I have two options for computer based audio - help me choose...

[chiba]

Currently I use a Squeezebox running into an MD player in DAC mode as my source. Going via the MD player sounds better to my ears than the Squeezebox's analogue output. The music is in Apple Lossless on my Mac.

 

With a modest investment I have another choice. I've got an old Mac Mini doing very little, so if I get a USB DAC, like the new Arcam rDac, then I can put all of my music on there and use that instead. It's a first generation G4 Mini so no speed demon, but should be no problem for music.

 

I'm game to try the Mac route, but the sheer convenience of the Squeezebox is hard to get past. Before the Squeezebox I used an Airport Express, controlling iTunes with a nifty plug-in that gave it a web interface, then using a Sony PSP as a remote. It was OK, but not as slick as the very simple UI on the Squeezebox.

 

So, I guess the question is more how do I best control iTunes, or how do I run a Mac in "headless" mode, or should I look for a touchscreen, or something.

 

The rest of my system, for reference, is an Arcam Diva A75+ and a pair of Castle Pembrokes. Cables/Interconnects are home made.

[Guest]

The best way of controlling iTunes on a headless Mac is via an iPod Touch. There's a free Apple program called Remote (download from the iTunes Store) that will control iTunes. This is how I do a lot of my listening.

 

Your old Mac Mini will be fine in terms of speed - I was using an eight year old iBook for a music server until recently.

 

But the key question here is this: does you Mini have wi-fi (Airport in Apple-speak)? If yes then you can use an iPod Touch as a remote. If no, then you can't.

[chiba]

 

Michael Jones;127038 wrote:

But the key question here is this: does you Mini have wi-fi (Airport in Apple-speak)? If yes then you can use an iPod Touch as a remote. If no, then you can't.

 

Yes, it's a wi-fi model.

 

Cheapest Touch is $349. Meh, I guess I could live with that, but I already have an iPod so don't really want another. I guess anything with a web browser would do? Maybe a cheap Chinese aPad or iPud, like this?

 

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.42070

[nixon76]

You could use a web based VNC app to control the headless mini. In fact any VNC is probably a must when you've got something headless. The Apple Remote app on an iPod just controls the music. It won't start up iTunes and point it at your library etc.

 

But the VNC route will likely be slow and annoying for day to day listening. I run VNC through a gigabit wired network to my headless mini and there is still some lag. Be alot more chunky over wifi. Fine for occasional setup though. I use the Remote app for day to day listening.

[chiba]

 

nixon76;127052 wrote:

... VNC is probably a must when you've got something headless.

 

Yeah, I use that from my iMac to control the Mini already, as it's already sat out of the way with no monitor. Works OK, even over wireless, but you're right in saying that it's not suitable for day-to-day listening.

 

The only real issue I found with my previous HTML based remote was that it's quite one way. You hit "play", but the feedback on where you're up to is a bit vague. No idea if the Touch remote has this issue.

 

A 5" touch screen monitor is maybe $80-90 US. That might be another option, given that I tend to be a "whole album" listener. So long as it works with the Mini, that is...

[Guest]

The touch screen would need to work via wi-fi and have a VNC program available.

[chiba]

 

Michael Jones;127057 wrote:

The touch screen would need to work via wi-fi and have a VNC program available.

 

I meant more run the Mini headed and have the touch screen sat with it. Just nicer than a mouse, as there are some replacement iTunes GUIs designed for touch.

[Ernie1553552694]

A iPad would provide a more immersive browsing experience, although not as replacement monitor. The problem with trawling for cheap, derivative designed appliances is that there's no support if the equipment fails or it plain doesn't work. At least with a new Apple product there is a). a huge base of support, b). you can get it replaced, exchanged or refunded if it's not the go for you. Worth it, ime.

[nixon76]

 

Ernie;127074 wrote:

A iPad would provide a

more imersive browsing experience, although not as

replacement monitor

.

 

There's an app for that :rolleyes:

 

No really - there is. Just can't remember the name

[Ernie1553552694]

I'm sure there is. Will put that search on my list of things to do when I'm supposed to be doing more important things.

[curiousgeorgenz]

 

chiba;127043 wrote:

Cheapest Touch is $349.

 

iPhone is another alternative. 3GS now $899. New iPhone 4 coming soon.

[Carlos1553552752]

I use a program called remote buddy and a wi remote to control my imac, which is in a different room than stereo. The imac connects to an audio note dac with usb input, and my Tv, so I can see what is happening on the imac.