Here is why I use a Squeezebox

nspindel
nspindel Posts: 5,343
edited June 2009 in The Clubhouse
Just saw this thread on head-fi:

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f46/eac-foobar-asio4all-wasapi-settings-pictorial-402765/#post5316393

The EAC settings are fine for archiving, but I just can't be bothered with all the foobar, asio4all, soundcard, and windows configuration crap in order to get a bit-perfect output from a pc. Not to mention the noise from the pc fans, if you don't want to get started with water cooling. Not to mention the complexity of setting up a remote to control your computer.

I just love the Squeezebox. Plug and play...
Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
Post edited by nspindel on
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  • nadams
    nadams Posts: 5,877
    edited May 2009
    Any music that gets played on my main system is from redbook cds... FLAC files burnt to CD in a pinch. However, all my redbook CDs get ripped to flac the day they are opened for archival purposes.

    Don't have to worry about paying for a special box to play my music... my Denon CDP cost me $30 from Doro, IIRC. Its remote works fine, and it makes no noise :)
    Ludicrous gibs!
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  • BIZILL
    BIZILL Posts: 5,432
    edited May 2009
    if you play umpteen billion different artists, one after another as i do, then you'd want to find a better way than to get up and switch cd's after each and every song. personally, i blame aadd. lol.

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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited May 2009
    Exactly. Getting up to change cd's is neanderthal! Plus you've got to store them. People spend more on a cd rack than the cost of a Squeezebox...
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • sucks2beme
    sucks2beme Posts: 5,601
    edited May 2009
    nspindel wrote: »
    Just saw this thread on head-fi:

    http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f46/eac-foobar-asio4all-wasapi-settings-pictorial-402765/#post5316393

    The EAC settings are fine for archiving, but I just can't be bothered with all the foobar, asio4all, soundcard, and windows configuration crap in order to get a bit-perfect output from a pc. Not to mention the noise from the pc fans, if you don't want to get started with water cooling. Not to mention the complexity of setting up a remote to control your computer.

    I just love the Squeezebox. Plug and play...

    Use a quiet media case from Antec. Not that hard really.
    Soundcard? IF it's not a DAC, don't bother. Even a pro level
    recording soundcard was beat by a cheap NOS DAC.
    I store all the CDs out of sight. I still listen album by album.
    My wife is the helter skelter one. More than one song by the same
    artist in a row, and she's bored.
    "The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson
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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited May 2009
    Oh, you definitely need a dac. But often there are configurations to the soundcard that you need to make just to get it to push out a bit-perfect signal to the dac.

    I used to have an htpc. Been there, done that. You'd couldn't pry the Squeezebox out of my rig with a crowbar....
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • nadams
    nadams Posts: 5,877
    edited May 2009
    Most of the music I listen to is prog rock or classic rock. Most of those albums get played from "cover to cover" in one sitting, hence, I don't have much of a need to change CDs. Right now, I'm finishing up Demons and Wizards by Uriah Heep. Good one!
    Ludicrous gibs!
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  • thuffman03
    thuffman03 Posts: 1,325
    edited June 2009
    I don't mind getting up to change a cd. Though the sound out of my tube CD player is great. I do own a Squeezebox Duet and like it also. I use the Squeezebox Duet to streem audio I do not own from Rhapsody or listen to internet radio.
    Sunfire TGP, Sunfire Cinema Grand, Sunfire 300~2 (2), Sunfire True Sub (2),Carver ALS Platinum, Carver AL III, TFM-55, C-19, C-9, TX-8, SDA-490t, SDA-390t
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  • sucks2beme
    sucks2beme Posts: 5,601
    edited June 2009
    I use a USB DAC. No soundcard, that allows for using ASIO4ALL
    for output bypassing windows. That's what takes all the config steps.
    And with a couple of hints, it's not too bad. I prefer the full screen search
    and playback display of the pc to the squeezebox. If Sonos ever unbundled
    their interface from all the proprietary H/W crap, I'd use their stuff.
    A server using a network box output and the Sonos controller would be great.
    The Sonos boxes are what costs the money. But I love their handheld controller interface.
    "The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited June 2009
    Right now I'm using dual Lacie 1TB Lacie HD Drives connected with firewire 800 to a Macbook Pro connected via toslink to a Peachtree Nova. The system is dead freakin' silent with this setup. I'm outputting 24/96 to the Nova, something the Squeezebox can't do (but the Transporter can). At any rate, AIFF files ripped from Red Book or HD Tracks sound amazing through this setup. I love flipping through all the albums in iTunes. I don't mind changing CDs, but with all my CDs, it's impossible to have this kind of hands on access.
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited June 2009
    How would you guys compare the squeeze box to using 360 for media sharing? Obviously the Squeezebox is music, I'd like to run one of these in the theater if it is worth it over the 360. This would eliminate me having to turn on the projector all the time as well. Im looking at the Squeezebox Classic. Thoughts?
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited June 2009
    Ok it's time for a bit of ignorance?

