Transport witheout using a Computer
May 27, 2010 at 2:57 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 11

kunalraiker

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I read this review
 
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/Logitech-Squeezebox-Touch-Review
 
The Squeezebox Touch sounds very interesting especially for $300.00
 
I'am feeling my laptop as a source is getting a bit cumbersome considering it does not have an optical out and i would need a USB-SPDIF converter as the HiFace one to get decent 24 bit output to the yet to be purchased audio-gd DAC 19 DSP.
 
Would there be any other option available.
 
I want to get a nice decent output similar to using foobar with wasapi.
 
May 27, 2010 at 3:36 AM Post #2 of 11
Do you need to use files?  What about an upsampling CD player?  Maybe even a little Atom run HTPC.  You could connect that up to a TV to view movies/pick media, and a TOSLINK/Coaxial RCA out for 24/96 sound to the DAC19.
 
I can throw together a mockup (parts list with prices and pictures) if you're at all interested.  Probably between $200 and $400 USD.
 
May 27, 2010 at 6:07 AM Post #4 of 11
Quote:
I would be interested, the only thing is I cannot use a cd player because all my music is FLAC,also what atom could have Coax out


An 'Atom' is just a CPU processor family.  I'll write you something up in a moment, I'll edit this post.  Do note, though, it's basically a computer.  You'd just set it up so it can be your end all media centre.
 
Edit:
 
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=49410&vpn=PT.SCX02.053&manufacture=Acer&promoid=1068
 
Decent all in one, with wireless mouse and keyboard, HDMI out, and SPDIF out.  I'll parts one together aswell
 
Budget HTPC:
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=34657&promoid=1068 - Case ($46 CAD)
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=52826 - Motherboard and Processor ($120 CAD)
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=23266&promoid=1068 - Hard drive ($48 CAD)
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=22390&promoid=1068 - RAM ($28 CAD)
 
Total: ~$250
 
This setup is actually amazing for the price.  You get an Atom processor, very power efficient, a gig of RAM, a decent looking case, and a 500gb hard drive.  For video, it has an HDMI out, able to transmit HD content no problem.  Onboard WiFi for the ultimate low-cable media centre solution.  It has an optical AND coaxial SPDIF output, and can take a low-profile PCI-E card if you with to install a sound card.
 
You would need someone technically handy to set it up for you, and an operating system.  (Probably the same one you're on right now.)  But, after setup, it should be a breeze to use.
 
Options:
 
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=42349&promoid=1068 - DVD Burner with Lightscribe ($26 CAD)
 
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=45545 - Bluray/DVD/CD reader ($70)
 
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=48186&promoid=1068 - 1TB hard drive ($74 - $48 = $26 CAD more)
 
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=49591&promoid=1068 - 2TB hard drive ($126 - $48 = $78 CAD more)
 
May 27, 2010 at 6:25 AM Post #5 of 11
popcorn.gif

 
May 27, 2010 at 6:38 AM Post #6 of 11
Updated.
 
May 27, 2010 at 6:51 AM Post #8 of 11
Quote:
Thanks,I could build one,The only drawback is that I would need a screen.That much hardware in the bedroom will make my wife very angry
redface.gif


It can hook up pretty easily to any TV, and you can use that as a monitor.  Or something like this:
 
http://www.mimomonitors.com/products/mimo-720-f-flex-screen-mountable-touchscreen-usb-monitor
 
It is more a setup for a living room though.  A damn cheap Bluray/HD downloads player.
 
May 27, 2010 at 7:00 AM Post #9 of 11
I could buy most of it very cheap,thanks again,I didn't know that newer motherboards came with onboard soundcard having digital outs,would have been nice if more laptops did the same.
I usually deal with HP,for our business systems.
I should also look around the consumer products more often.
 
May 27, 2010 at 7:04 AM Post #10 of 11
Quote:
I could buy most of it very cheap,thanks again,I didn't know that newer motherboards came with onboard soundcard having digital outs,would have been nice if more laptops did the same.
I usually deal with HP,for our business systems.
I should also look around the consumer products more often.


If you ever need a computer for home, I highly recommend buying parts and 'making' it yourself.  So much easier to customize then trying to get a big company to meet your needs.
 

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