Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
cliveb wrote: It staggers me that anyone can contemplate building a new music playback device that doesn't support gapless. There is so much music out there which needs gapless support that it should automatically be on the mandatory features list before you even begin thinking about the design. +1 I find the equally befuddling! I understand that formats like mp3 didn't support it in it's design, but the problem was solved long ago!!! And to not support gapless playback of formats that WERE designed for it (e.g. FLAC), it just completely absurd. When I try out new players for my PC or my andriod mp3 player, the first thing I try is gapless playback. If that doesn't work, it gets immediately deleted. maggior's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=9080 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
Another +1 re gapless. It was one of several aspects that drew me to the Touch, even secondhand and with uncertain future. I read this thread because I still can't believe what a super little thing SBT is. And why there is very little alternative. Naim Uniti would be next step, at six times the price and with an amp I don't need! Not even sure it would sound better out of the box. NickSLK's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=59342 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
Mnyb wrote: Maybe it is the notoriously hard to get gapless on dlna , that throw of developers of other platforms to not think about it ? Well, the founders are from Linn, as are a few others at the company, so that may well be the case. I must say, it is kind of cool spending time chatting with Martin Dalgleish about audio. -= Jim JimC's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=9428 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
Re. Simple Audio: JimC wrote: It uses a Windows- or OSX-based application to serve the library to the boxes. You can control the devices using an iOS-app or the PC/Mac. This gives the advantage of not having all the complexity inherent in DLNA/UPnP services, but has the downside of needing the computer to be running whenever you want to get to your music. Avoiding DLNA - good. Not having a Linux server - bad. JimC wrote: 2. Doesn't support gapless playback It staggers me that anyone can contemplate building a new music playback device that doesn't support gapless. There is so much music out there which needs gapless support that it should automatically be on the mandatory features list before you even begin thinking about the design. cliveb's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=348 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
cliveb wrote: It staggers me that anyone can contemplate building a new music playback device that doesn't support gapless. There is so much music out there which needs gapless support that it should automatically be on the mandatory features list before you even begin thinking about the design. Absolutely. I'm amazed to hear that STILL, even today, there are streamers out there that don't do gapless. The mind absolutely boggles... ReValveiT's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=55767 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
cliveb wrote: Re. Simple Audio: Avoiding DLNA - good. Not having a Linux server - bad. Since I run a Linux box at home to serve my myriad Squeezeboxen, I agree. It staggers me that anyone can contemplate building a new music playback device that doesn't support gapless. There is so much music out there which needs gapless support that it should automatically be on the mandatory features list before you even begin thinking about the design. Again, I agree. Please note that I said yet in posting the good things it doesn't do... at some point in the--hopefully--no too distant future you'll see updated features like the above. There is a lot of work to be done on improving the environment around the Simple Audio Roomplayer, but I can say this: they *sound* amazing. The whole thing is really well designed, in terms of the audio path, and the amplifier in the Roomplayer I is really, really good. The first time I heard them it was on a 20+year old set of Vandersteens and it sounded amazing. Simple also produces the Roomplayer II, which has no amp so you can use it as just a transport. -= Jim JimC's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=9428 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
Maybe it is the notoriously hard to get gapless on dlna , that throw of developers of other platforms to not think about it ? Mnyb's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=4143 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
Pascal Hibon wrote: I have been looking too for an SB replacement but havent found one yet. I even bought a Sonos ZP90 several months ago to try the system. Sonos lacks a lot of basic functionally that SB had since many years. If your used the SB system then Sonos is not an option. In the mean time I have sold my ZP90. Another one I looked at is Cambridge Audios NP30 http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/summary.php?PID=604 . This one seems to come close but due to its price I havent tested it yet. The only downside I see is that it uses UPnP. To be honest I have no experience with that but Im afraid that UPnP is not ideal for large music libraries. Apart from that it still looks like a decent candidate to me (I should mention that I dont use synchronised players). What did you find lacking on the Sonos? NeilF's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=13059 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
NeilF wrote: What did you find lacking on the Sonos? Well, it has been a while since I used the Sonos system but here is what I remember from using it for a while: * There is no visible indication of what the ZP90 is doing. The white LED on the front of the device is always on (or always off; this configurable) but it does not give an indication of the players status. Is the player streaming or not; impossible to know just by looking at the player. It is only by picking up a remote or running the desktop app that the status is revealed. * Lack of an infrared remote. I find an IR remote very useful; for example to quickly mute the device when the phone rings. I also use a Harmony remote in my system and I often use that to skip songs to. The Harmony also toggles power on the Squeezebox when required. This is not possible with Sonos. * A list of new music is not available. This is a feature I very often use on my Squeezeboxes. I find such a list very useful to quickly get t an album that I recently ripped. * Albums are not listed by date. There is no way to influence how Sonos organizes albums when browsing for albums by artist. * The iPod / iPhone remote often had troubles finding the ZP90 player. Had to restart it a couple of times before it finds the player. This might be related to my old gen 2 iPod Touch but I dont have such issues with iPeng. * The iPod Touch app uses too small cover art and font to list albums. This makes it quite difficult to read the display. * Random song mix is possible on Sonos but it is rather implemented as a bad workaround. One needs to add his entire music library to the current playlist and then activate random play. * Very poor WAV file support. An apparent issue is that Sonos is not able to list Various Artist when using WAV files. * 65k song limit. This is even influenced in a negative way if playlists are used. This limitation exists because of their server less system. In fact, one of the zone players takes on the role of a server. Given the fact that zone players have limited cpu power, limits start to arise such as the 65k song limit. True, I dont have 65k songs in my library today but these are typical limits I want to avoid. * Many of the above items have been listed on the Sonos forums. Many of these have been reported since many years, yet Sonos did nothing about it to this day. In that sense, Sonos is even worse than Logitech for listening to their customers. In short, Sonos is no match for the user friendliness a Squeezebox system gives you. I have been spoiled by Squeezebox since 2005 and I just cant live without the many great features it has. Some of the listed items may seem as minor, but believe me; youll get tired of the many shortcomings of a Sonos system after using them for a while. Once you are used to Squeezebox system, there are very little systems out there that can compete with the user experience a Squeezebox brings to the table. Pascal Hibon's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=7969 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
garym wrote: interesting, looks like a higher end sonos. doesn't seem to do deal with music services. Not sure about serving library eitherassume also DLNA. All this makes me appreciate my SB setup more and more It uses a Windows- or OSX-based application to serve the library to the boxes. You can control the devices using an iOS-app or the PC/Mac. This gives the advantage of not having all the complexity inherent in DLNA/UPnP services, but has the downside of needing the computer to be running whenever you want to get to your music. Some cool things it does: 1. Supports multiple users, and each can have a different view of the library, as well as personal favorites, etc. 2. Elegantly handles libraries that go missing. For example, if one of the libraries is on a laptop, and that laptop is unavailable, that portion of the user's view won't show up until the library is back. 3. Uses Powerline networking so you get wired performance without having to run new wires. Some cool things it doesn't do (yet): 1. Doesn't support sync playback if you have multiple units 2. Doesn't support gapless playback 3. Doesn't support Android-based phones/tablets for control 4. Doesn't support many music services (currently only supports TuneIn, We7, and Deezer) 5. Isn't available in a 110V version for the U.S. (only for UK and EU customers!) DISCLAIMER: I used to work for Logitech, on the Squeezebox products. I moved to Corsair, who recently acquired Simple Audio. I am not responsible for selling Simple Audio products, but I do know a fair bit about both architectures so I can answer questions related to comparing the two platforms. JimC's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=9428 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
Has anyone brought up the Nuvo line of wireless players yet? They do play high-res files and they work with wireless but they require their own gateway router. One interesting feature is that if you attach a USB hard drive to any player, the player will allow that music to be played and perhaps streamed to other rooms, like the Touch's built-in server. Here's the PCMag review: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2413360,00.asp Here's the company website: http://www.nuvotechnologies.com/wireless-systems If this system has been brought up previously, sorry for the repetition. jimzak's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=17592 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
