Took me awhile

[Bruce]

Greetings:

Sonnie clued me in, so here I am!

In the process of integrating linux htpcs (frontend client(s) and backend server) with S/PDIF out for DD/DTS to an HK 240 rcr (as a processor), and a USB DAC for audio output (lossless) to my original Parasound 5 channel 1205 amp. My full 5.1 Dynaudio speaker system won't fit in my new apt (big change from a house), but that's how it is.

I played in many of the original HT forums over the last 7 years, and look forward to a good interchange of information here.

[Sonnie]

Hey Bruce and welcome to the Shack!

Glad to see you found your way over...

So what you are telling us is that you've got 7 years of good info stored to share with us... ... well... what are you waitin' on? lol

[Bruce]

Kinda lost in my own soup of what to do in an apt!!

Can't really use my last setup (too big) so I have to find a way to downsize somewhat. So I'm off on an exploration of MythTV (linux htpc) that will keep me tied up for awhile. Eventually put music and DVDs on hard disk and get a PVR to boot.

The apt has a loft, so soundspace is gonna be interesting (like my previous house with cathedral ceilings in that regard).

Thanks for the welcome, nice site ya got here!!

[bpape]

Hey Bruce. Welcome.

If you need a nice usable but small PC based audio playback system, check out the Slim Devices Squeezebox. Replace the power supply and run an external DAC and it's a nice space saving alternative with lots of options and flexibility.

Bryan

P.S. If you're giving away those 'old' Dynaudio's let me know.

[Bruce]

bpape wrote:

Hey Bruce. Welcome.

If you need a nice usable but small PC based audio playback system, check out the Slim Devices Squeezebox. . .

P.S. If you're giving away those 'old' Dynaudio's let me know.

Does the "from my cold dead hands" ring a bell ?

Thanks for the welcome

Yea Brian, I've known about squeezbox from the day it came out, and it's even better now. It would be a good addition to my planned system, as it supports running slimserver software on a linux server.

My plan is for PCs with PVR capability and DVD player as well as a music player. Logical architecture for me is a linux based ethernet network with backend servers and frontend clients. Also hope to have the frontend client be a 6150 based onboard video and diskless (PXE network booting).

I'm waiting for housing prices to go down a bit before I buy.

[bpape]

Yeah - if you're trying to do video, it's only a partial solution. As for audio, I rarely use a CD player any more. I've gone whole hog into the SB. Swapped the power supply for a regulated non-switcher and having digital mods done - running an external DAC. No intention of looking back.

Bryan

[Bruce]

I agree, digital from PC disk drive for eveything (except some DVDs). 6150 based video does everything I need for SD (my current 36" 4x3 TV) and will do HD 720P with no sweat and some are even doing 1080i and 1080p with this video chipset. It does lack some capability for HD playback (HD de-interlacing ) but the MSI motherboard has a PCIe slot, so no problem to upgrade later when I get an HD diplay/projector. I will have multiple client/frontends and multiple server/backends in my ethernet network to accomodate all my whims.

I'm also looking at the external DAC (usb maybe) or the Lite DAC 60 for music playback.