Adding another system...

[RSJ]

I have been using MinimServer very successfully on a single-room system, installed on a RipNAS Home Server PC and a Linn Majik DSI streamer/amplifier. I now want to extend this into another room, in which I already have a music system (while being able to use the two systems independently, controlled by Kinsky Desktop). What is the easiest way of streaming into this room, still being able to use the RipNAS / MinimServer combination?

Suggestions for a sensibly-priced solution welcome...

Many thanks.

[simoncn]

(01-04-2013 12:12)RSJ Wrote:  I have been using MinimServer very successfully on a single-room system, installed on a RipNAS Home Server PC and a Linn Majik DSI streamer/amplifier. I now want to extend this into another room, in which I already have a music system (while being able to use the two systems independently, controlled by Kinsky Desktop). What is the easiest way of streaming into this room, still being able to use the RipNAS / MinimServer combination?

Suggestions for a sensibly-priced solution welcome...

Many thanks.

I presume the music system in another room includes an amplifier and speakers but doesn't have a network streamer. If so, you will need to add a network streamer to this system. This could be a Linn streamer or a streamer from some other manufacturer. I would recommend that you choose a streamer than can do gapless playback (all Linn streamers can do this). Another advantage of having a second Linn streamer is that you can use Songcast to play the same music simultaneously in both rooms.

[RSJ]

So, it is only another streamer that I require - I presume from your answer, Simon, that MinimServer can 'serve' two systems simultaneously. A Linn streamer would be a good expensive option - are there any suggestion for a slightly more cost-effective option?

[simoncn]

(01-04-2013 14:28)RSJ Wrote:  So, it is only another streamer that I require - I presume from your answer, Simon, that MinimServer can 'serve' two systems simultaneously. A Linn streamer would be a good expensive option - are there any suggestion for a slightly more cost-effective option?

MinimServer can serve any number of control points and renderers (music players) simultaneously. If you want to do FLAC to WAV transcoding for multiple audio streams at the same time, you'll need to run MinimServer on a slightly more powerful NAS.

The cheapest option for a streaming player would be a Raspberry Pi running ohMediaPlayer. See this thread for more information.

[RSJ]

I have tried a Raspberry Pi semi-successfully - tends to stop and search every so often, and there does not seem to be a gapless playback option. I was thinking around £500...

[ReneZ]

You have various options. The Cambridge Audio or Marantz renderers are well reviewed. Then again a second hand Linn Sneaky is only slightly more...

[RSJ]

Although expensive, a Linn streamer has the attraction that I can use the same control software (Kinsky). I presume Kinsky would not work as smoothly with the other units

[simoncn]

(09-04-2013 07:35)RSJ Wrote:  Although expensive, a Linn streamer has the attraction that I can use the same control software (Kinsky). I presume Kinsky would not work as smoothly with the other units

Kinsky should work with these, but it would treat them as standard UPnP AV renderers. This means you couldn't load a playlist onto the renderer, and you wouldn't have gapless playback.

[bbrip]

(09-04-2013 09:47)simoncn Wrote:  ......and you wouldn't have gapless playback.

.... which would be a major drawback if you listen a lot to live-albums or classical stuff where tracks move on into the next one without a pause or interval.

As has been suggested, it may be well worth spending 200 quid more and get a used Sneaky.....

Good luck!

[RSJ]

Thanks for the advice. As I listen to quite a lot of opera, gapless playback is a must (this is one of the reasons that MinimServer is so good - better than Asset UPnP). Looks like Mrs RSJ will have to put up will another major purchase of kit!