ever know about computers. I should be able to grasp this stuff with ease! But a lot has changed in 15 years, that's a lifetime in computers. Hopefully once I get my hands dirty it will come back to me.
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Thanks Gary, that was most helpful. eBay sent me an email ad for the Squeezebox, around $600. And its even got a tiny video screen on the remote. A nice looking piece for sure. Sounds like the Squeezebox and the Project are very similar devices, except for that video oh the remote, but of course you can never tell which is best unless you've got both in front of you. While I may start with the super affordable Chromecast device, if I think I'm going to stick with it, then I will be upgrading to a unit like the Squeezebox or Project Streamer. I like the idea of a full featured rack sized piece of gear that looks like real stereo. With the coax digital out, doesn't tie up your phone or PC, sounds like a powerful machine.
I studied computers in college! I got a computer Sciences degree in college and was Valedictorian! First in a class of 300! And worked my way up to managing the whole computer department for a $4 billion dollar company! I was known for being able to fix anything, but that was nearly 15 years ago, and now I've forgotten more than most will ever know about computers. I should be able to grasp this stuff with ease! But a lot has changed in 15 years, that's a lifetime in computers. Hopefully once I get my hands dirty it will come back to me.
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FYI piCorePlayer is 'Squeezebox' for a raspberry pi, I run a mixture of 2 Pi's, 1 SB classic, 1 SB Boom, and an SB Touch on my main system...Squeezeboxes and pis running 'Squeezelite' all work in harmony, and are at their best when the server component (LMS or Logitech Media Server) is deployed on a separate server (pi or NAS).
P.S. I'd done 15 years in IT by Y2K, and that doesn't include my degree...still at it now ;)
MarginWalker
17-03-2017, 17:57
Thanks Gary, that was most helpful. eBay sent me an email ad for the Squeezebox, around $600. And its even got a tiny video screen on the remote. A nice looking piece for sure. Sounds like the Squeezebox and the Project are very similar devices, except for that video oh the remote, but of course you can never tell which is best unless you've got both in front of you. While I may start with the super affordable Chromecast device, if I think I'm going to stick with it, then I will be upgrading to a unit like the Squeezebox or Project Streamer. I like the idea of a full featured rack sized piece of gear that looks like real stereo. With the coax digital out, doesn't tie up your phone or PC, sounds like a powerful machine.
I studied computers in college! I got a computer Sciences degree in college and was Valedictorian! First in a class of 300! And worked my way up to managing the whole computer department for a $4 billion dollar company! I was known for being able to fix anything, but that was nearly 15 years ago, and now I've forgotten more than most will ever know about computers. I should be able to grasp this stuff with ease! But a lot has changed in 15 years, that's a lifetime in computers. Hopefully once I get my hands dirty it will come back to me.
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Just so you know, the chromecast audio doesn't tie up your phone. Once you have set the music playing you can use your phone for receiving or making calls, searching the web or even turn it off. It just acts as a remote which is why it is so much better (for me at least) than Bluetooth. Others may prefer a full server jobbie but if you are only using it for Spotify etc then I can't see any reason to look beyond the chromecast.
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