I use
- Squeezebox - SB3 so nowhere near as good a user interface as latest models, but still good nonetheless
- hifi PC - dedicated miniITX PC so I can play Spotify, artists' sites, myspace, Youtube etc.
- use netbook, mobile phone, tablet etc. for remote desktop access into hifi PC
I went for the dedicated PC before spotify plugins were available for the Squeezbox, and so that I'd always be able to use 'son of Spotify' whatever that may be in the future.
I'd like to use the PC as a CD transport, but haven't dedicated the time to find out:
- how to slow down the optical transport ('cause otherwise it's very noisy)
- how (best) to get an inserted CD to autoplay
- the CD remote is easier and more intuitive than a remote PC, so I'd want to implement a dedicated conventional remote
BUT
overall I'd simply recommend a Squeezebox Touch (my preference) or a Sonos.
In particular, because the whole user interface and remote control are so well integrated and can be (more) readily explained to the other occupants of my house
Pretty much agree with all of that Chris.
DLNA music streamers in AV processors seem to be the most basic in UI very poor. To the extent of open folder and scroll to music file with noddy search options.
All down to the extreme costs in software development involved in producing a decent front end UI.
Although the Sonos is basic in terms of the latest iTunes PC offerings it executes everything pretty well without failing. Its even integrated LastFm Napster and most importantly Spotify.
I''ve briefly looked at the UI of the MF MClic (about 1K) and the UI is clunky. Not sure if they have app for that yet !
My criteria is the following
1. Price (for me personally £500 max)
2. Sound quality, clean digital output
3. Reliability. Pausing or crackles in replay or wifi drop outs if used wirelessly, syncing between rooms poorly
4. The ability to decode all the popular file formats
5. Ability to support HiRes formats (can't decide if this is a 4 or 5 having only heard hi-res once)
6. Usability. This can be broken down into many
Easy to use GUI front end on PC and or remote devices is a must (Apple and android)
Gapless playback,
Playlist managment,
library managment ,
Internet music services like lastfm,spotify napster and internet radio.
Other nice to haves like star rating favourites, cross fading, random
7. Flexibility of connections to support interface types optical, coax, async usb hires for connection to DAC
8. Multiroom capability incl different playback or partymodes.
9. Upgradability or future proofing. Not just about online updates but also the stability and ability of a company to provide support if things go wrong.
Waiting to trial the new streamer from Simple Audio at £500 , but again I'm paying for a DAC I don't need.
One of the problems with the streamer market is that there are more and more software services such as Spotify and MOG (not in UK yet) and ITunes or an Apple equivalent I'm sure in the future. The standalone devices are struggling to integrate these , so it's making the PC solution a stronger contender.
Which is why I stated ealier "PC based stripped down and bespoke components geared not for multi room just a dedicated audiophile processor based product which allows the user to pick and choose the software of their choice. No DAC just a quality digital signal output to interface to the MDAC or DQ"
Spend the effort on good hardware design and leave the (expensive) software elements to others. Not sure how isolated or modular you can make the hardware unless its a PC re-housed with better power supply , isolation and SSD. I've hit a brick wall on my knowledge here