Re: I think I finally found the right solution
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,654
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,654 |
Micah, actually that isn't the way that the Xitel works(I believe that another product does involve a conversion to digital optical). As I mentioned, it contains a DAC to convert the digital output to analog(an optical connection is of course inherently digital)and the feeds it with RCA plugs into analog inputs on receivers which don't have a USB input(most of them). Simple, and has worked very well for about 6 years for me. The Xitel site has some info. They've re-named the apparently identical unit the "MP3 Streamer".
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Enjoy the music, not the equipment.
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Re: I think I finally found the right solution
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 313
devotee
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OP
devotee
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 313 |
Peter,
Thank you for all the info. This is exactly why I post here. So that I can hear about alternatives, and the Apple TV really does sound appealing. I may just go that route instead. Did you ever get a chance to test if the remote app allows you to rate songs?
Thanks again.
PeachTree 65se, PeachTree D5 and SVS SB1000 - Stereo M80s, M22s, SVS PB3000
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Re: I think I finally found the right solution
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,466
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,466 |
Have a look at the thread I just started: http://www.axiomaudio.com/boards/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=274568The parts cost about $400, and you'll still need an OS. But it's a lot more flexible than an Apple TV, as it's a full PC, but with the connectivity options you'd want for a home theater. If you have any questions, ask there, I'll answer.
Pioneer PDP-5020FD, Marantz SR6011 Axiom M5HP, VP160HP, QS8 Sony PS4, surround backs -Chris
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Re: I think I finally found the right solution
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 313
devotee
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OP
devotee
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 313 |
I thought about building a HTPC. But esentially I would still need a good way to control it from the couch and I would prefer not to have to turn on the TV. I really would only use it for music and not for video so I think that for my needs an HTPC is slightly overkill. It sounds like the AppleTV does almost everything I need. The one thing it lacks is the ability to listen to "any" internet radio station. I think I can only choose from the list of predefined stations in Itunes. Hopefully I am wrong about that though.
PeachTree 65se, PeachTree D5 and SVS SB1000 - Stereo M80s, M22s, SVS PB3000
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Re: I think I finally found the right solution
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,466
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,466 |
You can get wireless KBs and mouses, but blindly clicking with the TV off can be a little difficult.
Pioneer PDP-5020FD, Marantz SR6011 Axiom M5HP, VP160HP, QS8 Sony PS4, surround backs -Chris
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Re: I think I finally found the right solution
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,789
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,789 |
Yes I have a Logitech wireless keyboard/mouse combo and they are the shiznit! Only thing that sucks is that I always forget to plug my mouse in. But it usually stays charged for a good two months, so it's really not that big of a deal. I've never had to change the batteries out in my keyboard yet, and I bought it a good 8 months ago, so that's pretty decent!
My Stuff :
M80's QS8's VP150 EP800 Denon 4802 Emotiva XPA-3 Samsung BD-P3600 Sharp 65 Inch Aquos LCD
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Re: I think I finally found the right solution
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,466
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,466 |
I had a wireless keyboard and mouse, now I just have a mouse. I must do a lot more keying and mousing than you. I'd kill the keyboard batteries in about 2 months, and the mouse every 2 weeks. I went back to the wired keyboard because it makes little sense to have it wireless at my desk. But the wireless mouse is nice no matter where you use it.
Pioneer PDP-5020FD, Marantz SR6011 Axiom M5HP, VP160HP, QS8 Sony PS4, surround backs -Chris
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Re: I think I finally found the right solution
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,789
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,789 |
My goodness, I can't imagine anyone using a mouse/keyboard THAT much more than I do. After all I spend all day everyday editing pictures (uh... when I'm not on here that is...) and all that stuff. Were you using a Logitech combo? Just curious, because I truely am amazed at how long these batteries have been working in the keyboard without needing replaced. The mouse does get a lot more use than the keyboard though, that explains why it's needed 3 or 4 charges already. But I'm still mighty impressed with both I must say.
I have the Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Pro combo, both the keyboard and mouse have very cool features on them. I think I paid $125 for the kit at OfficeMax late last winter, I just found it on Amazon for $75 bucks though! Pretty good price for what you get in my opinion. The mouse alone was $75 bucks... back then anyway.
My Stuff :
M80's QS8's VP150 EP800 Denon 4802 Emotiva XPA-3 Samsung BD-P3600 Sharp 65 Inch Aquos LCD
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Re: I think I finally found the right solution
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,466
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,466 |
The combo I had was indeed Logitech, their Bluetooth Cordless Desktop. I've heard that the Bluetooth radio based devices suck more power, so that could have been the cause.
I now have a Logitech Wave corded keyboard (love it), and an MX Revolution cordless mouse. It consistently lasts 2 weeks, as I'm charging it every other weekend. The MX Revo was released before the Cordless Wave Desktop, so it may still be slightly more power hungry technology, but is already twice as good as my previous.
Pioneer PDP-5020FD, Marantz SR6011 Axiom M5HP, VP160HP, QS8 Sony PS4, surround backs -Chris
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Re: I think I finally found the right solution
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 375
devotee
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devotee
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 375 |
I have the Sonos system and absolutely love it. I purchases 2 Dlink DNS-323 NAS enclosures and put 2 X 1TB Seagate drives in them. With all of my music residing on the NAS(s) I don't have to have my computer turned on for me to listen to my music in my HT room or my kitchen, or den, or bedroom etc..
Works like a charm... yes it's a tad pricy .. but worth it in my opinion.
Acoustic Zen Adagio, Veritas center, Axiom EP500, QS8s, Anthem AVM20, MC20,Adcom GFA7400
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