is ipod ok to use as music server? any potential problems?

[dannyg]

setting up new whole house audio and have all my music on computer (mp3 format---50 gigs of music) and ran it through computer to receiver and it worked fine. My low-tech consultant recommended getting recreo? (can't remember name--but a jukebox type music server with bells/whistles) for $4000-$5000...think this is way overkill for what we would use it for. Heard ipod is a good solution. Any advice or suggestions would be helpful.

thanks,

dg

 

[abboudc]

Nothing wrong with an iPod, but why not use your computer as the server and use one of the following?
1. Roku Soundbridge
2. Slimdevices Squeezebox
3. Apple Airport Express

All three allow you to stream music from your computer to your stereo, wirelessly.

 

[Ryan_Lilly]

iPod should be fine if you have one, but if you want to do it cheap find an old computer PII or somthing, and throw a 100gig drive ($60-$80 on sale)or a few smaller ones in it. Shove the CPU under a table or in a closet, and just set the monitor out.

 

[W8N4AFREAK]

By a real receiver

With whole house audio you need some juice in most cases. Will it work yes. I would suggest a low price receiver or something. Run 1/8" to RCA from i-pod to receiver and give the signal a kick. If you have some money, Yamaha and others have receivers designed to accept i-pods now. Although the volume controls on an abus amp up the signal its only 7.5w per channel ususally. ((Unless you have a new zio system then your the man.)) Anyway i-pods and smal devices like it are great for a local source in your room. But for a whole system you need some power or its like putting regular gas in a NASCAR.

W8N

 

[pc9840]

Why not get a media server?

I have a D-Link DSM-520 music server that works great. I beleive there are a few companies out there that make devices like this. You can look around on the internet for them. Prices are usually around 200-300. The DSM-520 not only streams music from your computer but video also and you dont have to play it from the computer you can access all your music/movies from your tv screen.

 

[jcPanny]

Ipod as source

The iPod is nice because you have the bonus feature of using it as an iPod. For home stereo use, you might want to download and rip music using one of the higher quality MP3 formats. If you used Apple lossles format, the files would probably fill up the ipod too quickly and a computer would be a better solution.

 

[jcsprankle]

I agree

An iPod is sweet for portable music but it's limited in its storage. Also, it adds an extra step...you have to connect your iPod to whatever device is sucking the music from it. And, if you accidentally leave your iPod at work or something, you are out of luck.

I have been evaluating exactly the same thing and I think I'm settled on the Slimdevices Squeezebox (mentioned earlier and shown here). Do a search on this site and you'll see that many others also love it (Here's a good thread).