Will
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Post by Will on May 8, 2009 22:46:13 GMT
I haven't finished building my Shigaclone CD transport, and I'm already thinking on what the next step could be. In my mind, the ultimate source would be a CD player sized box, that sits in your system, unassuming (and certainly not noisy), and can feed music from it own internal storage (flash media/HDD) out through a digital interface (SPDIF/I2S/whatever you want), via the media player of your choice ;D, into the DAC of your choice. So basically, I want a PC in my rack. But I don't. I don't want a big monitor, keyboard, fans churning away. I want a piece of Hifi equipment (perhaps like Linn's DS kit), but DIY, and cheaper than commercial offerings. In black, please. So I investigate. and find this www.embedds.com/dspic-wav-player-%E2%80%93-the-best-reason-you-enjoy-the-wav-songs/ A PIC that plays .wav files from a selection of media. And you can output to a display LCD or VFD, so that you can see what is playing. The only trouble is that it's limited to CD quality, so 24/192 with this. The PIC is limited by it's own lack of grunt in the MHz department it appears. So I continue looking and find Mini-ITX. A full PC on a 17cm x 17cm board. Chuck in some memory, a harddrive and install your legal, licensed copy of Windows XP, and you are away. Some come with SPDIF out, from the in-built sound card. And some come with a single PCI slot, so that you can add a 'proper' sound card. And also ethernet, for music transfer, the higher bit-rate stuff. And fanless.  A bit like this:  www.mini-itx.com/linitx.com/For further info. But....how do you see what is going on? how do you see whats playing? Remember, I don't want a big screen sitting on my hifi rack. So I look at the Matrix Orbital type displays www.matrixorbital.com/ Nice, sitting at £100ish for a pretty one with keys. Quite a few media players have plug-ins, to. So now I can, with some jiggery pokery, have my media player in the start-up folder, and hopefully, I can use the keys to select directories and select tracks/albums. The only downside is that if I need to transfer music in, or do some admin, I'll need to hoike my monitor, keyboard and mouse in, but that's acceptable. Perhaps. Then I find this....  A 7" USB screen. Enough to use for selecting music and most admin. And the price? £50. Considering all the other options at that size were at least £250, then this appears good value. Still need to do more research to see if it can become the main monitor in a small music player type system. www.lambda-tek.com/componentshop/index.pl?searchString=1670685&level1_uid=0&go=goSo, for the screen, motherboard, memory, harddrive, and a nice case (one of those nice hifi2000 ones perhaps, the normal ones that you would use for an amp) you are looking at £300, perhaps £350. Quite a lot of money, but you would have very high quality music, without streaming from another computer, left on, somewhere else in the house. Small. self-contained, and possibly meeting all the criteria I set myself. This is all still a long way off, so what are your thoughts and suggestions? |
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Post by Deleted on May 8, 2009 23:28:53 GMT
Will
I have a Samsung NC-10 Netbook with a 500Gb HDD and Asio4All.
I'm now waiting for a USB to SPDIF converter - M-Audio Transit USB Hi-Resolution Mobile Audio Interface. This is supposed to provide a clean signal for a DAC. I have a USB input on my V8 DAC as an alternative.
It is a very neat setup, the USB output may not satisfy everyone of course.
Syd
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Spirit
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Post by Spirit on May 9, 2009 2:26:42 GMT
Great minds Will.... Last week I was thinking of building a silent box that could double as htpc as and when required... Had it all planned out, till I decided I really didn't like that case I'd decided upon. Was going to be about twice the price of what you've proposed, sans monitor/kb/mouse. Will grab a VFD, and mount that into the front of the diy case I'm thinking of, then just use mediaportal + a remote. Can remote in from a laptop or something if I need better control. Athlon X2 5050e (2.6 stock) Asus AM2 mobo with onboard geforce 8300 4gb gskill ddr2 1066 Azentech X-Meridian (my current soundcard) OCZ Vertex 30gb SSD (silent... zippy... and expensive  ) PicoPSU 150XT w/ 120W power brick Antec Fusion Remote (case... if they lost the VFD and ports and volume knob.... then I'd get it  Underclock and undervolt so it runs cooler... |
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Will
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Post by Will on May 9, 2009 7:35:39 GMT
Juke, that Samsung netbook looks quite a nice little item, and that M-Audio Transit USB is quite a find. I assume that it uses proprietary drivers to get the 24/96? Dolphin Music are selling B-stock for £38, which is a real bargain, compared to BelCanto's $495 for their 24/96 USB device! Hi Phil, that case looks quite nice to me, but if it does not suit your needs then, it no good is it! For me , I'm thinking something like this www.modushop.biz/ecommerce/cat073_l2.php?n=1 with the screen set into the front. I found some info on linking buttons to the pc to cause operations (play, fwd/rev, select) so a few buttons also. Check out the modushops pc cases - Nice! Keep us posted on your build. |
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pagan
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Post by pagan on May 9, 2009 9:04:12 GMT
Will
just a few thoughts....
