There are now lots of options for streaming music from a computer or directly from a hard drive, so this is a very timely question.
I originally purchased an SB3 in 2006 primarily for its Internet radio abilities. But I also experimented with using Slimserver (now Squeezeserver) to stream FLAC files from a computer on my network. I have now ripped my music collection to FLAC using XLD and have done lots of re-tagging using Sbooth's Tag. After experimenting with a direct connection from the computer to my DAC via USB, I've realized (1) that having an intermediary layer such as SS/Squeezebox allows a lot more flexibility in the control of the system (i.e. it can be controlled from any computer on the network and via iPeng), and (2) I can use my music server as a central repository of files for playback on a second system in my house. I'm looking forward to purchasing a Touch primarily for its ability to stream 24/96 files. My SB3 will then be used in my office/studio. Although there are many other good options for streaming music files, I think that - for my purposes - the squeezebox concept works well. My guess is that this stuff will mature and become much more standardized and easier to use in the near future! -------------------------------- System: SB3, Cambridge Audio DacMagic, Monolithic Sound preamp, NAD C272 power amp, Magnepan 1.6 QR speakers. Mac Mini dedicated music server. Music database: 20,100 FLAC files on 2TB drive with automated backup. -- Subarctic Audiophile ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Subarctic Audiophile's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=37344 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=76721 _______________________________________________ Touch mailing list [email protected] http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
