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Thisisaline

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  1. Thanks. Yea, technically I could just start with my PC hooked up direct to active monitors if I want. It'll be interesting to do comparisons with and without the external DAC, and between PC and SBC/Chromecast.
  2. Thanks a lot, now I have a fairly good understanding of CCA vs Pi and the reason for your setup. Yes, thanks, I'm very aware that they are all headless; I'll have my PC and tablet to use. CCA does indeed seem like a good option.
  3. Perhaps this is a bit of a daft question, but does having to go wireless with the Chromecast have any impact on SQ? Why the C2 over the Pi? @master also mentioned using the Chromecast for radio with/over the Pi. Why not use the Pi or C2 for all radio? Does the Chromecast have options not accessible by either?
  4. Yes, quite right. i suppose I asked the wrong question. What I should ask is: If I have no need for networking/multi-room use, is there any particular reason for me to use MinimServer over say Moode or Volumio? As I mentioned to @master, I have little local content. I could imagine a server and its corresponding software maybe being useful in a small one-room setup if you have a hefty library. But otherwise, I don't think it would be too useful for the cost. Correct me if I'm wrong.
  5. I've always found it hard to specify a budget when it comes to audio, ht, pc gear. I've tried a number of times but just can't do it. For me, value comes first and foremost. What I can say is that in general audiophile terms, I shop at the low end of the scale. As a reference, at this point I could get a Pi + Schiit Modi + SYS for $200-$350 or a Node N-100 for about $300, so unless there's something that gives me better value for similar, i'm not inclined to go too much higher than that.* This especially because, again, I'll have my PC right there, so at this point it's hard to justify spending a significant amount to put a standalone source right next to it. Obviously I'll need a DAC either way, and if a streamer can do double duty and a Pi doesn't cost much, then why not if either setup gives better SQ than a PC. It's the value. *Alternatively, the component scale can be used as a reference, with the speakers as the most expensive component. I'll probably be going with Adam Audio F5s.
  6. Why not output straight from the Pi? Is it to minimise 'noise'? I ruled out a Synology NAS a long time ago. With little local content and a desktop setup restricted just to the one room, I don't see the justification to purchase a dedicated server. Unless there's something I should know? Otherwise it makes sense to me just to use an external USB drive.
  7. Hmm, yes, ok.. So what is the main reason I would use it in a single configuration over a more straightforward setup?
  8. Oh, wow, ok, that's interesting. Yea, the 1st gen is on sale at the moment for clearance. I'll probably only be putting my setup together at the end of the year, so perhaps the prices of the 2nd gen may drop by then. With my budget, it'll be hard to justify spending too much on a standalone player cos I'll have my PC right there.
  9. Isn't Tune-in inherently available in Bluesound devices through the Bluesound app? Or do you mean you can add stations to Tune-in that aren't already available in it (which I doubt since you can't do this on the website or on the app)?
  10. If only favourited streams could automatically be removed if they are no longer available too. Just today four channels in a row on my favourite list had no available stream before the next one which did. I don't need a network streaming server though, I'm only using my setup in one room. Good to know though.
  11. Thanks for all the info. You say Pi + CCA combo.. You mean you use them with each other? How? I thought you'd either use the Pi or the CCA but not both together. Yea, if I go with the SBC, I've been looking at probably going with the Schiit Modi 2 Uber or Multibit + SYS preamp, unless there's a better budget DAC around, which at this point will most probably run into Adam Audio F5s. Great if it performs better than a streamer.
  12. Thanks. Unfortunately both the Heos and Naim are either out of my budget or don't really fit the profile of my requirement for a stand alone player without speakers as far as I can tell. I currently use Tune-In on my PC as my main source of internet radio. Any other tips you might have on getting the best out of it is welcome.
  13. @Cebolla @master Thanks guys for clarifying the added versatility of SBCs over streamers. So it's a trade off between a Node or a SBC + DAC. Is that to say both would be fairly similar in terms of SQ? Are there any SBC's in particular that would be preferable. Opinion of the Pi seems to be mixed, and Beaglebone and Banana Pi also seem to be popular. In terms of software, Volumio seems to be quite popular. What would be the ideal combo if internet radio and SQ are the priorities?
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