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I don't find regular hifi components that store and play mp3s into a home audio system.
Do people just do this by hooking up their portable mp3 players?
I was thinking it might be more convenient to have a full sized hifi component I could load with a USB flash memory or from a computer, with a remote control.
Is there a name for such a device I could search on? Or a good link for good prices online?
Best I know is CD/DVD players that will play mp3's.
But I did find a Hard drive/CD player combo that plays MP3's where you transfer via USB. Designed for professional audio DJ applications.
MP3 player docks for ipods etc, keep the Music Piracy away. These manage digital rights. Remote controls make the iPod dock friendly.
A few systems come to mind. At the low-cost end is the Squeezebox, now made by Logitech.
Transporter® & Squeezebox™ Wireless Network Music Players - Every room deserves a soundtrack
Go to the Product Info drop-down and choose "Squeezebox™ Classic" for the low-cost option.
This (together with some free software, SqueezeCenter) allows you to play MP3, FLAC, WAV and many other files from a PC, either by Ethernet (wired) or WLAN connection. The PC doesn't have to be dedicated to music; it can be your normal home PC, running Windows, Linux or whatever.
I have to say the Squeezebox classic hardware is brilliant (I own 3 of them), but the SqueezeCenter software (under Windows) is an absolute dog. It is usable, but its slowness will annoy the hell out of you if you're used to the responsiveness of a CD changer.
Another option, further up the price scale, is the Sonos system, which works in a similar (wireless) fashion, but supplies the hardware on which to store your MP3s, instead of needing a computer.
Sonos - Home
There are other similar wireless music 'broadcast' home systems, but these are probably the two best-known, and popular.
I saw part of a seasonal infomercial yesterday from Bose. They have just such a system that will store 200 hours of music read directly from CDs. It's an add-on to their $1000 entertainment audio system for $500.
Aren't there less expensive systems?
A Squeezebox is considerably less expensive, if you don't count the cost of the PC, which you presumably already own.
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Originally Posted by DanielF
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\Daniel, I looked at the Squeezebox website you provided and found it confusing. It seems to be tied up with Rhapsody, with a subscription fee. Also, I saw no vendors. They are very coy about prices! Just a free trial.
I use my Tivo to play my music (mp3, and wav) over my surround system (I use a Fiber-optic cable to connect my Tivo to my receiver. ) I have a 1TB (1000 gig) file server that I store all my music, pictures and HD movies. It is really easy. The Tivo has a network connection that goes into my Router then on my PC I have the Tivo desktop software turn that on go to the menu on my Tivo and select my music hit shuffle and the music never ends.
There are tons of sound systems that play from an MP3 player. All you really need is a front auxiliary input, the same as with most car audio systems.
Yes, unfortunately since Logitech took over, the Squeezebox product range has been 'expanded' with all sorts of other stuff, making their website 'noisy'. You just need to find the page that describes the original Squeezebox V3 (that's the 'Squeezebox Classic' page I originally directed you to).
To find prices, check eBay with the following search term:
Here's one result (on eBay Australia):Quote:
Squeezebox -button -ukelele -dollar -accordion -drowning -poster -clown -shore -Accordian -keyring -atari -boogie -cd -planet -concertina -duet -lp
LOGITECH Squeezebox Wireless Digital Music Player - eBay, Other Brands, MP3, Digital Players, Electronics. (end time 18-Dec-08 23:41:39 AEDST)
(AUD185 converts to about USD130) - you'll surely find plenty on other eBay sites too. Just make sure it's the version 3 Squeezebox with wireless connectivity, not the earlier versions.
Daniel
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