Streaming to Airport Express

[wdrazek]

Hello everyone,

 

Recent lurker and first time poster. After pouring through this and other fora I'm ready to get started in Computer Audio. For now, I am using a Netbook on Windows XP and just ordered an AEX (802.11g version).

 

The plan is to connect the AEX to a Sonic Impact class D amp into a pair of Klipsch Forte's. Before long a Dac will join the party. A new Linksys router will be located a few feet from the hardware. I'm leaning towards one that has a USB input so I can attach my external hard drive with the music (ALAC from Itunes) on it.

 

My question is: can I can put the music, Itunes and maybe Pure Music down the road on the external drive and have it feed the AEX without involving the PC? Or, do I need to have the PC in the equation?

 

[darascal]

Welcome to the convo, wdrazek.

 

Your computer must be on for iTunes to run.

 

Also, it is generally recommended to install your music server applications (and indeed all apps) on your computer's local drive. If needed, you can use an external for your music library.

 

Rascal

 

[wdrazek]

Rascal,

 

Thanks for the reply. I was hoping to avoid running the netbook as a media server. Looks like new hardware may be needed as well. CL has some decent desktops and laptops for small coin where I am. Mac's are quite a bit more. OTOH, I might have ended up in the same place $wise with an older mac mini or G5 and wired connection....

 

Ah well, this is my first step into computer audio. Lots more to learn, no doubt. I am a PC man but Apple does seem to dominate this arena.

 

[kumakuma]

I would advise against a G5 at this point in time as the PowerPC architecture will limit your options when it comes to applications such as playback software.

 

[wdrazek]

Wow, thanks for the advice. Based on other recommendations and the prices they can be had for where I am, that would have been the Mac I'd have gone after.

 

This subject really is deep. As a 2 channel audiophile in a previous life, I am amazed at how much more there is to learn here.

 

Just like it was eons ago, Apple chooses what to continue to support and what not to. I nearly went with an ATV v1 but had a gut feeling support for it would be cut sooner rather than later...

 

[kumakuma]

Unfortunately the G5s are cheap for a reason. You can't run Apple's latest OS (Snow Leopard) on them and most new software seems to only run on the Intel platform. The next OS release (Lion) won't even run PowerPC binaries.

 

[wdrazek]

Do any of the Mac Mini's fall into the same conundrum and which Macbook would be a good starting place based on its architecture?

 

This is kind of funny because I thought Apple was not going to be permanently hitched to Intel... then again, these OS developments do not take 6 month cycle times, they are much longer.

 

[kumakuma]

I don't use a Mac Mini so I can't recommend any specific models but I know the older ones used the PowerPC G4 chip.

 

The Wikipedia entry gives a good overview of the product evolution:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_Mini

 

[darascal]

wdrazek,

 

What additional hardware do you think you'd need? And why are you reluctant to use your netbook as a music server?

 

I am a PC man but Apple does seem to dominate this arena.

 

I would see no reason to shy away from using a PC, if that's what you like. There are many PC folks here who seem quite happy with their setup. Although it seems the choice of music players (meaning non-iTunes) is perhaps more crucial.

 

On the other hand...I'd also see no reason not to step into the Mac world (unless you just don't like Macs). I made the switch at home 3/4 years ago (still use Windows at work). I have not tried a Windows music server, but from what I can gather, the PC/Mac choice is more about preferences, not so much sound quality, and you should be able to find good quality components and software for either.

 

Also, have you looked at Squeezebox? I believe you would not have to have your computer turned on to use it.

 

HTH,

Rascal

 

[Glennboy]

It really depends what you are looking for, I have a old as the hills g4 mac mini running leopard/iTunes/amarra jnr.

I upgraded the ram which helps a lot, I keep the mac real simple with only necessary stuff on it half hard disk empty, 7000 songs lossless on external drive.

This g4 sounds to me excellent and cost me £170 2nd hand 8 years ago.

There is absolutely no benefit when I have compared the sound hooked up to my system from my intel much newer MacBook (running from battery).

I can't go hi res with this system but am more than happy with it till it finally gives up on me!

The chances of me buying my music library again in hi res are zero so I think it's best for me to be happy with what I got.

 

[wdrazek]

Rascal,

 

You really cut to the issue. It's about complexity, and ease of use. Attaching a USB drive to a router 5' away from an AE seemed pretty foolproof if it worked. Too bad it doesn't without a PC turned on.

 

Another option I nearly tried was the SB Touch. Their forum has a lot of people unhappy with its apparent compatibility, including with USB drives hooked directly to it.

 

The ATV with hard drive looked promising but I didn't like having to use a monitor to set it up and have concerns that Apple won't support it long term, given how different an animal ATV2 is.

 

About using the Netbook, it's just another piece of hardware and another bit of complexity.

 

Next time around I'll probably go with a Mac Mini and connect it directly into the hifi. Right now I'm on a tight budget and won't have the coin to go there for at least a few months.

 

Your feedback and advice is very much appreciated.