loose keyboard/mouse etc and remote control it, and or remote admin from another pc.
use a small usb touch screen for local control.
use a linear psu for the main pcb.
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Post by Deleted on May 9, 2009 9:26:39 GMT
Will
It was a review of the Bel Canto in this month's Stereophile that alerted me to the M-Audio. The reviewer has used one for a few years. Mine hasn't arrived yet but I think it has its own drivers. The only real difference with the Bel Canto is that it has no need of drivers. The NC-10 runs for 6 hours on battery making it a very good source.
I got a multimedia setup made using a Zalman case. The whole operation struck me as too clunky hence the NC-10. The Zalman case is beautifully made but very square and very bulky.
Syd
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Will
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Post by Will on May 9, 2009 18:51:20 GMT
Pagan,
Like the idea of remote admin, I would use VPN or similar? Networking and remote access is not something I've done before, so it's a new skill. All good, as is the idea of a proper linear PSU, not smps. I've noticed that the new Zotac Ion Atom mini-itx motherboards take a direct feed from a smps brick, deriving the voltages on-board as needed.
The costs, that I've seen, for touch screen are prohibitive for me, but still a nice idea.
Juke, The Zalman cases do look nice, but, like Phils suggestion above, are too PC for me. The netbook sounds a much more streamlined solution, with a greater WAF!
Keep us informed on the M-Audio. It sounds a good solution to getting past the USB limitations of CD quality max, especially as lots are heading 'back' to higher resolution.
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pagan
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Post by pagan on May 10, 2009 1:35:22 GMT
Will
First of decide on whether this will be a HTPC or CDPlayer/Music Player.
It can always be changed/reconfigured later.
It is just that the HTPC will need more processing power compared to a Music Player
I'm looking into this at present, ie using a mini-itx pcb as music player.
Wav files stored locally(on music player) and on NAS, streamed over network, to music player and out via spdif to dac.
(spdif to dac) preferrably via (already have)X-Meridian in music player.
I need a Mini-itx pcb with a pci slot? still looking.
TV stuff already have HTPC via HDMI not suitable for quality audio.
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Will
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Post by Will on May 10, 2009 10:20:39 GMT
This'll be a Music Player for me, no video. Audio would be played from the local harddrive. With your idea of remote admin, any CD ripping would be done on my main PC, and transferred across. The small screen would only be used for control of the media player when listening. As for mini-itx with pci linitx.com/viewproduct.php?prodid=11395 but depends on whether it meets other criteria, I guess. The two sites in my original post have a good selection, and that could help narrow it down, so you can find them locally. Keep us posted on what you find/build. I wont be building mine until late in the year at the earliest, so it'll be good to read up on others experiences. |
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Will
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Post by Will on May 10, 2009 10:23:34 GMT
By the way, when it comes to keeping things quiet/cool in the case, loads of good info and pics (in the forums) at www.silentpcreview.comHarddrives suspended on elastic cord is an old idea, but it'll be used when I build mine! |
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Spirit
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Post by Spirit on May 10, 2009 11:05:56 GMT
Locally stored Will?
HDDs aren't exactly quiet...
Course there's the power consideration of always running another box, or NAS [thinking I might go with a NAS eventually]...
