In article , TonyL
wrote:
TonyL wrote:

Re-use of an old laptop appeals to me...pros...cost free using open
source library software under a Linux based OS.

IIRC The Squeezebox uses Linux and there are various hacks/mods for it.

Cons..soundboard may introduce sample rate or other artifacts as
mentioned by Jim.

They should not be a problem if the system is chosen and setup with care.
But, yes, this is a bit of minefield due to the careless attitude of many
computer hardware vendors. The main pest in my experience is the sheer
amount of whirring noises, that many computers make.

So, I'm looking to a unit that can accept a physical CD for ripping from
or playing from, that boots up almost instantly. Has USB or Ethernet
connectivity for archiving/backup/loading MP3s

Don't know about all of that, but ripping direct from Cd brings the
'Brennan' to mind. No idea how good it is, though. The ads seem to lean
heavily on Brennan being a 'dome brained scientist' which ia a little
offputting at it keeps making the word 'Bose' pass though my mind. :-)

Slainte,

Jim

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