Advice on how to best set up digital music to play through stereo

[DLA123]

Hi, first time poster here. I want to set up my music archive so that I can access it and play music files via my Samsung LCD TV screen and browse/select with a remote.

 

My music is in FLAC and ALAC format. The flow will look like this:

 

Music source > MusicHall 25.3 DAC > Rega Mira Amp > Rega RS5 speakers.

 

Ideally I'd like to store all of the music on a NAS which could plug into the DAC and also into the TV so that I could access the files on the NAS via the TV/Remote.

 

I guess that is my main question. Is that possible? If so, can you guys recommend a NAS that you like.

 

I also have considered streaming the music through an Xbox360 or going NAS> Xbox360 >DAC, but I'm not sure if there would be a loss in sound quality or if this is optimal? Any opnions?

 

 

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

 

[Audio_ELF]

Option 1. You don't say if you already own a NAS or if your looking to buy the NAS too. If your NAS supports Squeezecenter server then a Squeezebox Touch would be a good option. Connect via SPDIF to your Music Hall DAC.

 

Option 1a. Similar to 1, but use Sonos. This is limited to CD Quality files (16/44.1 & 48). The advantage of the Sonos is no special software is needed on the NAS.

 

Option 2. Get a MacMini. Connect it to your Music Hall DAC via USB (if the Music Hall DAC has a good USB implementation) or via a USB to SPDIF converter (eg. Halide Bridge or M2Tech HiFace). Connect it to your LCD pannel and/or control it with an iPod Touch or iPad. Run iTunes and/or Amarra / Pure Music / AyreWave / Audionirvanna.

 

Option 2a. Similar to option 2 but using a Windows 7 based mini PC (see Chris' C.A.P.S. article).

 

Eloise

 

 

[DLA123]

Hi Eloise, thanks for your feedback. I do not have a NAS at the moment, just something I was considering. The Mac mini seems expensive.

 

Can I control a Sonos via the TV? Would I need another remote as well?

 

If I went with the mac mini/windows mini pc option, are there remotes that can control these via the TV or would I have to use a mouse/keyboard?

 

[Audio_ELF]

The Sonos relies on it's custom remote control. The alternative is to run software on an iPod Touch or iPad. There is no TV interface.

 

A computer can be controlled by a IR remote. The MacMini has a small remote which can control iTunes on a TV though most people use a iPod Touch for remote control. Depending on the software you use for playback, a Windows PC can be similarly controlled. None of the usual playback software really have a full TV interface (J.River is closet).

 

You may want to investigate XBMC on a silent PC as an option.

 

Eloise