First, note that "Vortexbox" is the software -- a specialized version of Fedora Linux that is customized to do SBS/LMS and some other things. The hardware is known as the "Vortexbox Appliance" (VBA). Second, you should understand that even though it isn't marketed as such, the VBA _is_ a pc. It uses a low power Intel Atom processor so that it only draws around 23w, and the Vortexbox software makes it easy to run it headless, so that many users use it more like a NAS than a pc. My music server uses the exact same hardware as the VBA, but I installed debian linux as the OS, so it can work as a general purpose Linux box in addition to running SBS. Most of the time I run it headless, but when I feel like it (or need an extra pc) I attach a monitor and keyboard and away I go.
As for sound quality, I think most people (myself included) will say there is no difference. Why should there be? It's just another pc/NAS running SBS. That said, there are some who swear that a server running Windows sounds better than a server running Linux. Take a look at the very long "soundcheck's mods" threads for some of the claims that some people make. I am skeptical to say the least, but I thought I'd mention it. All the services, internet radio, etc are the same as any other implementation of SBS/LMS. As for size of drive, there is the old axiom that the data always expands to meet the capacity of the hard drive, and that would indicate you should get the 2TB drive. On the other hand, 200 CDs in FLAC is less than 100GB. Unless you are planning to go on a binge of CD buying or music downloading it will be a long time before you fill a 1TB drive. All hard drives die eventually, and the drive could well go belly up long before you ever break the 1TB barrier. Finally, is your current pc such an energy hog that it makes sense to spend a few hundred $ on a VBA? If it is such a hog, have you considered using basic power management software and the Server Power Control plugin to let it go into hibernation or suspend when you're not playing music from your collection? Sorry, I can't answer the Q about LMS updates on Vortexbox, but I understand it works pretty easily. -- aubuti Nothing high-end, but music anywhere I want it, and it's '100% wind powered' (http://www.cleancurrents.com/). 'MSI single-core Atom mini-desktop' (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856167032) (Debian Lenny 5.0.6) feeding: Living room: SB Touch > 'NAD C325 BEE' (http://nadelectronics.com/products/hifi-amplifiers/C-325BEE-Stereo-Integrated-Amplifier?products/hifi-amplifiers/C325BEE-Stereo-Integrated-Amplifier) > 'Vandersteen 1' (http://www.vandersteen.com/pages/1clit.html); Kitchen/Dining: 'SB2' (http://replay.waybackmachine.org/20050428023747/http://www.slimdevices.com/) > 'AudioSource Amp100' (http://www.amazon.com/AudioSource-AMP-100-2-Channel-Bridgeable-Amplifier/dp/B00026BQJ6) > 2 pair of 'Polk RC60i' (http://www.polkaudio.com/customaudio/rci/index.php?s=rc60i); Basement: 'SB2' (http://replay.waybackmachine.org/20050428023747/http://www.slimdevices.com/) > 'JVC JA-S44' (http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=204813) > 'ESS Tempest LS8' (http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/205237-ess_tempest_ls_8_speakers/); Bedroom: Boom; Study: SB Radio; Backyard deck: 'SB Receiver' (http://replay.waybackmachine.org/20080124175538/http://www.slimdevices.com/) > 'AudioSource Amp100' (http://www.amazon.com/AudioSource-AMP-100-2-Channel-Bridgeable-Amplifier/dp/B00026BQJ6) > 'Polk Atrium 45' (http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/atrium/index.php#atrium45); Kid's bedroom: 'SB3' (http://replay.waybackmachine.org/20051210015952/http://slimdevices.com/) > 'Klipsch ProMedia 2.0' (http://www.klipsch.com.cn/na-en/products/promedia-ultra-2-0-overview/); Roaming controllers: iPod touch with iPeng, 3 'SB Duet' (http://replay.waybackmachine.org/20080124175538/http://www.slimdevices.com/) Controllers, 'Nokia N800' (http://www.nokiausa.com/find-products/phones/nokia-n800-r6); Limbo:one more 'SBR' (http://replay.waybackmachine.org/20080124175538/http://www.slimdevices.com/) http://www.last.fm/user/aubuti/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ aubuti's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2074 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91992 _______________________________________________ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
