An audio media player? Suggestions?

[tcpip]

Hi all,

You have a far wider knowledge of devices and products than I can gather by Googling, so I thought I'll ask you for help.

I want to explore the possibility of buying an audio player which will do the following:

• Must not need a NAS or PC to be available when it operates
• Must play FLAC and MP3 from a USB hard drive (NTFS, not VFAT)
• Must have a built-in display so that I can choose tracks or albums without needing to switch on a TV just for operating it
• Must have digital audio outputs

In addition, it will be nice if:

• it has a network interface
• it can play Internet radio
• it can be controlled from an Android app by which I can select the tracks to play (i.e. the app must display the list of albums and tracks on the attached USB HDD)
• has analog RCA audio outputs too

Basically, my most basic requirement is that I should be able to plug in this device into a pure audio setup, without TV, PC, or any other headache, and play my music from my USB hard drive. I want the digital-media equivalent of a dedicated audio CD player. I don't even need a volume control on it.

Is there any such device you recommend? I have recently heard about some Grace Digital devices. How good are they? I am also familiar with the PCH, but I have only read about the higher-end PCH model which has a small display. I have also read about the SqueezeBox Touch, but I believe it's a discontinued product.

What are your thoughts?

 

[manniraj]

I have one for sale here on the forum http://www.hifivision.com/sale-owner/53037-grace-digital-wireless-hifi-internet-radio-tuner.html which might suit your requirements. Its a internet radio tuner cum media player with the inputs for front SD card and a back USB port along with wifi/LAN capabilities. It has a 2 line display and a very nice app to control all the features along with a physical remote.

Do check out if it interests you and you can PM me.

Thanks

 

[hemantwaghe]

Squeezebox touch has very limited support for BIG NTFS hard drives , esp when you update songs as it have to Re- Read the HDD which is very long process ..

 

[asliarun]

Olive one I guess.
Olive - ONE

I gave up the search myself and settled on a Roku. It does everything you mentioned, and that too for only $100, except it requires a TV for display.

The other thing that might be worth considering is a really small PC like device, even something like MINIX neo x7, that can act as a mini server and that you can control from your cellphone or tablet via an android app or some such. Plex for example.

 

[hemantwaghe]

why not make one yourself as u r DIY ace sir
Options

1) Raspberry Pi - Output to DAC headless linux
2)Raspberry Pi - Dac Board - Headless

I myselt do not understood headless implementation

or same as above with cheap 15 Inc Lcd

or
Old Laptop / Netbook with USB dac

Old Pc + Sound Card

 

[tcpip]

I have one for sale here on the forum

Yes, I've seen this ad, and I was wondering what else is available. Thanks for pointing it out to me. I also went and glanced through the various models of Grace Digital selling on Amazon. Am not yet sure about my preferences -- people are blaming the UI of the devices as being very hard to use. Maybe those issues becomes irrelevant if I use an Android app for controlling it -- I don't know.

 

[tcpip]

Olive one I guess.
Olive - ONEThanks. Had not heard of this one. Am checking out the website.

I gave up the search myself and settled on a Roku. It does everything you mentioned, and that too for only $100, except it requires a TV for display.

Actually, I have a PCH and I am quite satisfied with it except that it needs a TV (I have an A-series old model, not their C-series model with display built in), and it doesn't play gapless.

The other thing that might be worth considering is a really small PC like device, even something like MINIX neo x7, that can act as a mini server and that you can control from your cellphone or tablet via an android app or some such. Plex for example.

Yes, if nothing else works, maybe I will look at a netbook and a USB SPDIF interface.

 

[tcpip]

why not make one yourself as u r DIY ace sir
Options
1) Raspberry Pi - Output to DAC headless linux
2)Raspberry Pi - Dac Board - Headless

Yes, this is one option. I have played around with a RPi about a year ago, and I am very comfortable with Linux. I will need an USB SPDIF interface module. Does an RPi have enough current output in its USB ports to power a 2.5" USB HDD? Will need to check that...

But frankly, I was hoping to get something ready-made. There's already too much DIY happening, what with my Darbari project which is 75% complete, and other stuff lying around...

 

[tcpip]

Olive - ONE

Does it read an external USB HDD? I can see that there are models which have an internal hard drive (and I'll never exceed 1 TB of music files, IMHO).

Another doubt is whether I want a device with a built-in amplifier. Maybe the amp can be left unused, but still...

 

[Audio_Freek]

Hi all,

You have a far wider knowledge of devices and products than I can gather by Googling, so I thought I'll ask you for help.

I want to explore the possibility of buying an audio player which will do the following:

• Must not need a NAS or PC to be available when it operates
• Must play FLAC and MP3 from a USB hard drive (NTFS, not VFAT)
• Must have a built-in display so that I can choose tracks or albums without needing to switch on a TV just for operating it
• Must have digital audio outputs

In addition, it will be nice if:

• it has a network interface
• it can play Internet radio
• it can be controlled from an Android app by which I can select the tracks to play (i.e. the app must display the list of albums and tracks on the attached USB HDD)
• has analog RCA audio outputs too

You just Eco My Requirements, As far I have seen or heard No Media player comes with Display, If there then its quite expensive.

Hence i have planned to Get a Nice\Tiny 10INCH OR 14 inch Laptop with High Configuration. Say 2TB HDD, 8GB RAM, latest processor and good Sound card_DAC.

Playing songs from USB is always great, But i use to keep on updating or deleting the list of Songs on daily basis, so lot of time getting in front of Laptop Only :-(

Also Laptop can be used to transfer files and it would be much helpful.

+ Planning to check if the Laptop could be operated by Any Mobile applications via Blu tooth, So I could change the songs, Increase volume or Pause etc and can be so flexible to use.

To be frank, i got this plan just a day before and looking for such chota Laptop which can solves all my requirement.

 

[asliarun]

Does it read an external USB HDD? I can see that there are models which have an internal hard drive (and I'll never exceed 1 TB of music files, IMHO).

Another doubt is whether I want a device with a built-in amplifier. Maybe the amp can be left unused, but still...

Not sure. I will do some research as well.

Olive One actually started as an Indiegogo project. It was originally meant to be a Squeezebox replacement. It also exceeded its targets so it should get converted from project to reality. Over time, based on user inputs, the specifications changed a bit. I don't think the inbuilt amp was part of the original spec for example.

Edit: I recently discovered Aune S1. Considering the crappiness of the website, it is difficult to make out much. But it seems to tick all the boxes. However, at this point, I only know about this device - have never heard or used it.

Edit2: At this point, I don't think Olive One supports an external drive through USB.

 

[Naturelover]

I looked for an audio player but have now decided on a music PC build. A simple music PC will give you everything that you need. Install playback software like foobar and you can access your music through android or iPhone/iPad app. No need for a TV or squinting at small screens [emoji4] . There are small to very small cabinets available from Antec and others. Many more are available in the USA if you have access to buying from there.

http://www.hifivision.com/home-theater-pc-htpc-media-pc/52951-pc-music-only.html