jorsan
jorsan's picture
Offline
Last seen: Never ago
Joined: Aug 2 2006 - 5:39am
from laptop to audio system ...... wireless ....
bertdw
bertdw's picture
Offline
Last seen: 2 months 1 week ago
Joined: Sep 18 2007 - 5:41am

Logitech Squeezebox:

http://www.logitechsqueezebox.com/
http://www.logitechsqueezebox.com/products/overview.html

I have the duet, and love it.

Drtrey3
Drtrey3's picture
Offline
Last seen: 9 years 10 months ago
Joined: Aug 17 2008 - 2:52pm

Is anyone besides me suspicious of wireless? I fear you would trade fidelity for wires.

Trey

bertdw
bertdw's picture
Offline
Last seen: 2 months 1 week ago
Joined: Sep 18 2007 - 5:41am

In my system, the wireless only handles digital signals. FLAC files are streamed to the receiver, buffered, and sent to my DAC via S/PDIF. Although jitter could theoretically influence the fidelity, I hear no difference between my disk player and the Squeezebox.

Drtrey3
Drtrey3's picture
Offline
Last seen: 9 years 10 months ago
Joined: Aug 17 2008 - 2:52pm

Thanks for the report, it makes sense to me when explained! Trey

jorsan
jorsan's picture
Offline
Last seen: Never ago
Joined: Aug 2 2006 - 5:39am

Thnaks for the input.
I've been doing some research and found that Airport express (Apple) can do the job with itunes as software BUT, if my files are all FLAC (about 600 CDS transfered in that format) and Im using windows 7, is there any way that ITunes read my files?; after my research I couldnt find an answer; there is an opcion using a program calls "Fluke", but is for Mcintosh OS only, not windows. thanks again

struts
struts's picture
Offline
Last seen: 2 years 9 months ago
Joined: Feb 1 2007 - 12:02pm

Afaik there is no stable way of inducing iTunes on Windows to play FLAC files, and unless you are an experienced PC tinkerer I would strongly advise against trying any of the unsupported hacks which could land you in really bad trouble. The safest way to make your collection iTunes-friendly is to convert your FLAC files to ALAC, Apple's proprietary equivalent using dBpoweramp Music Converter (or equivalent). dMC can convert a whole directory tree with one command so as long as you have enough spare disc space, i.e. roughly the same again, this is an extremely straightforward process.

HOWEVER, I would personally avoid iTunes at all costs (search the forum for several threads explaining why) and would agree with Bertdw that for anyone not already hooked on the Apple drug the Squeezebox (or Sonos) route is the best answer.

jorsan
jorsan's picture
Offline
Last seen: Never ago
Joined: Aug 2 2006 - 5:39am

Thanks for the input and squeezebox looks a good idea but, what I want to do is control my musicplayer software from my computer, not thru the duet's remote control, is that possible with the squeezebox?, and if not, what other options can I have? . Thanks in advance

bertdw
bertdw's picture
Offline
Last seen: 2 months 1 week ago
Joined: Sep 18 2007 - 5:41am

The Squeezebox line has its own server software, called (surprise!) Squeezebox Server. You can use this software to control the player from your computer. In this case, the Duet's Controller is redundant, and might be a waste of money for you. I love mine, but my computer is not in the same room as my hi-fi.

Another model in the line might fit your bill. The soon-to-be-released Touch looks promising. The Transporter would do the job, but I assume it might be out of your price range, since you were looking at the Airport Express. The Boom and the Radio don't appear to have digital outputs.

One last option - have a look on Audiogon or eBay for a used "Squeezebox Classic" or "Squeezebox V3." John Atkinson reviewed an earlier model here: http://www.stereophile.com/budgetcomponents/906slim/index.html

jazzfan
jazzfan's picture
Offline
Last seen: 5 years 1 week ago
Joined: Sep 8 2005 - 8:55am

If you are going to take the plunge into world of Squeezeboxes there are many plug-ins to the SqueezeCenter software and one of them is called "Moose". Moose acts as replacement front end for controlling one's SqueezeBox family of devices from any computer on one's network - in other words not necessarily from the computer actually running SqueezeCenter. Granted SqueezeCenter's web interface will do the same thing but Moose is way, way faster. You can find out more about Moose here: Moose House

A few other comments:

I would wait for the Touch to be released or do as Bert suggests and try to pick up a used SqueezeBox Classic on the cheap, just to get a feel for what's involved.

I presently have one Transporter (the "high end" SqueezeBox), two SqueezeBox Classics and one SqueezeBox Receiver installed throughout my home. All but the Receiver are running wirelessly and they all work very well and sound great when connected to external DAC. I do use the Transporter's internal DAC. In fact one of Classics is connected to my Marantz home theater receiver and it will even play 5.1 channel DTS encoded flac files via the DTS decoder in the Marantz.

