[ttan98]

I am trying to gauge from  Mac or Linux users whether it is worthwhile migrating to this platform from Windows 7 or XP?
 
This is a broad statement, coming from a user of Windows 7. I am thinking of setting up a Linux OS(mint) in a Netbook as a music server. Whether this is a worthwhile exercise I am am still considering, I am not not very familar with Linux but I realise that upon installing the OS I still need to modify/streamline the OS for it to run with existing media(music) player software. Only after this it would work as an optimal combo, from what I can understand.
 
Those who have experience with using Linux/Mac platform as a music server can contribute in terms of:
 
1. What music player software to use?
2. How to modify/streamline the Linux OS for it to work optimal as a music server?
3. Will the sound reproduction from the new platform, Linux/Mac be superior to that offered by Win 7 or XP?
 
Please direct me to any website that will provide any detail info will also be very helpful.
 
Thanks in advance.
 

 

[Dynobot]

I don't know about other people but I have ALL 3.
 
So I can tell you from experience that for audio, Linux is the way to go.  Linux Mint is a good choice if you are planning on using the computer for other things besides music.  If you "only" want to use the computer for music go with a distro that uses less resources like Lubuntu.  For the best sounding music software for Linux use Music Player Daemon.
 
I have a lot of background information, test info, set up info etc. on my web site
 
https://sites.google.com/site/computeraudioorg/

 

[Edoardo]

I totally agree with Dynobot. 
 
Are you going to use this netbook just as a music server or also for daily average use?

 

[ttan98]

Yes I am thinking of using a Netbook exclusively as a music server, looks like I can configure it using Linux Mint. I may need both of your help in this department.

 

[ttan98]

Quote:

I don't know about other people but I have ALL 3.
 
So I can tell you from experience that for audio, Linux is the way to go.  Linux Mint is a good choice if you are planning on using the computer for other things besides music.  If you "only" want to use the computer for music go with a distro that uses less resources like Lubuntu.  For the best sounding music software for Linux use Music Player Daemon.
 
I have a lot of background information, test info, set up info etc. on my web site
 
https://sites.google.com/site/computeraudioorg/

Hi,
 
Went to your website, I found the material you wrote very useful indeed,  I will be away for awhile at the same time waiting for my Linux Mint DVD to arrive.
 
Initial testing will be done on a Dell 12" duo core processor dual boot with the Window XP. Once I get a better understanding and knowledge of the Linux OS and its drivers and music player software and if the combined package sounds promising I will migrate to a Netbook and use it exclusively as a music server.
 
In the meantime I may need your expert advice on  configuring the Linux Mint to work with music player software and optimally. I hope you don't mind.

 

[estreeter]

1. Make a coffee
 
2. Read this:
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/Computer-Audiophile-Pocket-Server-CAPS
 
3. Check out Voyage Linux, esp voyage-mpd, but only if you are comfortable at the command line. Having gone down that path, I can assure you that you can have a very good music server in place with nothing more than a netbook, an SD card and an external DAC. And patience - lots of it.

 

[Dynobot]

I'm not really an expert but I can help you along.  For the most part all you need is on my site, just PM me if you like.
 

 

[Uncle Erik]

Yes, I've used all three platforms. I run OS X and Linux at home. I haven't set up another music server yet (used to run one off a Mac), but intend to again. The reason I'm tending towards the Mac is because I already have an AppleTV (new model) and an iPad. I'll be able to use the iPad as a large remote control - something that I'd love. The Linux options look good, too, and I'd look at them seriously if I didn't already have the other hardware.

I dumped Windows some years back due to maintenance, reliability and upkeep. I still have to use Windows at work, and I'm glad there's an IT department. Both Mac and Linux, in my experience, have been maintenance-free (save for periodic updates) and I have uptime measured in years. I'll stick with both as long as they stay stable. If either gets flaky, I'll reconsider.

 

[jasonb]

I'm running Ubuntu on my HP G60 laptop. It was originally a Windows 7 machine, but I am dual booting it with Ubuntu, but haven't actually used Win 7 since the day I put Ubuntu on it. It was a little rough at first, but now after about 2 months I am not looking back. It runs so smooth and efficiently, and I mean REALLY efficiently. I have 3GB of ram on my Laptop and I've never even seen 800MB of that being used. It's usually only using around 500-700MB of memory, which seems very lightweight to me. Seems perfect for a netbook to me.
 
I use Banshee for the Flac files on my laptop and for Shoutcast streams. I also do A LOT of streaming from Rdio.com(it's a subscription service like Rhapsody). It works great as a music player.

 

[Edoardo]

 
Quote:

Yes I am thinking of using a Netbook exclusively as a music server, looks like I can configure it using Linux Mint. I may need both of your help in this department.

Of course you can optimize Linux Mint, but I would also consider the Linux Voyage mpd OS.
 
It's am already optimized light version of Debian that comes with mpd and that you can download from the Linux Voyage site.

 

[Edoardo]

Quote:

1. Make a coffee
 
2. Read this:
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/Computer-Audiophile-Pocket-Server-CAPS
 
3. Check out Voyage Linux, esp voyage-mpd, but only if you are comfortable at the command line. Having gone down that path, I can assure you that you can have a very good music server in place with nothing more than a netbook, an SD card and an external DAC. And patience - lots of it.

Hi! Do you boot Linux from the SD card?

 

[Dynobot]

Long term I have always had problems running Linux from a USB or a SD card.

 

[nullstring]

I just wanted to add two things.
 
1) People like to recommend mpd.
In reality, mpd is a horrible piece of software and you should probably stay away from it.
 
Try out xmms2 (uses a client/server model just like mpd)
(If you've heard of xmms, you need to throw away all impressions, because they are completely separate projects)
 
2) If you're running this on a netbook, I suggest you try out peppermint linux OS.

 

[Edoardo]

Can I ask you why?
 
For what I've read around, the bryston bdp-1 music server indeed uses music player daemon. Are there more than one?

 

[Dynobot]

 
Quote:

Can I ask you why?
 
For what I've read around, the bryston bdp-1 music server indeed uses music player daemon. Are there more than one?

 
 
It is interesting that someone would bash a software without having any valid claims or any claims at all.....LOL
 
Fact is, the overall majority of people love MPD for a reason.  It sounds great, and it gives the ultimate flexibility.
 
I have tried xmms2 and it is extremely buggy, not only that its impossible to completely remove.  I had to actually reformat my drive with a new install of Linux to get rid of it.