    I've seen this term Squeeze box many times on this site. So WHAT is it--just a moniker for some program, sound card and DAC for a PC or hard Drive that will allow you to store, catalogue and play your CDs and other digital sound media? And if so, couldn't you just use a PS3 and a hard drive to do the same thing?

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited June 2009
    sucks2beme wrote: »
    I use a USB DAC. No soundcard, that allows for using ASIO4ALL
    for output bypassing windows. That's what takes all the config steps.
    And with a couple of hints, it's not too bad. I prefer the full screen search
    and playback display of the pc to the squeezebox. If Sonos ever unbundled
    their interface from all the proprietary H/W crap, I'd use their stuff.
    A server using a network box output and the Sonos controller would be great.
    The Sonos boxes are what costs the money. But I love their handheld controller interface.

    There's a killer Squeezebox controller app for the iPhone called iPeng. That's what I use. Love it. Sonos just never made sense to me from a price standpoint.
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited June 2009
    Sherardp wrote: »
    How would you guys compare the squeeze box to using 360 for media sharing? Obviously the Squeezebox is music, I'd like to run one of these in the theater if it is worth it over the 360. This would eliminate me having to turn on the projector all the time as well. Im looking at the Squeezebox Classic. Thoughts?

    Never used a 360 so can't comment. I recommend the Squeezebox Classic, especially if you own an iPhone or iPod touch. The Controller for the Duet is pretty nice, but it's expensive. I prefer having the display of the Classic than just having the display-less duet receiver. But as I mentioned above, if you have an iPod touch, get the iPeng app for a couple of bucks and you don't need the controller.
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited June 2009
    cnh wrote: »
    Ok it's time for a bit of ignorance?

    I've seen this term Squeeze box many times on this site. So WHAT is it--just a moniker for some program, sound card and DAC for a PC or hard Drive that will allow you to store, catalogue and play your CDs and other digital sound media? And if so, couldn't you just use a PS3 and a hard drive to do the same thing?

    cnh

    www.slimdevices.com
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited June 2009
    So is this device simply a wireless DAC/processor that accesses music on a PC/Hard drive, and also Web-music stations, downloads, etc. That's what the dual unit seems to do? It has a hand held device much like an ipod?

    The question still remains...for me, why can't I just add better DACs...to my PS3 and do something similar...? What advantages are there to a Squeeze box, for example. Other than the whole house, handheld...which frankly, I'm not interested in that much.

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited June 2009
    It's not handheld. It's stationary. Not sure what formats the PS3 supports. My library is all flac, and the Squeezebox works perfectly with flac. Another nice feature is that the software gives you internet streaming. So I can sit at my desk at work and stream from my home hard drive.
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,163
    edited June 2009
    sucks2beme wrote: »
    I use a USB DAC. No soundcard, that allows for using ASIO4ALL
    for output bypassing windows. That's what takes all the config steps.
    And with a couple of hints, it's not too bad. I prefer the full screen search
    and playback display of the pc to the squeezebox. If Sonos ever unbundled
    their interface from all the proprietary H/W crap, I'd use their stuff.
    A server using a network box output and the Sonos controller would be great.
    The Sonos boxes are what costs the money. But I love their handheld controller interface.