Just saying, a raspberrypi (3 Watts) running squeezeplug works great if you don't mind HDMI out. Silent, cheap, low-power - does it all. Argus argusalverde's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=58377 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
I am thinking about a Pi Plug player directly into my Onkyo via HDMI. What do folks think about the merits of HDMI against Optical or Coaxial digital? d6jg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=44051 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
d6jg wrote: I am thinking about a Pi Plug player directly into my Onkyo via HDMI. What do folks think about the merits of HDMI against Optical or Coaxial digital? I think usb to an async dac is probably better - I believe its only recent versions of HDMI which have supported the HDMI device controlling the playback clock. The pi works well with usb 2 devices, but has problems with usb 1/1.1 devices. However if the HDMI works for you then its a good solution.. Triode's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=17 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
Thanks Triode. Good suggestion. I already have a Behringer UAC202 which I use for digitising vinyl. That has an passthrough Optical out as well as Analogue and should work with a Pi as a USB sound card without any additional drivers I imagine. I like my main Living Room player (SB3) connected both digitally and analogue to benefit from Onkyo's Zone 2 output which I fire at a headphone amp. A Pi DAC could ultimately replace that. A Pi is definitely food for thought (excuse the pun). d6jg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=44051 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
Well I'm now testing the following: Asset UPNP, with a highly customized browse tree. I have a small AsRock ION computer that is steatlthy quiet running headless with J River as the UPNP renderer-WASAPI Event Style-M2Tech Hiface BubbleUPNP on my android phone. Asset is free for basic functionality. Any UPNP render will work. There are some dirt cheap options. BubbleUPNP is $5 for the add free version. If it works well over the next little bit I'll upgrade the hiface to an Audiophilleo2. -- Jeff Flowerday Jeff Flowerday's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=15883 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
Jeff Flowerday;698316 Wrote: Well I'm now testing the following: Asset UPNP, with a highly customized browse tree. I have a small AsRock ION computer that is steatlthy quiet running headless with J River as the UPNP renderer-WASAPI Event Style-M2Tech Hiface BubbleUPNP on my android phone. Asset is free for basic functionality. Any UPNP render will work. There are some dirt cheap options. BubbleUPNP is $5 for the add free version. If it works well over the next little bit I'll upgrade the hiface to an Audiophilleo2. I've followed this development (from just reading the dbpa forum). Looks like you can also get internet radio, but not necessarily anything like MOG, pandora, etc. Is this correct? Also, not clear that I'd be able to do synch to different players. Correct? But I do assume that Spoon has solved the DLNA gapless issue. Correct? -- garym *Location 1:* VB Appliance 6TB (1.10) LMS 7.7.1 Transporter, Touch, Boom, Radio w/Battery (all ethernet except Radio) *Location 2:* VB Appliance 3TB (2.0) LMS 7.7.1 Touch Benchmark DAC I, Boom, Radio w/Battery (all ethernet except Radio) *Office:* Win7(64) LMS 7.7.1 SqueezePlay Retired: SB3, Duet Receiver Controllers: iPhone4S (iPeng), iPad2 (iPengHD SqueezePad), CONTROLLER, or SqueezePlay 7.7 on Win7(64) laptop Ripping (FLAC) - dbpoweramp, Additional Tagging - mp3tag garym's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=17325 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
garym;698317 Wrote: I've followed this development (from just reading the dbpa forum). Looks like you can also get internet radio, but not necessarily anything like MOG, pandora, etc. Is this correct? Also, not clear that I'd be able to do synch to different players. Correct? But I do assume that Spoon has solved the DLNA gapless issue. Correct? Your correct on the internet radio. I have a large enough music collection that I can never get it all listened to so radio and other streaming providers are my last concern. As for gappless, I haven't tried that yet. I'll throw DSOTM on when I get home tonight and see what happens. Thanks for bringing it up that would be a deal breaker for me. http://forum.dbpoweramp.com/showthread.php?25533-Gapless-playback-in-Assethighlight=gapless According to spoon, gapless needs to be dealt with properly by the UPNP renderer. I would hope J River would do it properly, but I'll find out tonight. -- Jeff Flowerday Jeff Flowerday's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=15883 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
Jeff Flowerday;698322 Wrote: Your correct on the internet radio. I have a large enough music collection that I can never get it all listened to, so radio and other streaming providers are my last concern. As for gappless, I haven't tried that yet. I'll throw DSOTM on when I get home tonight and see what happens. Thanks for bringing it up that would be a deal breaker for me. http://forum.dbpoweramp.com/showthread.php?25533-Gapless-playback-in-Assethighlight=gapless According to spoon, gapless needs to be dealt with properly by the UPNP renderer. I would hope J River would do it properly, but I'll find out tonight. thanks for checking on gapless... and on the synching question? I'm guessing no synching across multiple players? -- garym *Location 1:* VB Appliance 6TB (1.10) LMS 7.7.1 Transporter, Touch, Boom, Radio w/Battery (all ethernet except Radio) *Location 2:* VB Appliance 3TB (2.0) LMS 7.7.1 Touch Benchmark DAC I, Boom, Radio w/Battery (all ethernet except Radio) *Office:* Win7(64) LMS 7.7.1 SqueezePlay Retired: SB3, Duet Receiver Controllers: iPhone4S (iPeng), iPad2 (iPengHD SqueezePad), CONTROLLER, or SqueezePlay 7.7 on Win7(64) laptop Ripping (FLAC) - dbpoweramp, Additional Tagging - mp3tag garym's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=17325 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
garym;698323 Wrote: thanks for checking on gapless... and on the synching question? I'm guessing no synching across multiple players? I don't think there is syncing, I edited my post above as you posted this. -- Jeff Flowerday Jeff Flowerday's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=15883 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
So far the only feature that I used very minimally is current playing reorganization. I can't see a way to reorder tracks in the current playing list. You can add and delete which is the important thing, I guess. -- Jeff Flowerday Jeff Flowerday's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=15883 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
There is nothing preventing gapless from working on DLNA renderers, it's just a matter of proper playback design, but most of these are very dumb devices and not likely to care about gapless. Sync is not something that is supported by DLNA at all. I suppose someone could design a protocol extension but you'd have to use products by only that vendor, etc. -- andyg andyg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3292 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
Jeff Flowerday;698322 Wrote: ...gapless needs to be dealt with properly by the UPNP renderer. I would hope J River would do it properly, but I'll find out tonight. It's working great with MC17 and Whitebear/SBS. Both the JRiver folks and AndrewFG have worked hard to make this a reality. -- MrC MrC's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=468 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
andyg;698340 Wrote: There is nothing preventing gapless from working on DLNA renderers, it's just a matter of proper playback design, but most of these are very dumb devices and not likely to care about gapless. Isn't it, that the Controller has to observe the renderer to provide the next song, when the previous has finished (like on Squeezeboxes, that you only have one track in the playlist). Or is there something in the protocol, that a Controller could send the URL of the next song, before the Renderer actually finished the current track? -- bluegaspode Did you know: *'SqueezePlayer' (www.squeezeplayer.com)* will stream all your music to your Android device. Take your music everywhere! Remote Control + Streaming to your iPad? *'Squeezebox + iPad = SqueezePad ' (www.squeezepad.com)* Want to see a Weather Forecast on your Radio/Touch/Controller ? = why not try my 'Weather Forecast Applet' (http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=73827) Want to use the Headphones with your Controller ? = why not try my 'Headphone Switcher Applet' (http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=67139) bluegaspode's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=31651 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
There is support for a Next URL, but yeah both the controller and renderer need to support it. You can also do it by sending m3u playlists which the renderer will expand I think. -- andyg andyg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3292 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
andyg;698366 Wrote: You can also do it by sending m3u playlists which the renderer will expand I think. But most renderers don't understand these since they are usually not supposed to hold a playlist (the controller does that). -- pippin --- see iPeng, the Squeezebox iPhone remote, iPeng for iPad and *New: iPeng Party, the free party App*, at penguinlovesmusic.com pippin's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=13777 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
garym;698323 Wrote: thanks for checking on gapless... and on the synching question? I'm guessing no synching across multiple players? Gapless isn't working. Fortunately there are a couple options for controlling J River directly via iOS and Android. -- Jeff Flowerday Jeff Flowerday's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=15883 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
The use case for me that nobody but logitech seems to care about is the bedroom stereo. When my alarm goes off I don't want to have to pick up my phone, make sure it's connected to wi-fi and in the right app just to be able to adjust the volume or skip a track. I've actually been thinking about getting another duet as backup in case this one dies because it's the exact setup I want. -- qirex qirex's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=1536 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
