Waay off topic Q about "music systems"

[SadieKate]

I knew you'd be posting!

Since the local classical music station is drowned out by several neighboring stations (who must be broadcasting a bit over power, doncha think?), it doesn't take much to have "better quality."

[Pedal Wench]

I knew you'd be posting!

Since the local classical music station is drowned out by several neighboring stations (who must be broadcasting a bit over power, doncha think?), it doesn't take much to have "better quality."

I tried to stay away

It should be okay to use with the Bluetooth, and other systems have built-in Internet connections, so you only need a DSL connection. They have ones that are complete 'music systems', or ones that are just the receiver that you plug in as a source to your existing system. However, the Squeezebox looks really kinda cool!

[SadieKate]

and other systems have built-in Internet connections, so you only need a DSL connection.

Please explain? Or provide a link to a product for the slow and iggerant?

[OakLeaf]

Hey, Oakleaf! have you tried your Squeezebox 3.0 without the PC turned on?

I hadn't tried it before, but I had to know. Working fine

Not sure if you can add stations to the station list, though, or if you're limited to the ones they provide in the "SqueezeNetwork." I think when DH streams WBAI, he does it via his computer.

ETA: just downloaded the new software and firmware, and yes, you can edit the station list.

[Irulan]

maybe I'm missing something but what about surfing Shoutcast for classical, and using a simple free media player like winamp? It's all free, no subscrition or software fees.

I listen to internet radio, non commerical, non stop. I search for music genre via shoutcast, test a few search results out and voila, music to my taste as much as I want it. I have it set up both on a regular pc with speakers and a decent sound card, and also on another computer with an optical sound cable that goes into the home theatre.

http://shoutcast.com/ I've found all sorts of cool stuff - the powerdown bulgarian down tempo station; radio paradise, african stuff... the classical search brings up tons of options.

[SadieKate]

Finding classical music via the internet is no problem at all.

I'd rather not run any software or media player off my work computer, not to mention I can't change the sound card in the computer, and I don't want any cables and speakers on my desk for multiple reasons - clutter and sound quality both.

[Pedal Wench]

Please explain? Or provide a link to a product for the slow and iggerant?

No problem!

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-MCi250.../dp/B00009RTBU

Bluetooth from your BT-enabled PC (which I think you said was an option):
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...52921665333301

And, this could be used just as a receiver to plug into an existing stereo system that has an aux input:
http://www.amazon.com/Philips-SL400i...667260&sr=1-12


This receiver looks nice too -- can stream from your PC too. Best of both worlds:
http://www.amazon.com/OXX-Digital-Wi...667260&sr=1-20
Hope that helps! To be honest, a few years ago, there were more options when I was writing alot about this category.

[SadieKate]

I only have this to say before taking myself off to a good book, BikerZ sure knows how to spend my money.

Slow her down, girls!

Not that Oakleaf and PedalWench would help put any brakes on her.

[bikerz]

You're welcome!



(A certain person -- who shall remain nameless but has the initials "SK" -- has definitely helped spend a few of my dollars on bike things over the years, so I'm just returning the favor! And helping you do your bit to keep the economy going!)

[OakLeaf]

Oh, and did I mention you need a Garmin Edge 705 too?

[SadieKate]

Um, I have a Polar 720si, a Forerunner 305, an Edge 305 and a SPOT GPS. You think that will do for now? Especially since you REALLY have no idea how far amok BikerZ ran.

She's good. She even spent my company's money.

Now I'm dreaming of CD ripping and I don't even know what it is.

[Pedal Wench]

Now I'm dreaming of CD ripping and I don't even know what it is.

I wrote a column a few years ago on two companies that will even do that for you. One of them had local drop-offs, and you would hand a guy your CD collection, and three days later, he returns with your discs and a DVD with all your music converted to MP3 or AAC files. The other company would send you a box with a CD spindle (like you buy bulk blank discs) and you would send off your collection along with your iPod, and they would load it up, create a backup disc, and send the whole kit-and-caboodle back to you. All for a nice little fee. Spending even more of your $$!


http://www.readytoplay.com/

[SadieKate]

Do they use special equipment or just software? I assumed from something BZ said that it was hardware but no?

Using iTunes for what I little I have on my iPod was painful.

[SadieKate]

Oh, help me . . . . I'm drowning. Now I'm reading about all the file formats. At this point in the conversation with BZ I was well into a pre-dinner double G&T (Saphire of course). I got the concept but not the details.

[SadieKate]

Whew. One all inclusive article. I hope.

http://www.ecoustics.com/tl/21081/