connecting dac to server

[Gerard52]

Ok - I have the web control method working as I write - via the web site at an http addx ( i presume this is therefore the web control method) Now how does one go about loading and using the method directly from the laptop without the web?

 

[realhifi]

Now grasshopper you must own your destiny. It is time for you to move into the Squeezebox forums and glean information about the specifics of using their wonderful devices.

 

Not sure about what you are thinking but if you do not have a web connection then of course the web interface will not work.

 

1) Connection to the web

2) Wireless router

3) Laptop must have wireless capability

 

Then you will be able to use that interface.

 

[autoformer]

Regarding the OP's original question, no doubt the Squeezebox Touch is the ideal solution. A number of people suggested the Airport Express, which would work as well, but there are a number of caveats:

 

Squeezebox Touch:

- Touch interface. Just walk up to it and start playing music. Includes IR remote.

- No need for external controller, but iPad remote is available.

- Bit transparent. Low jitter.

- Supports up to 24/96

- Built-in DAC/preamp for casual, non-critical applications. Plug it straight into any power amp!

- Requires Logitech Media Server (free download)

- Works with your iTunes library

 

Airport Express:

- Requires iTunes, iPod or iPhone to control it.

- High jitter source compared to SB Touch

- Supports up to 16/44.1

- Requires a DAC unless using analog output (not recommended)

- Send music to it from any Airplay device

- No server required.

 

[One and a half]

Ayre's Charles Hansen made a conclusive experiment with USB extenders using Cat 5/6 Ethernet cabling. That method overcomes the limit of USB cable length and transmitting USB Class 2 audio especially for 192/24.

 

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/USB-Extender-Solves-Cable-Length-Limitation

 

Either that or Computer --> Stello U3 --> AES Balanced ---> DAC, something along those lines. AES can go to 100m something as well since the transmission is differential mode (no noise).

 

Wireless has it's problems of interference, great for browsing, but nothing beats copper for audio

 

[realhifi]

Nice summation of the two options abilities.

 

I'd like to add to the Squeezebox's atributes the ability to not even be connected to ones computer in order to have music. If it can find your wireless network it can play music from the web from many different "apps"; Pandora, Rhapsody, MOG, Spotify, Sirius, Slacker, Mediafly, Last FM, THOUSANDS of internet radio stations, etc. You can even upload your whole music collection via MP3tunes Music Locker which is a free service to hold some of your collection in a cloud based storage up to 2 GB and more if you'd like to pay.

 

So, no computer is even needed to listen to music!

 

PS. Is your name taken from a love of Mac gear?