Well, they do make a good bedside mono, though. -- pippin --- see iPeng, the Squeezebox iPhone remote and *New: iPeng for iPad*, at penguinlovesmusic.com pippin's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=13777 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
iPeng running on iDevices of your choice are the best alternative to Squeezebox in my opinion. You can even serve the music and host a private WiFi ad-hoc hotspot from a tiny mini computer - portable and mobile if you wish too. -- MelonMonkey Bruno *'Twisted Melon - IR remote solutions for Mac, Boxee Box, Windows and Linux' (http://twistedmelon.com/shop/?show=bug1)* MelonMonkey's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=8466 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
DaveWr;695954 Wrote: Good news - but with UPNP DLNA skills - Not Revue 2! Dave That is a bit worrying upnp/dlna whatever has that to do with squeezeboxes :confused: -- Mnyb Main hifi: Touch + CIA PS +MeridianG68J MeridianHD621 MeridianG98DH 2 x MeridianDSP5200 MeridianDSP5200HC 2 xMeridianDSP3100 +Rel Stadium 3 sub. Bedroom/Office: Boom Kitchen: Touch + powered Fostex PM0.4 Misc use: Radio (with battery) iPad1 with iPengHD SqueezePad (in storage SB3, reciever ,controller ) http://people.xiph.org/~xiphmont/demo/neil-young.html Mnyb's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=4143 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
You should ignore most of what is in any job posting, as a general rule. :) -- andyg andyg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3292 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
andyg;696564 Wrote: You should ignore most of what is in any job posting, as a general rule. :) Yeah I would not qualify for my own job Today if I go by the adds my company sets up for new colleagues to me :) -- Mnyb Main hifi: Touch + CIA PS +MeridianG68J MeridianHD621 MeridianG98DH 2 x MeridianDSP5200 MeridianDSP5200HC 2 xMeridianDSP3100 +Rel Stadium 3 sub. Bedroom/Office: Boom Kitchen: Touch + powered Fostex PM0.4 Misc use: Radio (with battery) iPad1 with iPengHD SqueezePad (in storage SB3, reciever ,controller ) http://people.xiph.org/~xiphmont/demo/neil-young.html Mnyb's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=4143 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
Jokke;695863 Wrote: what about onkyo t-4070? Looks like an overpriced ($ 1,200) streaming box with AirPlay. May as well get a Transporter or five SB Touch players for that price. ;) -- toby10 toby10's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=12553 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
verypsb;695686 Wrote: I don't like the fact that development seems non-existent, Maybe things are changing - they are hiring 2 development engineers http://forums.slimdevices.com/showpost.php?p=695879postcount=27 -- bpa bpa's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=1806 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
bpa;695903 Wrote: Maybe things are changing - they are hiring 2 development engineers http://forums.slimdevices.com/showpost.php?p=695879postcount=27 Good news - but with UPNP DLNA skills - Not Revue 2! Dave -- DaveWr DaveWr's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=9331 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
Why on earth would you look for an inferior alternative? Squeezebox is a one of a kind. It is for this reason you even have to ask such a question in the first place. It is also for that reason that I think the future is bright. How could you think otherwise? Simply because they are not into planned obsolescence and a continual cycle of change-for-the-sake-of-change and spinning wheels without traction? The system is already nigh on perfect. -- amey01 amey01's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=11274 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
amey01;695685 Wrote: Why on earth would you look for an inferior alternative? I don't like the fact that development seems non-existent, that the choice of Squeezeboxmodels is shrinking rapidly. I think the market wants a Boom II (or a Receiver II / Touch II with amp), a Receiver II and maybe a Touch II (a working embedded LMS server without limitations). The Boom II Receiver II are the most obvious omissions compared to the competition... -- verypsb ::Please vote::: '::bug 1330:: New music should work on creation date' (http://bugs.slimdevices.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1330) '::bug 2140:: Allow specification of SlimServer address' (http://bugs.slimdevices.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2140) '::bug 17205:: Artists with accented characters not correctly sorted in pagebar' (http://bugs.slimdevices.com/show_bug.cgi?id=17205) '::bug 17542:: Albums not credited to Album Artist' (http://bugs.slimdevices.com/show_bug.cgi?id=17542) '::bug 17799:: Use a separator such as 'Also appears on' when viewing the albums by an artist' (http://bugs.slimdevices.com/show_bug.cgi?id=17799) 1x Boom, 1x Classic, 3x Controller, 2x Receiver, 1x Touch (waiting for a Boom II, Receiver II Touch II) verypsb's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=17295 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
Pascal Hibon;695433 Wrote: Linn is not a multi-room system either. You can't synchronize different players. So in that sence it can't be an alternative to Squeezebox. Incorrect, Songcast built into Linn DS boxes allows synchronised playback. I own two DSs and 3 Squeezeboxes + a partly dead Boom. David -- DaveWr DaveWr's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=9331 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
verypsb;695686 Wrote: I don't like the fact that development seems non-existent, that the choice of Squeezeboxmodels is shrinking rapidly. I think you're right and the virtually zero presence of Squeezebox on the UK high street doesn't do much for the confidence of potential purchasers. There are 53 wireless music players on the website of the John Lewis department store, there are Sonos, Airplay, Bluetooth players and one or two others between £84.99 and £1,199 but none are Squeezebox. I realise that a Bluetooth player isn't in the same league as a Squeezebox but it's all some people require to play music from their ithing. -- amrace amrace's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=5888 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
If you want sound quality then a good alternative would be a Shuttle XH61 which is essentially a small form factor PC with zero fan cooling and the facility to stick in a really quick processor. Then connect that to a USB DAC. -- stop-spinning stop-spinning's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=43254 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
what about onkyo t-4070? -- Jokke Jokke's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=42574 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
dennis55;695363 Wrote: i had a serious look at the Linn streaming solution before i purchased the Transporter. the major drawback for me was that their DS streamers are ETHERNET only,plus a very clunky interface. they originally also had no user access to internet radio... i'm still happy with my Transporter amd LMS dennis Linn is not a multi-room system either. You can't synchronize different players. So in that sence it can't be an alternative to Squeezebox. -- Pascal Hibon 1 x SB3, 1 x SB Boom, 1 x SB Radio and 1 x SB Touch - all wireless ReadyNAS NVX running LMS 7.7.1. w iTunes plugin iPeng on iPod Touch. SqueezePad iPeng on iPad. Pascal Hibon's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=7969 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
garym;694810 Wrote: interesting, looks like a higher end sonos. doesn't seem to do deal with music services. Not sure about serving library eitherassume also DLNA. All this makes me appreciate my SB setup more and more The integration of powerline technology is neat, Logitech should make a Receiver II with that functionality, too. ;) -- signor_rossi signor_rossi's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=11941 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
your momo;694825 Wrote: Why from Linn? ...sounds much more Sonos like but in a black flat package Very strange claim about 24bits HD audio ...but nothing about sample rate, might be not more than 48kHz, so not better than a 7 years old SB3 Amazing how hard it is to find a tempting alternative to SB line after all those years Logitech could rule this world if only they would made an effort on installation process for newbee and put decent MCU RAM in SB Touch to make it able to run LMS stand alone Because the team doing this are part ex Linn staff. -- DaveWr DaveWr's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=9331 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
i had a serious look at the Linn streaming solution before i purchased the Transporter. the major drawback for me was that their DS streamers are ETHERNET only,plus a very clunky interface. they originally also had no user access to internet radio... i'm still happy with my Transporter amd LMS dennis -- dennis55 Slim Devices/Logitech Transporter Bonnec Audiosysteme Timpano Preamplifier Linn Products Akurate C4200 Amplifier (4x 200w) Totem Acoustics Forest (Biwired/Amped) SqueezeBox Radio Duet Controller SqueezeBoxserver on SheevaPlug SqueezeCommander on Samsung Galaxy S2 Linn LP12/Cirkus/Ekos2/Dynavector DV17D2/Linn Linto/Linn Lingo1 dennis55's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=8884 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
gfrnd;694721 Wrote: One possible alternative is the Linn DS system; even their least expensive equipment is higher than SB but they do function in many ways that are similar, including hi rez FLAC. I wouldn't call a Linn system with a price tag of #8364; 2000,- an alternative to a Touch with a price tag of #8364; 200,- (ok, #8364; 300,-) Higher price tag would be an understatement... -- verypsb ::Please vote::: '::bug 1330:: New music should work on creation date' (http://bugs.slimdevices.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1330) '::bug 2140:: Allow specification of SlimServer address' (http://bugs.slimdevices.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2140) '::bug 17205:: Artists with accented characters not correctly sorted in pagebar' (http://bugs.slimdevices.com/show_bug.cgi?id=17205) '::bug 17542:: Albums not credited to Album Artist' (http://bugs.slimdevices.com/show_bug.cgi?id=17542) '::bug 17799:: Use a separator such as 'Also appears on' when viewing the albums by an artist' (http://bugs.slimdevices.com/show_bug.cgi?id=17799) 1x Boom, 1x Classic, 2x Controller, 2x Receiver, 1x Touch verypsb's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=17295 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
