On 12/07/2015 09:25, Jim Lesurf wrote:
In article , John R Leddy
wrote:
...Likewise, now I'm playing FLAC files I have a dedicated network audio
player. I did have a go at using the wife's laptop as a network audio
renderer into an external USB DAC. This was my first attempt at playing
FLAC files through my stereo. I decided instantly I wouldn't be
purchasing a dedicated laptop for the purpose, and proceeded to
investigate network audio players.

I wouldn't base a system on a laptop, either. But found it easy enough to
use a desktop box. Works fine. Like yourself, I adopted using flac. A
computer plus a decent USB DAC works nicely. No need for a 'network
player'. And no need to find that I eventually hit a problem with a new
filetype because a commercial 'network player' can't handle it.



I'd accept that you don't 'need' a network player, but I find it
convenient for 3 main reasons - no need for a monitor and mouse/kb
clutter, no fan etc noise, and no boot up/shut down regimes.

Whether that's worth the £200-odd I splashed out on a Cambridge unit . . .

It's just plain weird to still read on the web today how network audio
is somehow complicated requiring specialist attention. Call me a cynic,
but I guess there must be money passing hands somewhere. I'm no computer
expert but even I know it merely involves connecting a few components
together, no different from any other piece of hi-fi equipment, and I'm
an old codger to boot!

The problem is that it does require some savvy and some willingness to
experiment at first. MicroSoft and Apple profit from infantalising users.
And, alas, until recently UK schools have been lousy at teaching computing.
For decades 'IT' (under different names) at school has been 'training how
to use the current Windows (or Mac) main software for an office job'.

That is, to say the least, disappointing. I have mate who teaches IT in
schools - I'll ask him and see if it's moved on.

We're very locked down at the university where I work. We're looking at
open source for say GIS and stats, but I'm not sure of the motivation.

Hopefully the Raspberry Pi has changed that and we'll get the first new
generation since the 1980s who will know how to code and happy to DIY.


Indeed - tempted to take a look myself. For example:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Rasp...udio/?ALLSTEPS

(Runeaudio)


--
Cheers, Rob