Implementing a music streaming system: request for advice or comments

[DavidHB]

Thank you very much for your helpful and encouraging reply.

(02-09-2013 22:36)simoncn Wrote:  I don't see any major problems with anything you've said in your post.

That is reassuring to know.

(02-09-2013 22:36)simoncn Wrote:  You might not need to replace all your Quad components. I have a 1980s system as well, and I have found that a Linn DS (not DSM) makes an excellent front-end source for this system.

That is certainly an option, particularly with the Quad 606. But the 34 is fairly restricted on inputs, and I'd also want to make maximum use of the DAC that comes with the DS or DSM, particularly for playing CDs that haven't been ripped, and also for my DAB tuner (despite the level of compression on DAB broadcasts). Linn DS has (I believe) no digital inputs. The Akurate DSM has digital inputs and preamplifier outputs (so I would use it with the 606). The cheaper Majik DSM has 90W per channel of built-in amplification. That choice (and comparison with Naim and any other relevant products) will be dependent on listening tests.

(02-09-2013 22:36)simoncn Wrote:  For radio listening, you will have the choice of receiving FM through your FM4 or digital internet radio through a streaming player. I've been very impressed by the sound quality of the BBC Radio 3 320 kbps AAC digital stream. I don't have a high-quality FM tuner myself, so I can't do a fair comparison, but I've seen a number of comments saying that the sound quality of this digital stream (when played through a high-quality streaming player) is superior to the FM signal.

Yes, I have heard the same thing from several sources. My hi-fi dealer told me the other day that it is now clear that there is significant compression, even in BBC FM broadcasts. And we know that the powers that be want to wean us off FM in any case. When I add to that thinking the fact that the dear old FM4 (which does still sound pretty good) only allows me 7 presets, streaming radio starts to look like a pretty good default option.

(02-09-2013 22:36)simoncn Wrote:  You will find the sound quality from a high-quality streaming player to be greatly superior to either of these.

I should hope so! That is the object of the exercise. However, as my budget does not quite stretch to the Linn vision of a synchronised DS or DSM in every room, there will be occasions when using a computer or tablet to access streamed music when I am not in the living room will be quite useful. I have been pleasantly surprised so far by the quality the lo-fi devices deliver with streamed FLAC files, as compared with what they do playing CDs or MP3 files.

(02-09-2013 22:36)simoncn Wrote:  Most new MinimServer users are already using another UPnP server and control point, so they would find it easier to check this using their existing control point than going through the extra steps of installing MinimWatch. I'll think about how best to introduce this to new MinimServer users who have no previous experience of UPnP streaming.

Thank you for that, which is as kind and positive a response as I could expect to a rather nit-picking point. I suppose the essential issue is that even experienced Windows users are going to be outside their comfort zone when installing software on a headless NAS (though with the ReadyNAS NETGEAR does its best to help, aided by your step-by-step instructions), so any little confusion can start to look like a show stopper.

I agree that new users may well have other UpnP servers and control points. But they may not know that they have them, especially if they are DNLA branded. I was surprised to find that my networked TV happily connects to MinimServer, and can list the files. It cannot render FLAC, of course.

I also think that you undersell MinimWatch somewhat. Because MinimServer only refreshes its cache on restart (as you have explained elsewhere on the forum), I use MinimWatch to restart it every time I add new or changed material to the server library. I think it is useful for the new user to know that MinimWatch is his or her interface to a headless installation of MinimServer. There is a measure of comfort in that green minim icon in the notification area ...

David