One possible alternative is the Linn DS system; even their least expensive equipment is higher than SB but they do function in many ways that are similar, including hi rez FLAC. Given the concerns about SB longevity I have bought a couple of Linn Boxes and they work great, I use them in parallel to SB because I am convinced I want to be able to stream. Limited or no controls on the boxes (depending on which one) but good IPad and pretty good Android controller options. Critics have said systems are very complex, but after spending my time getting and keeping SB systems running, setting up the Linn was very straightforward. I run both LMS and AssetUPnP on my server (WHS11) off of the same music directory. Linn seems very committed to streaming, they continue to upgrade their boxes and promote them heavily. I haven't as of now done A/B with the transporter but will get around to it at some point. -- gfrnd gfrnd's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=22256 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
I'm curious as I've read different things about the Linn approach (and don't read any subtle, SB approach is better message in my questions. I'm really just curious (and certainly NOT hoping I have to move from SB stuff). 1. What do you use as the server (equivalent to LMS). Is it any sort of DLNA setup or is there something specific to the LINN. And whatever this is can also be controlled with apps on iphones, ipad, etc. 2. I assume no problem with gapless 3. what about things like dynamic playlists, etc. does whatever is serving the Linn have similar options? 4. Does the Linn server also work in conjunction with something that allows me to stream internet radio, services such as MOG or spotify, siriusXM radio, etc.? -- garym *Location 1:* VB Appliance 6TB (1.10) LMS 7.7.1 Transporter, Touch, Boom, Radio w/Battery (all ethernet except Radio) *Location 2:* VB Appliance 3TB (2.0) LMS 7.7.1 Touch Benchmark DAC I, Boom, Radio w/Battery (all ethernet except Radio) *Office:* Win7(64) LMS 7.7.1 SqueezePlay Retired: SB3, Duet Receiver Controllers: iPhone (iPeng), iPad (iPengHD SqueezePad), CONTROLLER, or SqueezePlay 7.7 on Win7(64) laptop Ripping (FLAC) - dbpoweramp, Additional Tagging - mp3tag garym's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=17325 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
As a Linn and SB user: 1) Linn stuff uses UPNP DLNA servers. You can use LMS. I run LMS for my SBs, but I also have a newer server, which is free called Minimserver. This provides some better search trees. I also run the iPAD control software from Linn called Kinsky also free. There are many other third part control point solutions. 2) Gapless no problem, but my server solution doesn't support replaygain. I think JRiver does? 3) No dynamic play listing from my control point. I think some servers can. 4) Linn seem to do software updates about twice a year. The latest added Airplay, allowing iThings to send audio straight to the DS, also Songcast which is available for PC and Mac, this can send Hires up to 192/24 streams to the DS. Internet radio is supported through an external web provider. No integration for MOG, Spotify, etc. - expectation is run their application and send to DS using Songcast. Finally 5 year warranty on hardware. Expensive but good, although not really the answer for a houseful. Dave -- DaveWr DaveWr's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=9331 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
I'm looking forward to the reviews on the Simaudio solution. http://www.simaudio.com/pr_180MiND.htm -- Jeff Flowerday Jeff Flowerday's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=15883 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
DaveWr;694755 Wrote: As a Linn and SB user: 1) Linn stuff uses UPNP DLNA servers. You can use LMS. I run LMS for my SBs, but I also have a newer server, which is free called Minimserver. This provides some better search trees. I also run the iPAD control software from Linn called Kinsky also free. There are many other third part control point solutions. 2) Gapless no problem, but my server solution doesn't support replaygain. I think JRiver does? 3) No dynamic play listing from my control point. I think some servers can. 4) Linn seem to do software updates about twice a year. The latest added Airplay, allowing iThings to send audio straight to the DS, also Songcast which is available for PC and Mac, this can send Hires up to 192/24 streams to the DS. Internet radio is supported through an external web provider. No integration for MOG, Spotify, etc. - expectation is run their application and send to DS using Songcast. Finally 5 year warranty on hardware. Expensive but good, although not really the answer for a houseful. Dave Thanks Dave! -- garym *Location 1:* VB Appliance 6TB (1.10) LMS 7.7.1 Transporter, Touch, Boom, Radio w/Battery (all ethernet except Radio) *Location 2:* VB Appliance 3TB (2.0) LMS 7.7.1 Touch Benchmark DAC I, Boom, Radio w/Battery (all ethernet except Radio) *Office:* Win7(64) LMS 7.7.1 SqueezePlay Retired: SB3, Duet Receiver Controllers: iPhone (iPeng), iPad (iPengHD SqueezePad), CONTROLLER, or SqueezePlay 7.7 on Win7(64) laptop Ripping (FLAC) - dbpoweramp, Additional Tagging - mp3tag garym's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=17325 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
Jeff Flowerday;694773 Wrote: I'm looking forward to the reviews on the Simaudio solution. http://www.simaudio.com/pr_180MiND.htm They state on their site: 'The MOON 180 MiND will be available in April 2012 with an MSRP $1,250.00 USD' They forgot to say on 1st April at that ridiculous price. -- castalla 1 Touch - Muse M50 EX TPA3123 T-Amp Mini - Acoustics Q10 speakers - 2 duff ears - purfek! 1 Logitech Radio + remote - purfek! castalla's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=15624 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
@garym There is also this startup, a spin off from Linn: http://simpleaudio.co.uk/overview Dave -- DaveWr DaveWr's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=9331 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
DaveWr;694791 Wrote: @garym There is also this startup, a spin off from Linn: http://simpleaudio.co.uk/overview Dave interesting, looks like a higher end sonos. doesn't seem to do deal with music services. Not sure about serving library eitherassume also DLNA. All this makes me appreciate my SB setup more and more -- garym *Location 1:* VB Appliance 6TB (1.10) LMS 7.7.1 Transporter, Touch, Boom, Radio w/Battery (all ethernet except Radio) *Location 2:* VB Appliance 3TB (2.0) LMS 7.7.1 Touch Benchmark DAC I, Boom, Radio w/Battery (all ethernet except Radio) *Office:* Win7(64) LMS 7.7.1 SqueezePlay Retired: SB3, Duet Receiver Controllers: iPhone (iPeng), iPad (iPengHD SqueezePad), CONTROLLER, or SqueezePlay 7.7 on Win7(64) laptop Ripping (FLAC) - dbpoweramp, Additional Tagging - mp3tag garym's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=17325 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
Yes, a little bit more effort on product and then promotion and Squeeze could easily have had all the Sonos space. -- DaveWr DaveWr's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=9331 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
DaveWr;694791 Wrote: @garym There is also this startup, a spin off from Linn: http://simpleaudio.co.uk/overview Dave Why from Linn? ...sounds much more Sonos like but in a black flat package Very strange claim about 24bits HD audio ...but nothing about sample rate, might be not more than 48kHz, so not better than a 7 years old SB3 Amazing how hard it is to find a tempting alternative to SB line after all those years Logitech could rule this world if only they would made an effort on installation process for newbee and put decent MCU RAM in SB Touch to make it able to run LMS stand alone -- your momo your momo's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=8095 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
Anyone experience with the Onkyo T-4070? -- Jokke Jokke's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=42574 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
The X10 will act as a UpnP (Universal Plug Play) Server, devices like PC's, Phones and Tablets can stream music from the X10. A UPnP client - and X10 without a hard drive can access an X10 with a hard drive (UPnP Server) and play music streamed from the Server. This allows music to be played in different rooms from the X10 Server. The X10 works as a Server to the Sonos System allowing ripping of CD's without the use of a computer. -- Monkeysage Monkeysage's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=52050 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
Personally I dont really like these all-in-one box solutions. At first glance, they all look very appealing but the biggest issue with these things is that one has very little control over the ripping and tagging process. When it comes to tagging music files you always need to double check whether the downloaded information is correct and consistent with the way you want it. That is not so obvious with these all-in-one boxes. -- Pascal Hibon 2 x SB3, 1 x SB Boom and 1 x SB Radio - all wireless ReadyNAS NVX running SBS iPeng on iPod Touch. SqueezePad on iPad. Pascal Hibon's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=7969 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
Pascal Hibon;675197 Wrote: Personally I dont really like these all-in-one box solutions. At first glance, they all look very appealing but the biggest issue with these things is that one has very little control over the ripping and tagging process. When it comes to tagging music files you always need to double check whether the downloaded information is correct and consistent with the way you want it. That is not so obvious with these all-in-one boxes. you mean like vortexbox? As the owner and user of two vortexbox appliances, I agree. Nothing against the automatic vb approach (and I played with it just to see how it works, etc.). But for my ripping, I use dbpa to rip to FLAC (I'm particularly fond of ACCURATERIP, which VB doesn't have), then I make sure my tags and art is exactly what I want, then I use dbpa to create mp3 mirror (for my iphone/ipods). Then I move all this stuff onto the Vortexbox Appliances from my windows machine (over my network). Yes, a few steps and not automatic but it is an easy work flow and I know that what I end up with is exactly what I really want -- garym Location 1: Vortexbox Appliance 6TB (1.10) SbS 7.6.2 Transporter, Touch, Boom, Radio w/Battery (all ethernet except Radio) Location 2: Win7(64) laptop LMS 7.7.1 Touch Benchmark DAC I, Boom, Radio w/Battery (all ethernet except Radio and laptop) Office: Win7(64) LMS 7.7.1 SqueezePlay Retired: SB3, Duet Receiver Controllers: iPhone (iPeng), iPad (iPengHD SqueezePad), CONTROLLER, or SqueezePlay 7.7 on Win7(64) laptop Ripping (FLAC) - dbpoweramp, Additional Tagging - mp3tag garym's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=17325 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
