greywolf

Thanks, neither of those are what I was envisioning (ie, no changes to my computer, server, or library - just a better wireless DLNA player - turn on and go) but maybe I just need to think outside the box - maybe these other solutions are better. The Squeezebox Touch that Chris mentioned also sounds like a good bet in that realm. Appreciate the advice, thanks.

Asus Xonar Essence STX sound card with SPDIF, RCA, 6.30mm headphone. My computer is connected to a wireless router, my wireless network works well. I can stream music to my stereo but the Directv DVR DLNA player that does it has lousy sound quality. Denon is an old low end model (DRA-295) and it just has RCA jacks. Could be better Thanks!

Thanks Chris. What I want to do is stream music over my wireless to my stereo. I can do this currently using my DLNA compliant DirectTV DVR with a wireless connection, but it has extremely poor quality audio (snap crackle pop every few seconds) and a poor interface to select what to stream from the JRiver library (or from Windows Media Center for that matter). So what I'm looking for is a better wireless DLNA music player I guess. Anything that will connect over my wireless network to my media server (JRiver or WMC) and provide decent quality audio to my stereo (which is far from my computer) plus a decent UI to browse/play songs or playlists etc. I looked at Logitech but they require installing their own music server - I don't want to do that (same as with Itunes). I'm not exactly clear on the Audioengine device, but I think it's not what I'm looking for - I just want to be able to play music from my music server wirelessly to my stereo with decent quality and a decent user interface, and I'm already 2/3 of the way there, so I don't want to pay for a whole new receiver/transmitter combo. There's got to be a decent wireless media player out there that works well for music (not just video) doesn't there? Yet I haven't found one.

Hi all, I'm using the JRiver Media Center for my music library. I have a solid wireless network. I have a decent (for my budget) Denon receiver (non-AV) and some very nice old GNP Valkyrie speakers. My problem has been finding a quality wireless music player to connect the JRiver streaming to my stereo. My budget is in the under $300 range ideally. My stereo is connected to my TV as well. I've considered trying the WD Live+ player but I doubt the sound quality will be anything decent, does anyone have any experience with that one? I do own ROKU 2 and an AppleTV box but as I said I chose JRiver for my server and I do not want to use ITunes so as I understand it neither of these will do anything for me (and again I doubt the sound quality is good). I could reconsider if I really can't find anything comparable or easily navigated on the receiver side. I have also considered getting a Yamaha RX-V671 networked AV Receiver or the similar Denon AVR-1912 AV Receiver because my current setup does not have HDMI into the receiver (it's not an AV reciever) but not sure it would be worth shelling out $400... or what quality and ease of use I'd get for my money. So again, I'm primarily looking for a network music player that will work with JRiver, provide decent enough sound quality to match my system, and not bust my budget (~$300 range). It would be nice if it had a good interface, and I do have my TV connected as far as having a screen for the UI. I'd welcome any suggestions you might have. I've searched the web looking for a solid choice and so far it hasn't yielded anything at all clear. The ROKU Soundbridge sounded promising but it appears to be defunct. Thanks!

Thanks, I can see I'm going to have a lot of work ahead of me to re-rip a few hundred CD's! And worse, most of my recent/best music has been MP3 downloads from Amazon. Will have to rethink that. Do you think the headphone amp with DAC are better than the Asus Xonar Essence STX sound card output? I will definitely check out the Squeezebox then. May be some time before I can afford it but the price seems reasonable.

My music library is on my computer in WMA 192Kbps format. I have many albums on CD but some are originally Amazon MP3 downloads. Would an Asus Sonar Essence STX card and Grado SR80i headphones be a good combo for good sound on a budget, and good bang for the buck? Together these are around $270. Currently my PC just has on board audio and I don't like the output. On a separate note, I have a decent stereo system - but what's the best (inexpensive) way to get music from my computer to the stereo? Currently I burn CD's but the sound doesn't seem up to par with store bought CD's, not to mention it's inconvenient. I was reading about the Squeezebox stuff, is that all I would need? My stereo is primarily a lower end Denon receiver, a Sony SACD changer, and a pair of great old GNP 220 speakers (a notch below the Valkyries). Eventually ($$$$) I plan to upgrade things to more of a real audiophile level, but in the meantime I just want to get the best sound I can for a reasonable price. Any tips are greatly appreciated - not even sure I'm going in the right direction here.