Comments on: Kevin’s System = Music Server + Open Baffles

By: hughs

hughs — Fri, 29 May 2009 22:44:15 +0000

Another big thanks, Kevin!
Just the idea of using a 2″ iPhone or Squeezebox Controller screen to browse a thousand CDs was making my eyes sore! It’s great to know there is a platform-independent alternative to iTunes out there that is FLAC compatible.

By: kevo

kevo — Fri, 29 May 2009 21:01:51 +0000

One more note. I am not using iTunes. All that is necessary is the Squeezecenter that Logitech provides and the DBpoweramp or other ripping software.
I have MediaMonkey, but do not really use it. When I began this project, I found this part confusing. What software is really necessary in order to setup a music server? Obviously it depends on your chosen solution. This is one of the reasons I chose the Logitech Transporter.
Other reasons were to avoid OS version issues, driver choices, etc.

By: kevo

kevo — Mon, 25 May 2009 04:19:33 +0000

hughs

I am using the Netgear ReadyNAS Duo. It is a simple mirror (2 hard disks) and is the least expensive NAS they make. The ReadyNAS connects via 100 Mb Ethernet using a CAT6 cable to my wireless switch/router. The Logitech supplied software, SqueezeCenter, can run on the ReadyNAS. They offer a version that runs on Linux, which the ReadyNAS uses for its Operating System.

The ReadyNAS has a slower processor, so the software is not real fast when sorting through the music library, but it is very usable. I can add ripped music to the NAS, have the software incorporate the changes all while listening to music on the system.

I am ripping CDs with DBpoweramp CD Ripper. There is an add on called Perfect meta that searches 4 databases for the CD titles, tracks, cover art, etc. It is pretty seamless.

Thanks for asking.

By: hughs

hughs — Sun, 24 May 2009 22:16:46 +0000

Thanks for sharing, Kevin! I hope you don’t mind giving up a few more details. What model Netgear are you using? Did it come with the required software to connect to your wireless network and stream the audio data? What ripping software are you using?

I once read somewhere that iTunes was not FLAC compatible. Are you using a different user interface, or does iTunes now support FLAC?

Thanks again, and good listening!