New Lounge System. Options?

Hi,

All being well, I hope to be starting work again soon after being unemployed for over a year now. Yay! :)

With that taken care of there are some things that my wife and I want sorted. She's made a list :rolleyes:. One of those is a new system for the lounge. Before I go on, I know that possible solutions for this may be found in other threads but I'd like to start afresh if I may.

At the moment, in the lounge, we use a Monitor Audio i-Deck iPod system. This isn't entirely satisfactory because it's not that convenient to use as you have to select your song choices on the ipod itself. You cannot browse the library with the remote. So, a change is required.

My hifi upstairs is fed from ALAC files on my mac via an Airport Express and my old minidisc's dac. So, one option would be to get another AE and stream to the i-deck downstairs. The i-deck has an analogue input. This would also require the purchase of an ipod touch to access and browse the mac's iTunes library, effectively serving as a remote control. However, I'm not totally satisfied with the stability of the wireless network. I'd be peeved if it lost connection, or suffered drop outs.

Another option is to buy a new cd based system, but I'm reluctant to go back to having cd's cluttering up the place.

A further option, and this is where I may need help cos I know little about them, is to buy a new streaming device, such as a SB touch. Apparently, this can run from a HD library? I have a spare HD that I could copy my library to. I guess this could be used in conjunction with the i-deck amp and speakers (can you tell I'm still on a budget?) or go with new amp and speakers, perhaps even powered speakers.

Lastly, I wouldn't say no to a PS3. If I were to get one, could that be used in this system somehow? Can it hold an iTunes library and output to active speakers?

I know there are a lot of options, so I'd appreciate it if you could help me get my head round it. It's one of the few things on my Wife's list that I'm excited about! :)

Edit: More options. A Logitech SB Boom, or similar, or even the new Apple TV used to serve music.

Hi Lee,

Congrats on the job success...I've been there myself

I'm heavily into the squeezebox world, with a linux server holding my FLAC files running squeezecenter and 4 clients (2 receivers, 1 classic, and occasionally a boom), they all communicate wirelessly via a router, the server is hard wired to the router, and I rarely if ever get network dropouts. I also use SqueezeCommander on my android phone (I think there's a version for apple too) to control it all, which is very very good.

The above is probably an optimum multi-room configuration for a squeeze network but you're not starting from a green field position, and you probably don't want to go that far just yet anyway.

You can run Squeezecenter/Server on a MAC, that would allow you to run 1 or more clients throughout the house, I'd recommend the receiver as it's the least expensive, but without a screen you do need the phone app.

The touch and an additional hard drive copy (data redundancy!....aaarrrggh my IT head's kicking in) would be an option too, the touch can act as both server & player, but with some restrictions (and some apple references)...

http://wiki.slimdevices.com/index.ph...ntil_Turned_ON

I've heard of people happily running other clients (SB players) from a touch but there are some restrictions on library/playlist sizes (100,000/100), and also the number of clients it will ultimately support, so it depends on your listening habits.

I'd be interested to hear of anyone using the touch as both a server and player, and what issues if any they have, as I have a mate who's looking to go 'digital' but is not very computer literate, and I thought it may be a reasonable option for him too.

Cheers,

Will

In this case, AVI ADM9T's would be ideal, with or without their decent sub, for high quality sound once the streaming controller is sorted out. Unlike some others elsewhere, I have high regard for their gear and know that none of it would be as awful as occasionally made out to be. The only "problem" would be, for some, is the lack of harshness so evident in popular modern "HiFi" passive speakers, especially those not made in the UK but in the EU, where harshness can pass off as "detail."

Just my usual tuppence worth, but your lounge and streaming solutions is crying out for an audition at least IMO...

Will, to be honest, a lot of that meant nothing to me. /confused.

Dave R, the AVI's are way out of my budget, and I'm not looking for a high end system really, just a decent, user friendly one. If I go for active speakers, it'd probably be the AudioEngine line, or similar.

Thanks to you both.

By the way, what's the difference between a SB Duet, and a Touch?

Ps3 seems a sencible option with all it's streaming facilities ... I have no idea how it works - I'm getting one soon... Although it is really just for games and bluray I'll def be comparing it to the majik dsi as some people seem to think the slim one is shot hot at streaming music ... And it does bluray and Internet and all sorts of stuff ...

Of course you are relying on streaming the music but I had some problems with mine I lived with for ages thinking it would be a bugger to fix ... I just sacked off twonky media and started using asset upnp and it's flawless now!

That would go into you ideck, which for an iPod dock, despite it's short comings, is really quite decent ... Then get a pair of active speakers when a bit more money comes along ... That would make sence to me ...

Good news on the job though Lee, congrats!

Glad about getting the job thing sorted... good luck with the new system!

Had a quick look around t'internet. I like the look and apparent ease of use of the Squeezebox Duet. I like the remote. That's as close to a AE/Apple TV and an iPod Touch as you could get I guess.

The Duet is around £220, and the Apple combo is around £290 or £350 depending on capacity if iPod, but then you are getting an iPod for that, not just a remote.

Hooked up to the i-deck, or some AudioEngine A5's should do that job.

Hamish, I'm not sure the PS3 option is as elegant in terms of ease of use, but I'm happy to learn otherwise from PS3 users.

Cheers.

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Originally Posted by webby

By the way, what's the difference between a SB Duet, and a Touch?

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The duet is actually 2 components, a receiver £100 (wi-fi receiver and DAC) and a controller £160 (hand held linux device for selecting/controlling 1 or more squeezebox players), the controller for my mind the is unnecessary if you can run SqueezeComander on your phone £2.50.

The touch is more like the classic, but with a touch interface, and the ability to act as a server.

Sorry about the head dump earlier on...

The Squeezebox setup requires a server portion (to look after the media library/settings/sending files etc.), and 1 or more clients (receives the files and plays them, or passes the data to a DAC).

The touch is unique in that it can be both the Server and the Client at once...

Clear as mud...?

I don't have a compatible phone, so......

Lee

If you're keen on the Controller you can have mine at half price, or anyone else who fancies it for that matter. I haven't used it for 6 months...

I'll try to explain why...(look away now if you're easily bored)

The 'Jive' (java based) app on the controller was designed by an idiot (or Logitec)...It works perfectly well, when you have only one player to control, but as soon as you start using large playlists on multiple players, you can hit contention as you switch between them (probably deadlocks with itself) problems on the backend server DB, which can only be resolved by a full db recycle.

The latest fimware 7.5 has improved things, it will actually switch between players without you having to wait for it to download all 1000 playlist album covers and info before it then switches to the other player, but I can still get it to deadlock.

SqueezeCommander is an absolute joy in comparision, it only retrieves enough data for the current screen, keeps a local 'cache' of data for speed, and is rock solid. You can even insert tracks 'next' in a random playlist real time. The missus runs a copy on her phone too, and we've had no lockups or anything. Oh and it's £2.50 which is nice...

Muddier than mud...?

Doh!

I just missed your last post about the phone...

Get either the touch or classic then, I like the classic personally it's much more efficient, but is only 'green screen'... it makes me nostalgic for old IBM mainframes.

As I said earlier if you want my controller...

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Originally Posted by webby

By the way, what's the difference between a SB Duet, and a Touch?

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Ali? Your services are needed here...

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Originally Posted by WAD62

Doh!

I just missed your last post about the phone...

it makes me nostalgic for old IBM mainframes.

As I said earlier if you want my controller...

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IBM Mainframes were my old line of work! :)

What kinda phone do I need anyway? Mine's ancient. I therefore assumed it won't be compatible.

Cheers. I'll bear you in mind.

MVS/DOS VSE...and people have trouble with windows!!!

I would suggest an 'android' smartphone, I've got an HTC desire and its rock solid (I had a samsung Galaxy previously and it was pants).

I'm sure others would suggest an Iphone, and as you have some apple kit already that might be a better option, but IMHO the 'Android' platform is much better (and cheaper) if you've got a reasonable techie mind. Oh and you can expand the memory by buying a bigger SDHC card, instead of having to buy the next iphone up.

Rant over...

By the way Winamp is now available on 'Android', and FLAC/ReplayGain support is on the way too, but just not yet...

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Originally Posted by michaelhigh

Ali? Your services are needed here...

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Already answered on page 1...

At this early stage, I'm beginning to think that the Apple TV (a glorified Airport Express as far as I can tell), an iPod Touch, and a pair of AudioEngine A5 speakers would do the job nicely.

But, it's too early to say. Time will tell.

Now, this is what pi$$es me off about so called wireless tech. My airport express has now lost connection to the network. It's about 20 ft from my mac and about 50 ft from my router!

What hope do I have if I were to have a wireless device downstairs!?

What router are you using? All I have is the bog standard Sagem one that Sky provide (yes I give Murdoch the dollar I'm ashamed to admit, but as a cricket fan I have no alternative...rant over).

I get about 75% continuous coverage all round the house (and into the garden), without any cabling, just wi-fi.

Is the apple airport a mains/network connection device?

Standard Sky Router. All fixed now. I reset it, and set it up again.

...it's always worth a regular reboot, I do mine once a month or so.

This would never happen if people used good old 'assembler', but its a bit like building a tank out of iron filings

:)

Well, I'm liking the look and functionality of the AudioEngine A5 speakers. However, the wife is a little concerned at the £250 price tag. Add £200 for an iPod Touch (cos I don't currently have a Touch) and £80 for another Airport Express and it's close to £550.

I don't think the smaller, and cheaper (£130), A2's will cut it, but a Sub could always be added later. I think the A5's may well be ok without a Sub.

Mind you, I haven't told her they're available in white yet, which was one of her :). prerequisites.

Now considering the Sonos kit. Anyone have anything good to say about the Sonos S5?

If you want a more 'music center' solution then the sonos is an option, as is linn DS, as they are both a bit pricey in comparison to the squeezebox option.

One point to note is that the sonos only handles track ReplayGain and not album/audiophile ReplayGain, so you have to switch the tags around manually if you want to use it.

I'd suggest keeping the streaming solution independent from the playback solution, but that's just my IT head kicking in.

Well done Lee on the job :)

I can't offer any comments on the thread topic though but thought I would comment on your getting a job.

Regards D S D L

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Originally Posted by Dalek Supreme D L

Well done Lee on the job :)

I can't offer any comments on the thread topic though but thought I would comment on your getting a job.

Regards D S D L

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Thanks. It's not concrete yet, but things are looking promising.



p.s. I shouldn't have said anything should I? /fingers crossed smiley

I am liking the whole Sonos thing, but it is expensive. I've had a look at the range so allow me to 'think out loud' here.

The S5 is the standalone player with built in speakers. Apparently, the sound is good (I imagine on a par with my i-deck) and is big enough to fill the room. However, at least one piece of Sonos kit needs to be connected to your router, so if that isn't in your listening room then you need a Zonebridge. You can get the 2 together for around £400.
To control it, you need the controller at around £250! Or, if you have an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad, you can use the free controller app. So, £400 + iPod = £600

Then there's the ZP120 which has built in amps and wireless gubbins so all you need to do is connect it to your current speakers (if you have any in your chosen room). Again, you need the Zonebridge. Could I use my i-deck speakers with it? Would it be better than the S5? A ZP120 and speakers would not be very portable. I could move the S5 into any room I wish. The ZP120 at £400 + the Zonebridge at £80 = £480. Plus an iPod = £680.
This is pretty expensive imo.

Lastly, there's the ZP90. This is the one I don't understand. As far as I can tell, it is a streaming device that you attach to your current amp and speakers, just as the Airport Express does. But, it's £279!! You still need the Zonebridge of course. The Airport Express is £80. Perhaps a better comparison would be the Apple TV, but even that is only £99.

