srsanford

Vortexbox is the neatest network server to rip and store cds and dvds-but needs a pc running Softsqueeze or a dnla server like Squeezebox to play files, (or vlc mediaplayer or an <br /> A C Ryan Playon box for DVD playback)<br /> <br /> A Windows XP pc running JRiver, itunes etc is still the best way to manage an ipod (or Mac running Decibel)<br /> <br /> Chris's CAPS is a very expensive high end build, excellent in its own way...Brilliant purely to playback high quality sound files aquired elsewhere<br /> It has no kb, mouse or monitor, so a good laptop/seperate DAC is still the best cheap "all-in-one" system...<br /> <br /> But the ideal inexpensive (£300)"all-in-one" .flac ripping, dvd ripping must surely be a Linux machine eg Vortexbox <br /> <br /> <br /> The key is to very accurately define what you want to achieve-my aim was to store "every media file" on one harddisk,play anywhere in the house, at fairly high quality.<br /> Denons CEOL at £360 base/£450 complete is an excellent all in one playback system<br /> <br />

How about a seperate 12v car battery power supply, trickle rechaged by timer at night...?

I thought that Apple's OS 10 needed a "feedback" from a real Apple board to continue. Hackingtosh tries to avoid that...<br /> <br /> Several people try to drive 12v pcs from a car battery-very stable and ripple-free! It's when an automobile tries to charge the battery as well-may need a 12v stabiliser<br /> <br /> http://www.amperordirect.co.uk/index.asp<br /> <br /> <br /> http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/Mobile-Vortexbox-Player-MVP<br /> <br />

This mini-itx mb seems worthy of consideration...<br /> <br /> http://www.ebuyer.com/227343-asus-at5iont-i-atom-d525-dual-core-processor-nm10-chipset-usb3-dvi-hdmi-at5iont-i<br /> <br /> has optical out!!!<br /> <br /> Teac's new dac/amplifiers seem worth a look, too!<br /> <br /> and this inexpensive mini-atx case<br /> <br /> http://cpc.farnell.com/cit/cscits001/case-micro-atx-450w-desktop/dp/CS17657<br /> <br /> http://www.mini-itx.com/store/?c=34<br /> <br />

An excellent project-to better high-end, high-cost music servers!<br /> <br /> Might I be so bold as to mention Vortexbox-a freely downloadable .iso of a complete Linux Fedora 14 CD and DVD ripping, tagging, streaming network music server.<br /> Burn the .iso to a bootable disk, and use any favoured motherboard to build your Vortexbox.<br /> It installs faultlessly to build a stable, customiseable reliable music network server. It will rip CDs to .flac files, .wav or .mp3-with adjustible bitrate. It rips dvd's to .mkv files, playable on a pc with VLC mediaplayer, or on an HD Ryan Playon, and a 3 Tb disc is very affordable these days. It tags from a free database, and spits the disc out when complete.<br /> On a PC, SoftSqueeze allows you to play tracks, random mixes or by artist or album. Squeezebox server will stream all of your PCs music to the network and an original SlimDevices, now Logitech, Squeezebox v3 is an ideal (eBay) player with optical output to an Onkyo optical in stereo amplifier, or DAC to amplifier.<br /> With the world's greatest depression just starting, not all can afford RipNAS boxes, or Vox Olypian speakers: this is a great introduction to network streaming: I used an Intel 410 Atom motherboard in a cpc.co.uk media mini-itx case with pico psu from a 12v supply: 30w consumptiuon.<br /> Most high-end hifi magazines will never mention this brilliantly written free Linux program, which is a stunning application.<br /> All the suggested tweaks to usb surely should not be required is a M-audio 192 audiophile card is used, with optical output.<br /> Galvanic isolation is available for network cables too!