That and SSDs are still expensive =P
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Post by clausdk on May 10, 2009 12:29:11 GMT
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robertkd
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Post by robertkd on May 10, 2009 12:34:44 GMT
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Post by clausdk on May 10, 2009 12:40:17 GMT
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robertkd
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Post by robertkd on May 10, 2009 12:47:34 GMT
 thanks
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Will
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Post by Will on May 10, 2009 13:25:56 GMT
Locally stored Will? HDDs aren't exactly quiet... Course there's the power consideration of always running another box, or NAS [thinking I might go with a NAS eventually]... That and SSDs are still expensive =P Phil, I have a Samsung P120, which is incredibly quiet. With quite a few drives, you can get software to that can adjust how 'noisy' it is (I forget the proper name) Very fast excess = very noisy, slower access = lower noise, and you adjust to suit. Samsung & Western Digital do make some quiet drives. They can be made quieter still by suspending them in an elastic bungee suspension www.gadgettastic.com/2008/04/14/elastic-hard-drive-noise-redcution-hack/And as for SSD, try Compact Flash IDE adaptors, at least you could have the operating system on it, and only access the HD for music. linitx.com/viewcategory.php?catid=74 |
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tg
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Post by tg on May 15, 2009 4:44:22 GMT
Unless you are out to make an "all out assault" on a SOTA PC based transport, and from most of the criteria stated in this thread so far that is not the objective, then it seems to me you guys are trying to re-invent the wheel. Why not get an SB Classic, mod it and attach a NAS to your network ? That will give a remote controlled player of pretty good quality, internet radio capability if that is your thing, minimum mess in the rack and maximum flexibility for mimimum outlay. Add another SB to the network by wireless and feed a headphone rig in the bedroom as well. What's to be improved on ? Mod the digital transport on the SB and upgrade the power supply. If you don't like those options, think Mac Mini and Apogee Duet. Maximum performance, minimum clutter with style too |
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Spirit
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Post by Spirit on May 16, 2009 0:56:05 GMT
Because there's something about building my own matching cases for amp/pc that I like the idea of... + my intended build will do movie duty as well. After reading www.silentpcreview.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=49401, I'm going to give case making a go... seeing as the hifi2000 galaxy max doesn't come high enough to build a mATX system into  |
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tg
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Post by tg on May 16, 2009 1:14:29 GMT
That's a whole 'nuther thang - knock yourself out then.
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Will
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Post by Will on May 16, 2009 7:06:54 GMT
As Phil said, its a DIY thing really, building as much as possible yourself.
I did look at the SB, but found that it was a compromise, even after extensive invasive surgery!
My aim is to make the best possible music transport (from a playback perspective), for the least amount of money.
Phil, nice find in that thread, lots of good info!
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Spirit
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Post by Spirit on May 16, 2009 8:29:35 GMT
Well... in my case it's not so much building it myself for the sake of building it myself, as "hmm... nothing that's commercially available is to my tastes, so I suppose I'll have to do it myself" Cheers Will  Phil |
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Spirit
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Post by Spirit on Jul 28, 2009 1:52:04 GMT
Can't quite decide if my next project will be a Buffalo, or the htpc. From the same guy who did the htpc in his pioneer cd player: www.silentpcreview.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=54582Think I'll put a dual-core Atom in there, with an ION-based mobo. Should make a nice little music box/htpc. Last concern is the quality of onboard spdif, relative to that of a dedicated soundcard... Unless they've started making low-profile soundcards that are awesome, then the case must be a tad larger... |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 28, 2009 2:02:22 GMT
Can't quite decide if my next project will be a Buffalo, or the htpc. From the same guy who did the htpc in his pioneer cd player: www.silentpcreview.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=54582Think I'll put a dual-core Atom in there, with an ION-based mobo. Should make a nice little music box/htpc. Last concern is the quality of onboard spdif, relative to that of a dedicated soundcard... Unless they've started making low-profile soundcards that are awesome, then the case must be a tad larger... Phil I would respectfully suggest that you visit Jeff and have a listen to what he has achieved, before embarking on that route. Unless of course you are willing to settle for mediocre music playback. Alex |
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Spirit
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Post by Spirit on Jul 28, 2009 2:16:11 GMT
What is Jeff using?
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robertkd
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Post by robertkd on Jul 28, 2009 2:27:19 GMT
Can't quite decide if my next project will be a Buffalo, or the htpc. From the same guy who did the htpc in his pioneer cd player: www.silentpcreview.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=54582Think I'll put a dual-core Atom in there, with an ION-based mobo. Should make a nice little music box/htpc. Last concern is the quality of onboard spdif, relative to that of a dedicated soundcard... Unless they've started making low-profile soundcards that are awesome, then the case must be a tad larger... his made a sort-of mac mini www.apple.com/au/macmini/ and htpc uses what stream type for audio?  |
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thanks