garym;675198 Wrote: you mean like vortexbox? As the owner and user of two vortexbox appliances, I agree. Nothing against the automatic vb approach (and I played with it just to see how it works, etc.). But for my ripping, I use dbpa to rip to FLAC (I'm particularly fond of ACCURATERIP, which VB doesn't have), then I make sure my tags and art is exactly what I want, then I use dbpa to create mp3 mirror (for my iphone/ipods). Then I move all this stuff onto the Vortexbox Appliances from my windows machine (over my network). Yes, a few steps and not automatic but it is an easy work flow and I know that what I end up with is exactly what I really want For me the ease of use and automation wins out over some tagging inaccuracies, however what I will do is every month or so I use mp3tag to access the files on my vortexbox and correct any tags for new music - the tagging is actually pretty good now and I would say 80% of the time I am happy, however for something recent like Wilko's new album vortexbox didn't return any genre or year tags so I keen to correct that! I also use bliss or the vortexbox 'get cover art' button for cover art which is very good for updating artwork. I guess one of the plus points for vortexbox is that you can easily get in afterwards to correct the results and it includes tools to help that -- socistep socistep's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=18860 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
garym;675198 Wrote: you mean like vortexbox? I was referring to the boxes such as Cocktail Audio, Olive and the likes but I guess it would also apply to the Vortexbox. The Vortexbox is probably a bit more open than solutions like Cocktail Audio and Olive. To each his own but I prefer to separate storage, ripping / tagging and streaming tasks. This way I maximize flexibility of the system. -- Pascal Hibon 2 x SB3, 1 x SB Boom and 1 x SB Radio - all wireless ReadyNAS NVX running SBS iPeng on iPod Touch. SqueezePad on iPad. Pascal Hibon's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=7969 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
This sounds like Logitech needs to get sales up ;-) and have this business successful. Than it would be my Christmas wish to Logitech ! -- AndreE == Duet: 2 Controllers + 4 Receivers and 1 Touch Intel Atom 330 Linux Server wired Ethernet to 1Gb Switch -- Router -- DSL -- net... and happy Family ! AndreE's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=30476 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
toby10;673022 Wrote: Does Apple/Airplay have as many third party services as does SB or Sonos? I'm asking, I don't know. :) It has more really. The way AirPlay works is that you can stream the audio bitstream of apps that are running on an iOS device to an AirPlay output device. So for example you can open your third party app (or maybe website) on your iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad and can then broadcast the audio to your Apple TV/AirPort Express/other AirPlay output device. It isn't as integrated as the Squeezebox approach, but it does have the benefit that third party services can just be added without the and code needing to be written by Apple to support each new service. In many other ways of course it is far less capable than Squeezebox. -- andynormancx Yes, it will. Yes, all of them. Yes, SoftSqueeze as well. What ? I SAID ALL OF THEM ! andynormancx's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=17417 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
That is just one of the many advantages of Squeezebox; no matter how one wants to use it, it is supported by the system. Users have the option to use a computer (PC / laptop) to control the system. But users who don't want to use a computer (PC / laptop) to control the system have many options too (iPones, iPads, Android devices and even Blackberry). Same thing goes for the local server: users have the choise not to have a local server, or run the local server on a NAS, PC, laptop etc. The Squeezebox system is able to integrate into your existing environment very easy and adapt itself to your way of working. -- Pascal Hibon 2 x SB3, 1 x SB Boom and 1 x SB Radio - all wireless ReadyNAS NVX running SBS iPeng on iPod Touch. SqueezePad on iPad. Pascal Hibon's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=7969 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
The discussion is getting hot ;-) There was quite simple question: what can be used as an alternative to my duet? Receiving an offer for Apple TV (second generation) with price tag below 100 Euro (Touch costs still 250+) I see it would be hard to keep the battle Again, I am happy with my Logitech setup, just worry about its future. if mysb.com will be off will my whole system be able to listen radio? -- AndreE == Duet: 2 Controllers + 4 Receivers and 1 Touch Intel Atom 330 Linux Server wired Ethernet to 1Gb Switch -- Router -- DSL -- net... and happy Family ! AndreE's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=30476 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
As a result of my quest for an alternative system to Squeezebox I'm going to buy a Touch. The store where I usually buy these thing have them for 239 Euro. They are currently sold out though. I guess this is due to the holiday season. I sold one of my SB3's when I bought the Sonos ZP90. But now that I've sold the Sonos player I'm going to complete my system again with a Touch. For me there is still no Squeezebox alternative out there. As to your question about listening to radio streams without mysqueezebox.com, yes that is possible. You can use a local server instead, or you can use TinySBS inside the Touch. Many radio stations have an URL for audio streaming and don't require a plugin. -- Pascal Hibon 2 x SB3, 1 x SB Boom and 1 x SB Radio - all wireless ReadyNAS NVX running SBS iPeng on iPod Touch. SqueezePad on iPad. Pascal Hibon's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=7969 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
AndreE;674669 Wrote: T. if mysb.com will be off will my whole system be able to listen radio? As Pascal suggests, yes. But in a very limited capacity. You would loose all Apps and services hosted by MySB, along with all internet based stream navigation. The only thing that *might* work within the Internet Radio menu item at all is Tune In URL, everything else in that menu is hosted by TuneIn.com which would not be usable absent MySB. Internet Radio usage would essentially be down too cut paste basic URLS's from other programs into your Favorites. -- toby10 toby10's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=12553 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
I would agree with most arguments listed above. One observation raises some questions on my side. Ive just recently visited Hi-Fi shop next to me to have a look on local offering and prices (thinking to upgrade my already aging home cinema) and what Ive seen was a bit surprising. Majority of vendors is moving towards AirPlay or DLNA, or both together. Most common platforms offer iPad/iPhone plugs, it might be for extra money or not - it does no matter for this discussion. For me it is an indicator about the market need or market development trend. Some years ago I was looking on Philips audio devices and was puzzled what DLNA could actually mean - now it is everywhere. It was too complex to understand and to configure, documentation was huge at that time. Most of you say that server is essential - agree, but we do have it on each Apple notebook or even Windows one when we install iTune. When I recall my experience with iTune - it is easy to install (it was actually one click), no extra configuration. When I wanted to rip CD - again it was done with one click. When I wanted to change tags - it is part of iTune functionality - it was very easy and very intuitive. Meaning average not-computer addicted person can do it with no special education. Whole cycle is done using preconfigured software named iTune. I guess whole story is about usability. I would not invent the wheel by saying that complexity limits the market. I see that it was exactly this for Squeeze devices. I do not want to hammer it, just share the observation and experience. Visiting this shop I had a talk about possibilities available at many devices, and I was very surprised about the progress made by the industry over several, actually just few years. Most devices can a lot now: play net radio, play from HDD or USB stick, many support FLAC now, can synchronously play over the net. Majority supports up to 5 devices or even more at the same time. Most have one-two pages documentation how to configure the device quickly. In the same time have full set of possible features to tweak anything e.g. IP addressed, network settings and many other things. Even offer external over the net device management like Duet does. One of most astonishing messages on the label was: Radio: 2.000+ stations. I see that niche becomes small, very packed by elephants, and as it is written in many strategy books - niche position is difficult to keep over long time. There is only one way to get on track - to get out of niche and become a player on mass market. Logitech knows how to do it - look on devices around the globe. Each of us has one or more ;-) - I type this message on Logitech keyboard and using Logitech mouse. But this is a bit different market, would it work for Squeeze devices? Staying in this niche seems to me become vitally dangerous. -- AndreE == Duet: 2 Controllers + 4 Receivers and 1 Touch Intel Atom 330 Linux Server wired Ethernet to 1Gb Switch -- Router -- DSL -- net... and happy Family ! AndreE's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=30476 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
It will be hard to find such a inexpensive, flexible hardware and software solution to just streaming music. The inexpensive part really fits with the Logitech image in my mind. The flexibility fits with Slim Devices image. Anyone that is having consistent problems likely has a software or hardware kink that can be ironed out. Yes, it's a pain sometimes, but worth the trouble. My upgrade to 7.6.1 was particularly difficult; at one point I was sabotaged by a malformed jpeg file. All of us in the U.S. should advertise on Craigslist as self-certified installers for SqueezeBox and propagate our love to other victims. -- jimzak http://zzzone.net http://have-a-nice-day.org http://www.last.fm/user/zzzoneDOTnet http://somethingsomethingsomething.net Ripper: dBpoweramp Router: Cisco E4200 Server: SBS 7.6.1 - i3 - Win 7 64bit Player: 2 Booms, 1 Radio, 1 Touch Control: 2 controllers, iPad1, iPad2, Nexus S smartphone, Transformer Eee tablet Apps: iPeng for iPad, SqueezePad, Logitech Squeezebox app 'Library' (http://zzzone.net/photo/2009/music1.jpg): 123,000+ FLAC/MP3 files - 2TB external HD x 3 jimzak's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=17592 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
