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I have been looking into making a PC transport for awhile, and I found a very interesting project for those who have some money they want to throw -- cPlay and Building a Computer Transport. They use upsampling in cPlay, but you can turn it off and use bitperfect if you like. In the transport they build they seem to use some mini-atx boards and a expensive case, but on the software end, it could easily used in any other project.
Hi, and thanks for your reply. I wasn't expecting too much interest in this thread as it requires some knowledge of Linux. It's not a plug n' play solution (like using a laptop or buying a Slim Devices), but it is far cheaper, and being open source you are not beholden to any one company for support or bug fixes.
To try answer some of your questions...
I know nothing about Foobar or ASIO. My household has been strictly Linux for the last 10-12 years. I do know that ALSA (the Advanced Linux Sound Architecture) will pass bit perfect audio when you specify a hardware address in MPD's config file.
I have not heard any sound degradation using MPD's buffer. MPD will play WAV files as well as an assortment of other file types. I suggest you rip your music to FLAC, as the WAV file format has no facilities for tagging.
I haven't tried using my music server with an external USB HDD. I wanted to eliminate any HDD or fan noise (I have plenty of Real Trap treatments which makes my room very quiet) from my listening room. My FLAC files are sent over CAT 5 100Mbit ethernet via NFS from my desktop machine in the bedroom. NFS stands for Network File System. It makes files and directories appear over a network as if they were locally attached. Since the ALIX board is running off Compact Flash, and I didn't want any HDD's in the listening room, NFS makes the FLAC files appear (to MPD) on the ALIX as if they regular local files.
The ALIX boards does have 2 mini-PCI slots. I suppose one could add a wireless card and keep the wiring down to a minimum. You could also move it from room to room if you wanted to.
If you know NOTHING about Linux, this might be a difficult project, software wise, to put together. Especially since there is no GUI involved in setting up the ALIX board. You also need to do the initial configuration of the board via SSH or the serial port; there is no VGA port. Or you could buy one of the more expensive PC Engine ALIX boards with VGA and keyboard. It's still %100 fan-less and draws only 5 watts compared to my 3 watts. The serial port option would also require the purchase or loan of a serial cable and null modem adapter. On the plus side, since Voyage is based on Debian, and it retains the excellent apt package manager, installing software is a breeze: apt-get install mpd alsa-base is all that is needed to get the audio software installed.
As an aside, my profession has nothing to do with computers. I taught myself Linux over the years. If you can use Google and subscribe to one of the better mailing lists, like Debian user, you can learn quite a bit.
As an update to my server running so far:
I haven't had any issues. The ALIX board runs for weeks between powering down with not a single crash yet. CPU is still 5-8% playing FLAC files of all sizes. No skips, pops, click or any other extraneous noises. Internet radio stations play without any issues.
I managed to pick up a Nokia N800 and a used Linksys Wireless router ($150 and $20, respectively) from Craigslist, and can now control my music and play-lists from the couch wirelessly.
If you have any other questions, please let me know.
Last edited by nyc_paramedic; 07-11-2008 at 12:16 AM.
Oh I appreciate the DIY aspect of it, but what did it all cost? I mean I can pick up a SB3 for 300 brand new that does as muchas the home built system, and works out the box. Plus, great screen, bit perfect, nice optical out if you wanna add a dac, and a remote. I tried using a PDA with a 640*480 screen to control the SB3, but diodnt like the interface.. too cramped on the screen.
But hey, i'm all for things just working, too much other stuff to worry about myself
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Home (1): PC > NC 203.2 > Little Dot II+ > Woodied MS-1's / AGK340 / Koss A250. Home (2) SB 3 > Headfive > AKG K240M
Wouldn't it have just been easier to buy a squeezebox (or duet) and be done with it?
just wondering..
It might be easier to buy the Squeezebox, but in my opinion, this setup affords much more flexibility AND functionality. I did cruise their forums for a few months before I settled on this solution. It seems their software (which is based on perl) had issues with every revision. I like their VFD display, but using their IR to control play lists didn't seem too intuitive to me. Having the Nokia in my hand keeps the display close and keeps me from squinting at a display from across the room. (I once brought the Nokia N800 to the bathroom (number 2) and used it there to change songs... hehe ) Also, I'm not limited to using MMPC on the Nokia for my music controller. There are over a couple dozen clients written for MPD.
I wasn't terribly impressed with the Slime Devices product for my needs. Again, I'm stressing "my needs".
Last edited by nyc_paramedic; 07-11-2008 at 06:05 PM.
Reason: typo
Oh I appreciate the DIY aspect of it, but what did it all cost? I mean I can pick up a SB3 for 300 brand new that does as muchas the home built system, and works out the box. Plus, great screen, bit perfect, nice optical out if you wanna add a dac, and a remote. I tried using a PDA with a 640*480 screen to control the SB3, but diodnt like the interface.. too cramped on the screen.
But hey, i'm all for things just working, too much other stuff to worry about myself
The ALIX board was $115
Case and bracket with USB cutout was $15
12V adapter was $12
I had the serial cable & null modem adapter on hand; already had the Trends UD-10 as well.
Some of your aforementioned points are valid. This project isn't for everyone. But if you know a little Linux you can have this up and running in one afternoon. The system is bit perfect, is very stable, and is very configurable. I actually have no problems using the Nokia with it's wide 800x400 screen. I can use the stylus or my fingers to manipulate the controls.
Again, after cruising the Slim Devices forums and reading some of the issues other people are having I didn't want a closed software/hardware solution. Also, there is no USB out on any Slim Devices products that I know of. I am planning on buying a dedicated USB (Benchmark?) in the near future. But I'm sure the SD work just fine for the majority of users who want a plug 'n play solution.
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