Is Vortexbox right for me?

[[email protected]]

Good day folks,

 

My first post here so first off let me say hello! I'm a bit of a newb when it comes to this side of hi-fi and have recently added a Squeezebox Touch to my system which I am delighted with. Currently I only have a very limited library ripped on my laptop as Flac from where I have the Squeezebox server running. The laptop is just a short term fix and I really want it to have as little to do with my system as possible in the long term.

 

What I want is a storage unit to hold my entire library on and that will run the SB server in the most hassle free way. I'm a attracted to the Vortexbox as it also does automatic FLAC ripping, I don't get on with computers too well so the idea of inserting a CD and then having is spat out again when it's done is very appealing. Also with the SB server software already installed on the VB for my needs to the VB seems a no brainier.

 

Before I take the plunge I just wanted to run it past you guys as I really have no experience in the area. Is the VB held in high esteem? Is there any negatives I need to be aware of and are there any other competitively priced products I should be aware of?

 

Many thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[JeffH]

I've used it as a NAS to serve up my FLAC files and it works great. The great thing about it is if you have an old PC sitting around unused you can set it up for free. You do not need to by a new PC and the vortexbox software is free. On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being an expert, my knowledge of Linux is a 1. But I was able to get it up and working fine.

 

So, since you can try it for free, I say give it a try!

 

Jeff

 

 

[firedog]

It's made for people and situations like yours. It's free!

 

Go for it

 

[[email protected]]

Thanks for the replies guys. Sorry I should have made myself a bit more clear though, I was referring to the Vortexbox appliance not just the software. But still your comments still seem to give it the thumbs up. I like the idea it also has the squeezebox software installed, which again is less hassle for me because to be honest I seem to make the simplest things complex when it comes to computers.

 

[JeffH]

When you mentioned price, I assumed you were talking about the vortexbox appliance. But, if you can get your hands on an old PC, you could save yourself a lot of money. As I said I do not have any Linux experience.

 

So to be clear, my recommendation is based on the fact that it can be set up for free. You've got nothing to loose but a little time. I will let others with more experience make recommendations and suggestions based on what the vortexbox appliance costs. There are probably less expensive options.