Part of the problem Logitech have is that the hardware is almost too good, my old SB3's do everything I want from them. I just bought a blemished box tough because of the price but I'll be keeping the SB3 in storage as I love the VFD displays. Again with the server software (whatever it is called this week), what more can it do? The only thing I can see missing is user profiles. They are never going to compete in Apple territory and that's a good thing. Whilst I admire Apple I'd rather live with some complexity in order to have something that works the way I want it to rather than live with iTunes' restrictions. The trouble is, lots of people happily running SB2's and SB3''s doesn't sell kit does it? My touch arrives on Tuesday so I may revise my opinion then :) -- nolan nolan's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=7440 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
AndreE;674499 Wrote: ... Most of you say that server is essential - agree, but we do have it on each Apple notebook or even Windows one when we install iTune. When I recall my experience with iTune - it is easy to install (it was actually one click), no extra configuration. When I wanted to rip CD - again it was done with one click. When I wanted to change tags - it is part of iTune functionality - it was very easy and very intuitive. Meaning average not-computer addicted person can do it with no special education. Whole cycle is done using preconfigured software named iTune. I guess whole story is about usability. I would not invent the wheel by saying that complexity limits the market. I see that it was exactly this for Squeeze devices. I do not want to hammer it, just share the observation and experience. ... You got it right, it is as simple as that. Concerning the fact that people complain about the need to have a server, I think this is a technical misinterpretation of what people do complain about. They do not complain about having a server. There is a server for most music software in one way or another, TinySBS IS a server. They do complain about the fact that they have to CARE about the server and its usability. Sonos users usually don't have to care about Sonos server, some of them probably don't even know there is a server involved. -- nicolas75 nicolas75's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=15823 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
jimzak;674537 Wrote: ... Anyone that is having consistent problems likely has a software or hardware kink that can be ironed out. Yes, it's a pain sometimes, but worth the trouble. My upgrade to 7.6.1 was particularly difficult; at one point I was sabotaged by a malformed jpeg file. ... Yes it can be ironed out. But people do not want to do that and do not want to care about that. You cannot say someone he struggles with the software because of a malformed jpeg artwork. Malformed jepg artwork do not trash your library in popular music softwares, and there is absolutely no sensible reason for one single malformed file to trash a library. (Or you must claim everywhere that Windows 95 was the best OS ever, and that everybody should use it and nothing else) I recently started to use MonkeySqueeze. I feel like someone who kept banging a hammer on his head for years, and discover how great it is to stop doing that :) -- nicolas75 nicolas75's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=15823 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
nicolas75;674561 Wrote: I recently started to use MonkeySqueeze. I think the whole point of buying a squeezbox is NOT having to use a computer to listen to music. If I want to listen to music (using Media Monky or other library program) on my laptop I can hook it up to my stereo (by cable or bluetooth) -- verypsb 1x Boom, 1x Classic, 2x Controller, 2x Receiver, 1x Touch Please vote for bug 1330: new music should work on creation date http://bugs.slimdevices.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1330 Please vote for bug 17205: Artists with accented characters not correctly sorted in pagebar. http://bugs.slimdevices.com/show_bug.cgi?id=17205 verypsb's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=17295 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
I have yet to find another inexpensive system that allows me to listen to my music in the manner I want. That is why I put up with the complexity, and I would have to answer that, no, as of today there isn't a good alternative to Squeezebox. -- GeeJay 2-SB3s, 1-Duet, 1-Touch...and an iPeng convert. GeeJay's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=11388 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
verypsb;674564 Wrote: I think the whole point of buying a squeezbox is NOT having to use a computer to listen to music. If I want to listen to music (using Media Monky or other library program) on my laptop I can hook it up to my stereo (by cable or bluetooth) Unless you are using ONLY mysb.com (for internet radio and music services like pandora, spotify, etc.) you MUST have your own computer to listen to a squeezebox player. That computer can be a PC, a Mac, a NAS or other headless small computer that can run SbS/LMS, etc. (note, yes, one can use the tinySbS inside a TOUCH, but I'm not really counting that for serious use). And even though I have a computer with my music (running SbS or LMS), the computer is in a different part of the house and nowhere near the music listening post. That is, this is a benefit of SB over just having the computer connected to a DAC connected to your stereo (which is what I used to do until I discovered SB players that allowed me to get the computer out of the room and to get away from any and all issues related to what the computer did or didn't do with the music stream with its soundcard/OS.). -- garym Location 1: Vortexbox Appliance 6TB (1.10) SbS 7.6.2 Transporter, Touch, Boom, Radio w/Battery (all ethernet except Radio) Location 2: Win7(64) laptop LMS 7.7.1 TouchBenchmark DAC I, Boom, Radio w/Battery (all ethernet except Radio and laptop) Retired: SB3, Duet Receiver Controlled at both locations with: iPhone (iPeng), iPad (iPengHD SqueezePad), CONTROLLER, or SqueezePlay 7.7 on Win7(64) laptop Ripping (FLAC) - dbpoweramp, Additional Tagging - mp3tag garym's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=17325 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
verypsb;674564 Wrote: I think the whole point of buying a squeezbox is NOT having to use a computer to listen to music. If I want to listen to music (using Media Monkey or other library program) on my laptop I can hook it up to my stereo (by cable or bluetooth) Since it is widely recognised that TinySBS cannot handle a reasonable library, you do need a computer to use a squeezebox, except if you stick to MySB and online streaming. Note that a server or a NAS is a computer ... I disagree about what you say because with Touch and MonkeySqueeze - the computer does not need to be near the Touch, you can put it in another room. - The sound quality is much better (OS audio settings are not involved whatsoever) - You keep the ability to use Touch running TinySBS for online radios or streaming This is the very good thing with a Squeezebox Touch, compared to any other solution with USB external dacs or whatever else. -- nicolas75 nicolas75's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=15823 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
garym;674568 Wrote: And even though I have a computer with my music (running SbS or LMS), the computer is in a different part of the house and nowhere near the music listening post. That's the point I was trying to make. Yes, I do have a PC containing my music library and running LMS, but I don't want to use a pc/laptop to reach/use/unlock my library at my music listening post. I don't want to use a 3rd party library manager on my pc/laptop to unlock the music. I want something simple and user friendly like the Controller, iPeng, Squeezepad, Squeezecommander, NOT a PC or laptop. If I would want that I wouldn't need a Squeezebox in the first place. -- verypsb 1x Boom, 1x Classic, 2x Controller, 2x Receiver, 1x Touch Please vote for bug 1330: new music should work on creation date http://bugs.slimdevices.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1330 Please vote for bug 17205: Artists with accented characters not correctly sorted in pagebar. http://bugs.slimdevices.com/show_bug.cgi?id=17205 verypsb's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=17295 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
garym;674575 Wrote: OK. I agree with these points. (but if you reread your original post, it sounds like you are saying you DON'T need a computer to use SB players). ;-) and I don't know about musicmonkey, but some interfaces like foobar2000 also have the ability to use iphone/ipad apps to control the interface. So one could use these to control the SB player from a different room. Which I agree is critical (at least for my use case) -- garym Location 1: Vortexbox Appliance 6TB (1.10) SbS 7.6.2 Transporter, Touch, Boom, Radio w/Battery (all ethernet except Radio) Location 2: Win7(64) laptop LMS 7.7.1 TouchBenchmark DAC I, Boom, Radio w/Battery (all ethernet except Radio and laptop) Retired: SB3, Duet Receiver Controlled at both locations with: iPhone (iPeng), iPad (iPengHD SqueezePad), CONTROLLER, or SqueezePlay 7.7 on Win7(64) laptop Ripping (FLAC) - dbpoweramp, Additional Tagging - mp3tag garym's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=17325 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
Mice are for everybody, SBs are not, they are too complex for most individuals. Actually, my first attempt to build a SBS was aimed to learn Linux playing around during the holidays in 2006. Thanks to SB, I have now a window$ free home and office! Also, hi-fi is for some people, video is for everybody. Just look at how many (real) hifi dealers are still in business in the last 20 years. My aim with SB, was finding a bridge between my quality hifi system, and internet radio and music library. I listen more to radio than to my own library, but don't even know what SB.com is all about, I am pretty happy listening to national broadcasts from all over the world. That said, I don't think that Logitech is the best company to manage a niche business. I hope the original Slim Devices founder will get it back.. -Gian -- gian --- town: Musical Fidelity Dr. Thomas, Preamp II, Infinity 7K, Squeezebox Classic (2), Squeezebox Radio, Ubuntu 10.4 LTS server country: Musical Fildelity A-5, Infinity Renaissance 90, Squeezebox Classic (2), SB Touch, Ubuntu 10.4 LTS server gian's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=6702 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