    I use the Squeeze box too.....but I bought a Dell Mini 9 laptop specifically to run wireless and get the "full screen" search and playback as well as artwork and the ability to search the internet. I still use the SQBox remote, but I can also use my laptop for the same function. Much cheaper than the Duet remote control and more felxibility.

    Next step is to get a dedicated NAS server which would be controlable with the Dell Mini.
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • LessisNevermore
    LessisNevermore Posts: 1,519
    edited June 2009
    heiney9 wrote: »
    Next step is to get a dedicated NAS server which would be controlable with the Dell Mini.


    Not sure if this is still available.....but the price looks decent.
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=83314
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  • sucks2beme
    sucks2beme Posts: 5,601
    edited June 2009
    nspindel wrote: »
    There's a killer Squeezebox controller app for the iPhone called iPeng. That's what I use. Love it. Sonos just never made sense to me from a price standpoint.

    I'm currently just using a blue tooth presentaion remote with the PC
    to foward/back on song selections. Most of the commercial sound
    server setups are WAAAAAy pricey. The SQBox setup at least is
    reasonably priced. I have downloaded the virual controller to try, and
    that's when I decided to just DAC straight out of a pc with FOOBAR.
    I have tried a PDA app with FOOBAR, but it was a bit flakey(damn wireless
    crap). I may give TelCanto software a try again with a PDA and bluetooth.
    The PDA and the wireless router don't seem to paly together well.
    "The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson
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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited June 2009
    I had a lot of similar flakey wifi issues. I had enough problems with various differing pieces of gear that I decided the wifi router was the common denominator. Swapped out the Linksys router for a D-Link and all has been perfect ever since. I'll never buy Linksys again.
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,163
    edited June 2009
    The Qnap NAS server is able to run the SQB software as a stand alone unit. No longer needing to have a PC attached. That's the one my brother has now and one I'd like to get in the future. It's a bit pricey for me right now w/drives probably in the $500 range.

    It's a small, compact, ultra powerfull, RAID system that can run the SQB software. Very neat little package that is ultra quiet and can sit out in the main listening room or in another room, since it's wireless.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited June 2009
    So once, I get buy the squeezebox, and install it over my network I can stream from my PC over the network correct? My main use would be using it in my HT room as I mention so any help would be appreciated. I have roughly 200GB of music so this would be nice to use.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited June 2009
    Sherardp wrote: »
    So once, I get buy the squeezebox, and install it over my network I can stream from my PC over the network correct? My main use would be using it in my HT room as I mention so any help would be appreciated. I have roughly 200GB of music so this would be nice to use.

    Correct.
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited June 2009
    I love the Duet's remote.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • sucks2beme
    sucks2beme Posts: 5,601
    edited June 2009
    Sherardp wrote: »
    So once, I get buy the squeezebox, and install it over my network I can stream from my PC over the network correct? My main use would be using it in my HT room as I mention so any help would be appreciated. I have roughly 200GB of music so this would be nice to use.

    Correct. There is a host program you can download for free that is needed at the pc side.
    There's other boxes that also can use the SQBox host software.
    Here's a link to the windows page about xbox360.
    http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/knowledgecenter/howto/mp11/xbox360towmp11xp_stepbystep.aspx
    Try working with the xbox and report back. Why buy anything if the stuff
    you have get's it done!
    "The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited June 2009
    sucks2beme wrote: »
    Correct. There is a host program you can download for free that is needed at the pc side.
    There's other boxes that also can use the SQBox host software.
    Here's a link to the windows page about xbox360.
    http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/knowledgecenter/howto/mp11/xbox360towmp11xp_stepbystep.aspx
    Try working with the xbox and report back. Why buy anything if the stuff
    you have get's it done!

    The xbox 360 works now, however I would run a SQ Box so that I don't have to run my projector all the time, and can just run to the SQ box. This would be nice, but I'm wondering if it is actually really worth it in the end, at least in my setup.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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