And of course do go over the SqueezeBox forums and have a look around. Don't be afraid to ask questions. The forum has many very knowledgeable members and the discussions often shine a very harsh on the many shortcoming people experience with the Squeezebox products and software. SqueezeBox Forums

jorsan
jorsan's picture
Offline
Last seen: Never ago
Joined: Aug 2 2006 - 5:39am

Thanks to all for your great help. I'll do my homework now.

Ajani
Ajani's picture
Offline
Last seen: 8 years 2 months ago
Joined: Mar 19 2008 - 7:07pm


Quote:
If you are going to take the plunge into world of Squeezeboxes there are many plug-ins to the SqueezeCenter software and one of them is called "Moose". Moose acts as replacement front end for controlling one's SqueezeBox family of devices from any computer on one's network - in other words not necessarily from the computer actually running SqueezeCenter. Granted SqueezeCenter's web interface will do the same thing but Moose is way, way faster. You can find out more about Moose here: Moose House

A few other comments:

I would wait for the Touch to be released or do as Bert suggests and try to pick up a used SqueezeBox Classic on the cheap, just to get a feel for what's involved.

I presently have one Transporter (the "high end" SqueezeBox), two SqueezeBox Classics and one SqueezeBox Receiver installed throughout my home. All but the Receiver are running wirelessly and they all work very well and sound great when connected to external DAC. I do use the Transporter's internal DAC. In fact one of Classics is connected to my Marantz home theater receiver and it will even play 5.1 channel DTS encoded flac files via the DTS decoder in the Marantz.

And of course do go over the SqueezeBox forums and have a look around. Don't be afraid to ask questions. The forum has many very knowledgeable members and the discussions often shine a very harsh on the many shortcoming people experience with the Squeezebox products and software. SqueezeBox Forums

Thanks for the link... I never knew about Moose... I downloaded it and am currently using my laptop to control my SB Classic (my music collection is on another computer)...

dumbo
dumbo's picture
Offline
Last seen: 4 months 2 days ago
Joined: Sep 26 2009 - 6:59pm

FYI, I recently changed the connection of my SB Transporter from wireless to wired (CAT5) and found that the wired option sounds noticeably better.

jazzfan
jazzfan's picture
Offline
Last seen: 5 years 1 week ago
Joined: Sep 8 2005 - 8:55am
dumbo wrote:

FYI, I recently changed the connection of my SB Transporter from wireless to wired (CAT5) and found that the wired option sounds noticeably better.

I have a Transporter that uses a wireless connection and I was wondering exactly what you mean by "sounds noticeably better" other than the possibility of less drop outs. So is better bass, clearer highs, better dynamic range or something else? Thanks!

dumbo
dumbo's picture
Offline
Last seen: 4 months 2 days ago
Joined: Sep 26 2009 - 6:59pm

In my rig I noticed what I can only describe as being a much fuller sound in the mid-range and bottom end while using the wired connection. My definition of a "fuller sound" would include more texture, detail and presence to things like guitar plucks, drum thumps, and all vocals in general.

I never bothered with trying to use the wired connection until recently as I didn't think it would make any noticeable difference in SQ but that was certainly a mistaken assumption on my part. Also, I never had any dropout issues or signal strength problems in my setup. Typically I would see 98% or better using the WLAN connection.

I say it's def worth trying out, even if you have to run a temporary cat5 cable across the center of your living room just to test with. Just be sure you go back to the initial setup screen on the Transporter itself and turn off the Wireless option otherwise it will still try to use it

jazzfan
jazzfan's picture
Offline
Last seen: 5 years 1 week ago
Joined: Sep 8 2005 - 8:55am
dumbo wrote:

In my rig I noticed what I can only describe as being a much fuller sound in the mid-range and bottom end while using the wired connection. My definition of a "fuller sound" would include more texture, detail and presence to things like guitar plucks, drum thumps, and all vocals in general.

I never bothered with trying to use the wired connection until recently as I didn't think it would make any noticeable difference in SQ but that was certainly a mistaken assumption on my part. Also, I never had any dropout issues or signal strength problems in my setup. Typically I would see 98% or better using the WLAN connection.

I say it's def worth trying out, even if you have to run a temporary cat5 cable across the center of your living room just to test with. Just be sure you go back to the initial setup screen on the Transporter itself and turn off the Wireless option otherwise it will still try to use it

Thank you for that detail response. I may just give it a try, as you suggest. Here's a little piece of advice in return: DO NOT post anything saying that a wired connection sounds better than a wireless connection on the Squeezebox forums (http://forums.slimdevices.com/) because they (the diehard objectivists) will hunt you down and do unspeakable things to you :)

Log in or register to post comments
-->
  • X