I hear many people (on this forum but also on other discussion forums) that the big disadvantage of Squeezebox is the requirement to have a (local) server. I believe that many people are missing the fact that every streaming system needs a server. But people only complain about that when looking at Squeezebox. Most Hifi players need a DLNA server and even Sonos needs a server. With Sonos this server functionality is done by one of the players. Since their server is running on a low powered platform (just like TineSC in the Touch), it has some limitations. I'm not familiar with AirPlay but I'm pretty sure that system will need an iTunes server somewhere. I believe that the SBS / LMS server requirement is an advantage over the other systems. The Squeezebox protocol is more robusthank it is really designed for streaming systems. It also adds a ton of positive things when it comes to user experience. I have looked at other streaming alternatives. I have even used a Sonos player a few months back. Up until today I haven't found a good alternative for Squeezebox. Logitech still has the advantage but too bad they don't realize it yet. For Squeezebox to become more popular it will need a company that puts high priority on this product line. Add more players and address the market to achieve more visibility. Unfortunately, a company that makes mice and keyboards is not the right company for the Squeezebox product. -- Pascal Hibon 2 x SB3, 1 x SB Boom and 1 x SB Radio - all wireless ReadyNAS NVX running SBS iPeng on iPod Touch. SqueezePad on iPad. Pascal Hibon's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=7969 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
gian;674247 Wrote: Mice are for everybody, SBs are not, they are too complex for most individuals. Actually, my first attempt to build a SBS was aimed to learn Linux playing around during the holidays in 2006. Thanks to SB, I have now a window$ free home and office! Also, hi-fi is for some people, video is for everybody. Just look at how many (real) hifi dealers are still in business in the last 20 years. My aim with SB, was finding a bridge between my quality hifi system, and internet radio and music library. I listen more to radio than to my own library, but don't even know what SB.com is all about, I am pretty happy listening to national broadcasts from all over the world. That said, I don't think that Logitech is the best company to manage a niche business. I hope the original Slim Devices founder will get it back.. -Gian A good point . very similar to my own experience . However the online experience can be for everyone and that sells squeezeboxes and it not to hard. Here we have *sometimes unreliable mysqueezebox.com servers (have improved greatly ,but I migth eat my words xmas is soon here then everyone wants to listen online ). If logitech is on top of these issues it would be great. * Your wifi, if it sucks it sucks what can logitech ever do about that ? seriously ? To run your local file collection it takes some actual music interest (not casual background listening ) and posibly also some rudimentary sense of soundquality to muster the energy to make it go :) The ripping managing and -proper tagging and artwork- is the real work . A couple of hours now and then to whack the admittedly to buggy server in to shape pales compared to the time spent with your files . I understand why folks go for online services only if lacking the kind of music hobby interest some of us got bitten with . Most people I know would just run a wire from the PC and listen to spotify -- Mnyb Main hifi: Touch + CIA PS +MeridianG68J MeridianHD621 MeridianG98DH 2 x MeridianDSP5200 MeridianDSP5200HC 2 xMeridianDSP3100 +Rel Stadium 3 sub. Bedroom/Office: Boom Kitchen: Touch + powered Fostex PM0.4 Misc use: Radio (with battery) iPad 64gB wifi +3g with iPengHD SqueezePad (in storage SB3, reciever ) Mnyb's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=4143 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
Pascal, Mnyb, gian, ALL excellent points. Pascal Hibon;674253 Wrote: . I believe that many people are missing the fact that every streaming system needs a server. But people only complain about that when looking at Squeezebox. Very true. Even the devices with built in internet radio and/or services use a server. Like the networking AVR's which typically use Reciva or vTuner in the background. If no local server and vTuner is down then my AVR cannot stream anything from the internet. The difference is that most people either don't know there is a server at work or they don't need to care about it because these servers are very reliable and very simplistic in features and usage. This is where LMS and MySB struggle because they are far more complex, far more customizable, offer many more services and features, updated often (to both add features and fix issues), etc... Which in turn seems to make them far less reliable for the average user. That said, I've had very few issues with either LMS or MySB, but obviously not everyone can say that. :( -- toby10 toby10's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=12553 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
I would like to add that, because it is fitted with a quality DAC, and you can even add an external one, while somewhat inexpensive, the SB leaves the door open to a high-end upgrade. This cannot be an argument for those that are happy to listen to their plain iPods, which are the vast majority. About running a server at home, it can have many scopes: I use it to backup my laptop, store pictures, music, security camera images, stream video to the TV or other networked PCs, FTP, web, and SB server. -- gian --- town: Musical Fidelity Dr. Thomas, Preamp II, Infinity 7K, Squeezebox Classic (2), Squeezebox Radio, Ubuntu 10.4 LTS server country: Musical Fildelity A-5, Infinity Renaissance 90, Squeezebox Classic (2), SB Touch, Ubuntu 10.4 LTS server gian's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=6702 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
erland;672923 Wrote: Has anyone else found anything except Sonos or Logitech that realistically already today can be an alternative in a multi room system ? Not at anything near the Logitech price point. But if you open the wallet wider, then Olive and Sooloos come into the picture, and probably a few others. And I wouldn't be nearly so quick to dismiss Apple. You don't mention AirPlay, which is increasingly appearing in audio hardware. -- aubuti aubuti's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2074 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
minor question re apple airplay. Does it support player synch. That is, does it allow different players to be playing exactly the same thing (synched) OR to be playing different things (all being fed from same itunes). Not sure, but just curious. p.s. your Squeezeboxes and existing software will last forever until they break. Even if logitech shuts it all down tomorrow. So you'll have own music and anything you can reach with a URL (internet radio). Of course you won't have anything that requires mysb.com interface (pandora, spotify, mog, siriusXM, etc.). -- garym Location 1: Vortexbox Appliance 6TB (1.10) SbS 7.6.2 Transporter, Touch, Boom, Radio w/Battery (all ethernet except Radio) Location 2: Win7(64) laptop LMS 7.7.0 TouchBenchmark DAC I, Boom, Radio w/Battery (all ethernet except Radio and laptop) Retired: SB3, Duet Receiver Controlled at both locations with: iPhone (iPeng), iPad (iPengHD SqueezePad), CONTROLLER, or SqueezePlay 7.7 on Win7(64) laptop Ripping (FLAC) - dbpoweramp, Additional Tagging - mp3tag garym's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=17325 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
yes Airplay does it really treat the whole system as a whole, sync or not for multiple players from the same source and unaltered soundquality ? was not apples own airports ( or what they called them ) using urgh resampled audio to 16/48 k something. What does airplay stream ? I seen airplay in action just streaming youtube sound from an ipad to a reciever cool demo:) but just a toy. In a sutuation where I have for example iTunes on a computer an iPad and some sort of player that is airplay capable how does this come together ? streaming from the actual pad seems a bit backwards for stationary use but usefull for getting tunes from friends iPhones to ones stereo or other device ? -- Mnyb Main hifi: Touch + CIA PS +MeridianG68J MeridianHD621 MeridianG98DH 2 x MeridianDSP5200 MeridianDSP5200HC 2 xMeridianDSP3100 +Rel Stadium 3 sub. Bedroom/Office: Boom Kitchen: Touch + powered Fostex PM0.4 Misc use: Radio (with battery) iPad 64gB wifi +3g with iPengHD SqueezePad (in storage SB3, reciever ) Mnyb's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=4143 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
Time wise the Duet was cancelled after a decent run, as far as electronic devices go. SB3 Boom Duet Receiver were all basically based on the same player, were getting old, replaced by newer players Touch Radio with more features (like hi-res Spotify). There have often been only a single current player offered in the SB history, having multiple current players offered is relatively new. Reasons I think SB will be around in the near future: Logitech has said it was very pleased with it's streaming product sales, particularly in the EU market. Radio is the single best selling SB model ever made. Does Apple/Airplay have as many third party services as does SB or Sonos? I'm asking, I don't know. :) -- toby10 toby10's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=12553 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
It is very interesting question about Airplay bitrate. Tried to find any information, but no any exposure to figures And thanks for sharing optimism I really wish Logitech all the best with this product line. After many issues with some version I finally have my music at my hands and whole family enjoys it. -- AndreE == Duet: 2 Controllers + 4 Receivers and 1 Touch Intel Atom 330 Linux Server wired Ethernet to 1Gb Switch -- Router -- DSL -- net... and happy Family ! AndreE's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=30476 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
I'm coming late into this discussion, but I think some people have focused on the correct issues: Slim Devices is now owned by Logitech. By definition it is a company that will not want to limit it products to a small niche market. As such, Squeezeboxes need to be more user friendly in terms of setup, installation, and ongoing maintenance. And it needs to be marketed as such. I have had squeezeboxes for years, and to be honest, I started looking at this post because I am tired of always having to fix my setup to get it to work. I am beginning to ask myself what are the alternatives..Sometimes, my system will play flawlessly for several hours, then it will freeze. At others it will buffer, even though my SB receiver is but a few feet from my router. At vet other times, I won't get my system to respond to any commands or play anything until I've spent 30 minutes trying to fix things due to scanner crashes, server issues, god knows what...and I'm a tech oriented person. If this kind of stuff gets frustrating for someone like me, how is it supposed to work for the average user? This isn't the same as playing a CD or my iPod, yet is should be. I don't know if the Sonos is any better, but you must say they make it look appealing in their advertising. They are even starting to sell Sonos at Target stores here in the U.S. Is that too down market for some? Perhaps, but for the squeezebox to continue to grow and improve, I think the product has to have some sort of market presence, but I don't think it has Logitech's focus (or the correct focus). -- BlueWombat BlueWombat's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=6159 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