I appreciate that this is probably not seen as hi-fi equipment, but maybe someone here uses Sonos gear somewhere in the house and can offer a recommendation.

Good luck with the Job :)

The Sonos is excellent kit, not cheap but is is good.

I have installed a few for customers and everyone likes them.

If possibe run a network cable from Router to Zone player and between zone players,.
Wireless works OK but wired is more reliable.

With decent speakers they are great.

Mark.

We sell Sonos at the shop, let me know if you go down that road I'll see if I can swing you a deal ... All our customers are happy with it too ...

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Originally Posted by Hamish

We sell Sonos at the shop, let me know if you go down that road I'll see if I can swing you a deal ... All our customers are happy with it too ...

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Thanks Hamish.

I bought a Sonos s5 and a zonebridge package in January. Wasn't impressed. Lots of operational issues, glitches and restrictions that just annoyed me. I also think the all in one speaker aspect of it just didn't work for me. Sent it back to amazon for a refund.

Have had other priorities since then as I've settled into my job, but I've been thinking about it again recently.

Been inspired by Werner's set up with his q acoustics speakers. I've heard good things about them and wondered if something similar would work for me. Small bookshelf speakers with a sub might suit the room. Pared up with a small amp (I really do want some thing that's small and discrete, almost like a headphone amp) it could work. Alternatively, a decent mini system like a denon or a teac could be worth considering as it would offer a radio and the ability to put on a cd; my missus has CDs that aren't on my iMac, and might not ever make it onto there!

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Originally Posted by webby

Been inspired by Werner's set up with his q acoustics speakers. I've heard good things about them and wondered if something similar would work for me. Small bookshelf speakers with a sub might suit the room. Pared up with a small amp (I really do want some thing that's small and discrete, almost like a headphone amp) it could work. Alternatively, a decent mini system like a denon or a teac could be worth considering as it would offer a radio and the ability to put on a cd; my missus has CDs that aren't on my iMac, and might not ever make it onto there!

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That whole paragraph should've been posed as a question but it doesn't really come across that way. Oops.

Any thoughts?

Should have got the Zoneplayer 90 and connected to some decent audio gear http://www.sonos.com/products/zonepl...&LangType=2057

The Sonos stuff trades on being rock solid and user friendly.
The also follow the company that does fruit based computing and hamstrings outright performance in favour of an enhanced user experience.

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Originally Posted by Stratmangler

Should have got the Zoneplayer 90 and connected to some decent audio gear http://www.sonos.com/products/zonepl...&LangType=2057

The Sonos stuff trades on being rock solid and user friendly.
The also follow the company that does fruit based computing and hamstrings outright performance in favour of an enhanced user experience.

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Not really helpful. I tried the Sonos S5, didn't like it, and what I didn't like would be the same with ZP90.

Sonos do not support wireless operation believe it or not! When I say wireless, I mean a wireless router. Sonos is wireless between the zonebridge and the player but if your router is wireless the whole connection is flaky.

Just bought a Denon DM38DAB system which I'm now using with the Monitor Audio speakers from my now unused Monitor Audio iDeck.

Well, here I am, in the lounge, listening to my iTunes library on the mac via the denon dm38 and an airport express. On headphones. Controlled via the iTunes remote on the iPad!
:)

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Originally Posted by webby

Well, here I am, in the lounge, listening to my iTunes library on the mac via the denon dm38 and an airport express. On headphones. Controlled via the iTunes remote on the iPad!
:)

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And...? ;) Is it good?

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Originally Posted by Alex_UK

And...? ;) Is it good?

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:) ooh yeah!

Talk Talk's Colour of Spring sounded ace.

TFF's The Hurting up next.

Great to use the iPad as a remote. :)

Cool! iPad/iPod Touch/iPhone remotes are superb - coming to a TV near you soon!

Lee,

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Originally Posted by webby

Well, here I am, in the lounge, listening to my iTunes library on the mac via the denon dm38 and an airport express

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congratulations! How does “Little Earthquakes” feel and sound on your new system?

Werner.