As I have said before I don't like the concept of streaming. Since getting it with the launch of Windows 7 I have been impressed by Windows Media Center. However, support will end when support for Windows 8 finishes in two years time. Does anyone here have, or have you tried a Digital Jukebox type device. I am thinking of units like the Sony HAP-S1 Brennan (which I keep seeing adverts for). https://www.brennan.co.uk/?cmp=1128...itSl4r3DijVf5dL5S1BeBqOk7zd7EXIRoCR5IQAvD_BwE Cocktail Audio More home made or low production units. For a while I have thought you could do something interesting with a tablet. The only rule for devices is that the music to be played must be stored in your own premises. If you don't have your own copy how can you tell it will still be available tomorrow. Support for uncompressed audio would be a big plus. Some of the earlier units were from the days when they claimed 128KB/s MP3 was CD quality.
I have no problems with streaming. One can stay in touch with what teens are listening to (sorry, Bad joke!) but, really, all new offerings in Classical that I know of are there... Tidal worked for me for quite a few years until a few moons ago I found a site where you can download anything you desire for free, in MP3, CD or HD resolution. My "Jukebox" is Naim Uniti Star, it is not as good as my lost system but works pretty well as a temp solution. As for the software, I really like JRiver Media Center to keep track of files, update tags, convert downloaded .cue files and convert .flac into AppleLossless for iPod replay. Have no clue how to configure Naim Uniti Star to be used with a server (plus at home I do not even have a server), so I just dump all new files onto 4TB USB HardDrives, then connect 'em to Naim and that's it. My digital Jukeboxes: Naim Uniti Star Pono Player with Senn HD580 @ balanced mode - you have to hear it to believe how good it is in balanced mode into 'forgiving' cans! Totally Naim Audio sound signature! 2xiPods (w/iMod)
I'm keeping my Windows 7 Desktop, it does everything I want. I quit using WMC because it was getting really slow, make sure you turn off all of the communication features in options and even in Windows Tasks, turn off the Windows Experience Stuff. All of the laptop computers in Japan were using Foobar2000 https://www.foobar2000.org/ hooked up to the stereo equipment. I'd go more in that direction than a stand-alone unit for the flexibility. Have you seen the new Raspberry Pi Keyboard Computer? Maybe some finessing and you could turn it into a music server, it just needs a screen. https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/raspberry-pi-400-the-70-desktop-pc/
Jorge, that jukebox looks really nice, I've never seen one before. I looked up JRiver, they're downtown here but the map photo shows an empty lot, I'll look for them next time I go down there.
@Mister X : Windows 7 is what I am looking at now: my Lab PC is Windows-7 which is a requirement for AgilentCytogenomics software to detect genetically Normal HomoSapiens from mutant LabRats like myself JRiver you have to pay for: $20 sale price every Jan-Feb but once installed there is no need to upgrade: I did a few upgrades but it still crashes sometimes at my 3xTB music collection... Surprisingly, CDs replayed thru UnitiStar sound better (to my ears) than ripped files, and LPs (NOT surprisingly) sound better than any digital Over the last few weeks I saved a few $$ to upgrade my Technics SL-1200 for something better (Clearaudio Concept is on my radar) but now realized that, HolyMother-of-CharlesDarvin!, I do not have any LPs to spin!! Maybe 40+ at most, and our local AmoebaMusic is out of business What would a poor boy do...
Go to Japan! It's cheap right now and you can bring back a ton of luggage. Stay downtown Tokyo and there's a ton of record and audio equipment stores within walking or train distance. Stop at the local water-holes and check out their high-end stereos, most are worth 15 grand and up and will give you some ideas! I might be able to hook you up with the classics, Journey, Foreigner, Mitch Miller, some of these I have multiple copies. Records get heavy quick for shipping though.
Japan seems a place to go!!, my best LPs were King Super Analogue, I must have collected most of 'em... Sounded better than anything I've ever owned... but I do not hope to own again a turntable which would be able to pull out the differences
Thanks for the replies. I do keep wondering if I need a server, but most seems to be set up to take multiple 3.5" discs, with fans to match,which isn't really what I want. This looks quite interesting http://www.cocktailaudio.co.uk/pro-x100.shtml What I really ought to do is sort out one of my MP3 players. I now have three Sonys which will take any size of MicroSD card made and a 400GByte card but never seem to have the time or inclination to transfer everything on to it. Again, with effort you could do something with a Raspberry Pi. Or maybe an Android tablet or even a tablet PC. There are some interesting products out there, hence the question if anyone had one. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Acer-Z56...980281?hash=item3fef8db179:g:OckAAOSwTdNfVgG- @Jorge . You obviously have high standards as to me an Technics SL1200 is something to aspire to (and find the space for). The best reviewed turntable I currently own is probably the Technics SL5 linear tracker/ I once read a review in which they said that if you can get past the DJing image, the SL1200 is the best turntable you can buy for under £2000. At £1299 for a new one https://www.richersounds.com/technics-direct-drive-turntable.html I would expect it to sound good.
