Migrating from SBT to CAPS - Newbie questions

[reburns]

G'day -

 

First some background then the newbie questions: I'm looking to move away from my trusty Squeezebox to better handle DSD files on my main system. I'm looking at using JRiver to translate on the fly into a PCM USB DAC. Someday I might consider a DSD DAC or a two-processor DAC, but for now I'm happy with a Hegel HD25. I've used Squeezebox for years from a ReadyNAS, and so far I still plan on using other SBT's in my home office and workshop, but can foresee some frustration when future DSD files are not available there. Also I'm no videophile, although we are getting a Sony 4K 850B TV tomorrow, so it could be good if the CAPS server could do duty for some video streaming or storage unbeknownst to me, and very handy if the TV functions as a computer monitor for setup control plus play vacation photo slideshows. The music server and streaming video are my only sources, and I like the simplicity. I want to continue using a smartphone to run the main system, and have zero experience with JRiver, but it comes recommended and has smartphone apps.

 

Due to space restriction, I'm leaning very heavily towards the Small Green v3 micro Zuma. I surfed this site for hours and hours yesterday but still have pesky newbie questions:

 

- how large a mSATA drive is appropriate? There's 60GB, 250GB and upwards at a cost. I have a spare 256GB 2.5" SSD, but Andrew at Small Green tells me that it won't fit so I won't quibble. The music and photos are on the NAS.

- how much RAM? 8GB? 16GB?

- My main laptop computer on the home network is Windows 7; will I have any trouble controlling the CAPS Windoze 8.1?

- If I ever wanted to re-install the OS, how is that done without an optical drive? A USB thumb drive and the bios is set to point there first?

- Do you leave these CAPS on 24/7? How do you power up/down & reboot? Sometimes we have power outages here and I'm not keen on adding spendy and large battery power to the CAPS.

- is there recommended wifi hardware? Via a USB dongle? It'll be a few weeks before I'm able to hard-wire in Ethernet.

- I'm not convinced that a LPS is necessary, and it'd be great to do A/B, but if I get one I'm leaning towards Teddy Pardo 12/4 for size and apparent quality and will let the MB power the SOtM. If there's smaller options then I'm keen to know.

 

I know that's a lot. I'm ready to order and looking forward to some gentle guidance to help reduce growing pains.

 

Thanks so much - Ralph

ascent-design.com/audio/

[reburns]

I ordered one this afternoon. Andrew of Small Green promptly answered my questions, so hopefully sharing helps all:

1. 60GB mSATA is just for the OS your data is stored on a NAS. This is the best configuration.

2. 8GB of RAM is fine for almost anything you want to do with the CAPS but you can add more later if you want.

3. The OS CD and license are included in case you want to re-install. You can use a USB CD or USB key.

4. I always ship a supply with the unit just to make sure it's working. If you're interested in getting a Linear supply you can get it from me. I will put a Aerospace GX16 connector on the CAPS so you get end to end shielding.

5. Remote desktop works well with all versions of Windows

[Hifidelit]

It looks a good choice if you are space restricted but to say an mSATA and a NAS is the best configuration is open to debate - maybe for that build.

 

What motherboard is it using? If you wanted wi-fi you could have specified one with it built in but a Netgear usb stick has worked well for me on the whole in the past.

 

Information on the Teedy Pardo:

Under the Hood | Power Supplies | TeddyPardo

 

A fuller answer regarding remote desktop:

Remote Desktop Connection: frequently asked questions - Windows Help

You can use a PC running any edition of Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7, or a PC running Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1 to initiate a connection. But the remote PC must be running one of these Windows operating systems:

 

• Windows 8.1 Pro
   
  
• Windows 8.1 Enterprise
   
  
• Windows 8 Enterprise
   
  
• Windows 8 Pro
   
  
• Windows 7 Professional
   
  
• Windows 7 Enterprise
   
  
• Windows 7 Ultimate
   
  
• Windows Vista Business
   
  
• Windows Vista Ultimate
   
  
• Windows Vista Enterprise
   
  
• Windows XP Professional
   
   
   
  

[reburns]

Thanks Mr. Hifidelit -

 

I'm assuming it's a Intel DH77EB board. I'll only use wifi for a few weeks until I get a LAN cable routed properly, so ordered a TL-WN722N USB adapter. I ordered a HDPlex supply because it's more budget, has a higher current rating, and matches the mini Zuma case anyway. I'll see if it can power a cable set-top box with as well.

 

Thanks so much for the links to read up on remote desktop - it's homework time!

 

Cheerio - Ralph

ascent-design.com/audio/

 

 

[Hifidelit]

Ralph

It won't be a dh77eb as they list an Haswell in the description. From the pictures it looks like an HD Plex H1 case which only accepts thin or mini ITX boards.