For me the issue is that I'm not interested in a single player, I'm interested in a system where I know I will be able to add new devices in the future without replacing all existing players which I've purchased recently. To make sure this is the case, the manufacturer have to make sure that: - New devices can use the same music library/server software as old devices - I'm able to remote control all devices using a single remote - Provide devices both for the main listening room and for other rooms without a HiFi amplifier, like kitchen and bedroom. At the moment it feels like this more or less limits the options to: - Logitech - Sonos - Possibly Apple (AirPort Express/AppleTV/iOS docks) Nobody else have something that makes me believe I can be sure to be able to purchase additional players one or two years in the future that still is compatible with the old players. I'm not sure Apple should be in the list because they aren't really focused at a multi room solution with remote control unless you control it from a computer, they are more focused at locally controlled mobile devices. Sonos has the advantage that they give the impression that they are still going to be around two years in the future and still produce multi room audio solutions. Unfortunately they have a lot of disadvantages compared to Logitech offerings, for example more or less no support for third party add-ons, no display directly on the device and a price that makes it expensive to extend to rooms which doesn't have HiFi requirements. Logitech works thanks to all their existing products but my fear is that they are in the future going to be more focused at cheaper Radio like devices and due to this it will be easy to extend the system to rooms which don't have HiFi requirements but extending it to rooms with HiFi requirements might get harder in the future. Except for the above options it's easy to find a single player replacement of a single room from other manufacturers, but it's hard to find anyone you believe will be around two years in the future and still produce something which is usable together with players which you can purchase from them today. So I guess what I'm saying is that I see a lot of options for a single room solution but as soon as we talk about a multi-room system it gets a lot harder to find anyone that provides something. Has anyone else found anything except Sonos or Logitech that realistically already today can be an alternative in a multi room system ? -- erland Erland Isaksson ('My homepage' (http://erland.isaksson.info)) (Developer of 'many plugins/applets (both free and commercial)' (http://wiki.slimdevices.com/index.php/User:Erland). If you like to encourage future presence on this forum and/or third party plugin/applet development, 'consider purchasing some plugins' (http://license.isaksson.info)) Interested in music discovery ? See 'Social Music Discovery (SMD)' (http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?p=656713) project. erland's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3124 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
BlueWombat;672916 Wrote: I'm coming late into this discussion, but I think some people have focused on the correct issues: Slim Devices is now owned by Logitech. By definition it is a company that will not want to limit it products to a small niche market. As such, Squeezeboxes need to be more user friendly in terms of setup, installation, and ongoing maintenance. And it needs to be marketed as such. I have had squeezeboxes for years, and to be honest, I started looking at this post because I am tired of always having to fix my setup to get it to work. I am beginning to ask myself what are the alternatives..Sometimes, my system will play flawlessly for several hours, then it will freeze. At others it will buffer, even though my SB receiver is but a few feet from my router. At vet other times, I won't get my system to respond to any commands or play anything until I've spent 30 minutes trying to fix things due to scanner crashes, server issues, god knows what...and I'm a tech oriented person. If this kind of stuff gets frustrating for someone like me, how is it supposed to work for the average user? This isn't the same as playing a CD or my iPod, yet is should be. I don't know if the Sonos is any better, but you must say they make it look appealing in their advertising. They are even starting to sell Sonos at Target stores here in the U.S. Is that too down market for some? Perhaps, but for the squeezebox to continue to grow and improve, I think the product has to have some sort of market presence, but I don't think it has Logitech's focus (or the correct focus). You are a very patient person if you have not abandoned the system if this is the normal mode off operation for you :-/ . I would in similar circumstances , but then again whats the alternative with similar functionality A working system is noting like this , you got some serious unresolved (or unexplained ) issue(s) in you setup ? It is a failure of Logitech support organisation if they never been able resolve or explain these issues for you . 3 quick tips that will bore you to tears, sorry ,but if you are Tech person you have no problems with how to , maybe bored by the repetition 1. A few feet from the router = ethernet wire , reset receiver redo setup done. Much faster than figuring why or if something wifi is not working and the reasons for that . (and if still buffers you now that something else is wrong) 2. wire the server, always . 3. Static ip for all squeeze stuff including the server, receiver has a slightly flaky dhcp implementation and so does some routers. (This tip is hard to explain for non tech people ) -- Mnyb Main hifi: Touch + CIA PS +MeridianG68J MeridianHD621 MeridianG98DH 2 x MeridianDSP5200 MeridianDSP5200HC 2 xMeridianDSP3100 +Rel Stadium 3 sub. Bedroom/Office: Boom Kitchen: Touch + powered Fostex PM0.4 Misc use: Radio (with battery) iPad 64gB wifi +3g with iPengHD SqueezePad (in storage SB3, reciever ) Mnyb's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=4143 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
gruntwolla;666991 Wrote: £279 with no hd up to £429 with a 2000GB sata hd. more info here if you want http://www.kjglobal.co.uk/acatalog/Cocktail_Audio_X10.html Trev Thanks :) So they are talking $446 for player only and $686 for player + 2tb HD, not outrageous. Can it Sync to other players? Nothing in the FAQ about additional players. -- toby10 toby10's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=12553 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
toby10;667112 Wrote: Thanks :) So they are talking $446 for player only and $686 for player + 2tb HD, not outrageous. Can it Sync to other players? Nothing in the FAQ about additional players. Yea what about hirez, is this thing with HD and fan going to sit in the hifi rack he he no thanks . The distributed, server and multiple high quality players squeezeboxes, is maybe hard to market but a superior way to do it . Squeeze still on top. -- Mnyb Main hifi: Touch + CIA PS +MeridianG68J MeridianHD621 MeridianG98DH 2 x MeridianDSP5200 MeridianDSP5200HC 2 xMeridianDSP3100 +Rel Stadium 3 sub. Bedroom/Office: Boom Kitchen: Touch + powered Fostex PM0.4 Misc use: Radio (with battery) iPad 64gB wifi +3g with iPengHD SqueezePad (in storage SB3, reciever ) Mnyb's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=4143 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
Does anyone trust this cocktail product to be around in a year? Two? It looks like it's just a Korean systems builder of some sort. I wouldn't consider it an alternative to Squeezebox products. The most valuable part of the SB family is the server software, and that still appears to be getting some attention from Logitech. -- MelonMonkey Bruno *'Twisted Melon - External Wired IR Blasters' (http://twistedmelon.com/shop/?show=bug1)* MelonMonkey's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=8466 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
g8vju;666731 Wrote: . www.cocktailaudio.com ... And what do they want for this gem? It looks like a mini Olive system. g8vju;666731 Wrote: . but perhaps with better local disk support than the touch? ... Now that could be true. Of course a 286 computer running Win95 probably has better local disk support than Touch. :);):) -- toby10 toby10's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=12553 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
toby10;666792 Wrote: And what do they want for this gem? It looks like a mini Olive system.:) £279 with no hd up to £429 with a 2000GB sata hd. more info here if you want http://www.kjglobal.co.uk/acatalog/Cocktail_Audio_X10.html Trev -- gruntwolla Debian sheeva plug running sbs 7.5.4 SB3 + my hifi Duet + AE5's 2 Booms 1 Radio Squeezecommander on htc desire ipeng on wifes iphone gruntwolla's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=35645 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
verypsb;664931 Wrote: Does anybody know a good Squeezebox alternative? An iOS device - iPhone, new iPod Touch (not 1st or 2nd generation) or iPad running iPeng or SqueezePad. Squeezebox Server or Logitech Media Server running on the system of your choice. Analog audio from the headphone port of the iOS device. Analog line-out from the dock connector of the iOS device. Digital audio using an HDMI adapter on the dock port of the iOS device. IMO, that's far and away the best alternative to using Squeezebox hardware for playback, and certainly for control/UI. -- MelonMonkey Bruno *'Twisted Melon - External Wired IR Blasters' (http://twistedmelon.com/shop/?show=bug1)* MelonMonkey's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=8466 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Good Squeezebox alternative?
Could this product be a possible alternative? www.cocktailaudio.com Spec looks good, with similar capabilities, but perhaps with better local disk support than the touch? Has anybody any experience with this product? Kevin -- g8vju g8vju's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32387 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91090 ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss