Wireless Digital Music : Hardware + Software + Storage : = Help!

[Planet__]

Help!

I have been using a Philips Streamium SL400i to stream my music to my Pioneer AX5i amp for a while now. But after suffering from poor support, network issues, disappointing interface, and corruption of my digital music collection (I blame the Philips software), I'm looking to relegate the SL400i and refresh my hardware/software.

I've done quite a lot of research already, but there are so many choices of hardware and software I'm suffering from overload! Things have changed quite a bit from when I last looked into it all. Here's what I know I want at the moment:

Player Hardware:
Must Haves
1. Must work with lossless audio files ripped using EAC.
2. Good (or better!) audio quality.
3. Wireless. The music storage will be upstairs and I can't run a network cable.
4. I want to be able to control the selection and playback of tracks using my tablet pc, which incidently does not contain the music files. This can be from a program or browser interface, I'm not bothered as long as (see next).
5. Since I will be using a tablet pc to select tracks as mentioned above, the software/browser interface must be intuitive to use.
6. Quiet when running, i.e. no fans.
7. Good support from the manufacturer and the 'net, i.e. not Philips.
8. Digital optical or coaxial output.

Nice to Haves:
1. A display on the front of the device telling me what's playing, track time etc. I know what is playing because my ears will be telling me, but it's nice to have a display. The display needs to be readable from around 5 feet away.
2. Output to a TV in either VGA or Component as that's the free ports I have on my panny pw6. Not crucial, but nice to have.

Possibles - Roku/Pinnacle M1001, Squeezebox 3, any others?

Software:
I have looked at (but not tried) the majority of the upnp software out there; TVersity, Media Monkey etc. I don't want to mess around with any until I have the hardware sorted. Has anyone got any recommendations on what to use, and are they linked to your hardware of choice? Anything's got to be better than the Philips PMM I used to use. Remember I would like to control the playback on a separate wireless pc.

Storage:
I previously used an old PC running XP (AMD XP2200+, Radeon 9700pro) as the storage system, but I'm reluctant to have it running 24/7 now, it's already gone through one psu!
It seems Network Attached Storage (NAS) is all the rage at the moment and I'll admit I know relatively little about it. I know you have to be carefull what you select as the NAS may not be compatible with the UPnP/DLNA software and the player hardware.

So, I would like to ask what others are using or would recommend to someone starting over, and give their reasons why. For instance, Hardware Player + Sofware + Storage System.
i.e.

Roku M1000 + Tversity + PC Storage

Thank you for reading this far and for any help you give me and others!

[Autopilot]

Big topic here at the moment. Look at the Squeezebox 3 and maybe Sono's if you don't mind paying a premium or slightly easier set up and funky remote. SB3 and Sono's have been the market leaders for a while now. But as you want a display on the main unit (i do too), you would need an SB3 as the sono does not have one. Also do a forum search, you will find the pros and cons of these devices have been talked over many times

Unless you are on a real budget, i would go for the SB3 over the Roku every time - better screen, sound quality and i don't like Upnp for hifi use much, Slim servers version is better.

Audio streaming devices

[Planet__]

Oh I know it's a big topic here at the moment, with all my searching!

The thing is, all advice is separated into what hardware, server software, storage options etc. I wanted to see what people were using as a bundle and their reasons why. It might guide me and help me avoid potential pitfalls.

Why don't you like Upnp for hifi use? I can't comment on Slimserver myself.

As for budget, around £400-ish, but that would have to include the storage as well, doing away with the pc. That rules out the Transporter, which is a great pity!

Is the sound quality of the SB3 markably better than the Roku and other alternatives?

[lazymatt]

SB3 & a Qnap TS109 NAS will run you around £400 and will work well with your tablet PC.

The Roku/Pinnacle is good for what it is, but the SB3 is a taste of proper Hi-Fi sound quality wise.

FWIW I started with a Philips SL400i too, and quickly migrated onto the Sonos.

[amcluesent]

SB3 & Transporter, Slimserver on an oldish Windows XP server with library on 750Gb SATA disk, laptop with OrangeCD Catalog integrated to Slimserver to see artwork and select music, also Pronto remote configured to replicate slim remote.

Didn't fancy as NAS as the PC is on anyway to do some security stuff and I didn't want to have to learn Linux or risk have my music stored on a Linux-alike filesystem, NTFS I understand

[Planet__]

Lazymatt, the SL400i had it's moment. The Sonos you replaced it with is probably an understated upgrade! Funnily, I posted on the Streamiumcafe forum about controlling the SL400i via another computer, and was pointed towards Cidero. Interesting, I will give that a try, there may be some life left in the SL400i afterall!

With that said, further research and digging is pointing me towards a Squeezebox 3 and a NAS, the QNAP TS-201 in particular. I'd want to configure the QNAP with two 250GB drives in RAID1 and use it as my backup for everything! I've had data loss/corruption in the past despite many backing up and it aint fun. It's stretching my £400ish budget though, but I'm getting more functionality. I'll email Ripcaster about a deal, they look like a good company to buy from. Support, SlimServer and plugins installed, what more could I ask for!

amcluesent, nice setup and thanks for sharing! I'll admit I didn't know what the OrangeCD Catalog was but a brief search educated me. Looks very good, is it worth the £17ish price? I'll have a look at the demo when I get my system sorted. The Transporter is on my list to Santa.
As for the NAS Linux like filesystem, it won't bother me. I am looking for a setup and forget solution though.

It's looking like I'm almost sorted:

Squeezebox 3 + SlimServer + QNAP TS-201 NAS

Further digging and opinions required...

[Sunil Banga]

I own the Squeezebox 3 & QNAP TS-109 and after a few hiccups due to my ageing main computer, it works a doddle. Just a tip, if you want faster functionality with scanning and when using the web interface, the TS-209 is the way to go. It's well worth paying that little bit extra.

[Planet__]

Ah Sunil, you're just wanting me too spend more money! Kidding aside, that's good advice, after comparing the TS-201 and TS-209 on this page. The TS-209 is only £10 more so it's a no brainer really for the given speed. Thanks for the heads-up.

[lazymatt]

Originally Posted by Planet__

Ah Sunil, you're just wanting me too spend more money! Kidding aside, that's good advice, after comparing the TS-201 and TS-209 on this page. The TS-209 is only £10 more so it's a no brainer really for the given speed. Thanks for the heads-up.

The TS209 is a very nice bit of kit. I've been impressed with the Qnap range generally but the TS*09 upgrades over the TS*01 really are very good, and make a good product into a great one.

[NeilF]

No one seems to have mentioned Apple TV? Surely for £200 this is ideal?

[Planet__]

I'm a bit of a noobie when it comes to Network Attached Storage, but from what I have learned lately the QNAP TS-209 is a pretty good bit of kit. Not sure if I will use all the functionality of the unit, but you never know what future needs will be!

I sent ripcaster an email regarding a bundle consisting of a SB3, TS-209 with 2x 250GB drives in RAID1, with SlimServer plus plugins installed. Got a quick email back and the bundle price is £525.99. A bit more than I was planning to spend, but it is a good deal all things considered. Very tempted...!

NeilF, I did see other options such as AppleTV, Xbox360, PS3. I don't use iTunes and never will, I hear horror stories of iTunes with music management, plus I buy all my music on CD . Nice little unit all the same, shame it doesn't have a little display on it saying what is playing.

[NeilF]

Originally Posted by Planet__

NeilF, I did see other options such as AppleTV, Xbox360, PS3. I don't use iTunes and never will, I hear horror stories of iTunes with music management, plus I buy all my music on CD . Nice little unit all the same, shame it doesn't have a little display on it saying what is playing.

Ummm You put your CD in your PC and it rips it to MP3 (I believe). The Apple TV plugs via HDMI into your TV so you have a nice big menu system (not someing 1 or 2 inches high) and then when you're playing/browsing it will even show you pictures/album covers etc etc...

[Planet__]

The AppleTV is a nice bit of kit, I'm not questioning that! I don't like to dismiss something based solely on my preconceived perception of a company, but I'm afraid I must. I'm just not an Apple kinda guy.

[NeilF]

Originally Posted by Planet__

The AppleTV is a nice bit of kit, I'm not questioning that! I don't like to dismiss something based solely on my preconceived perception of a company, but I'm afraid I must. I'm just not an Apple kinda guy.

So the ability to browse your music collection with album art etc appearing, and browse your photos, all on your TV doesn't appeal to you? Mumma!

The unit can run by itself so no need to have your PC on... Turn it on and go (instantly). If/when you turn your PC on then it can sync if needs be...

If ONLY it played DivX media it would be perfect!

[s3marc]

Roku m1001 - LinkStation pro - Firefly

I am very happy with this setup - Roku are very pro-active at developing their product with frequent new firmware betas constantly trying to keep up with or ahead of the game.

I personally use the optical TOS , so do not use the DAC onboard the Roku which I believe to be its weak point in regards sound quality.

Build quality of the Roku is first class IMHO

My linkstation is flashed so that it runs as a music server running Firefly , no pc needed, just leave the NAS running.

The Roku can be controlled from remote pc, PDA, or via its remote control.