Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo Squeezebox alternative streaming device?

I've been using a Squeezebox Touch for several years. A Duet before the Touch. Love these things. So convenient to use. I especially like the screen on the Touch. I hear a song I like that is playing on Pandora, go take a look and write it down. Order the CD.... I also like how I can stream FLAC files that are on my PC hard drive. Well.....about two months ago, Pandora just stops playing after a song or two. Sometimes several, but still stops. Never had an issue before. I've tried both wired LAN connection and wireless. No difference. Looks like several others have had the same problem at the Squeezebox forums.

Does anyone know of a comparable device? I really don't want to use a computer, or have to use the TV to see song/album cover art either.

Please let me know if you get that sorted.

Are you still using your SB Tom?

A quick internet search came up with Grace Digital. Looks like the same type of device. I do not like the built in speakers though....

You can explore a Raspberry Pi combined with Kodi with a UPNP server. Check if it has the features you need. You can actually test everything from a PC first and then see how it goes.

You must be in IT. I had to Google all those things. Way over my head.

What about a tablet? I have a Microsoft Surface that I use for streaming music from Microsoft Groove. Pandora would likely work about as well but I'm in Canada where the service isn't available so I can't test it. Not sure the sound quality would be as good as the Squeezebox but there are various types of tablets, some advertised to have 'premium' sound, available in the range of $100 and up that would probably do the job. I just looked and there is a Pandora player for Android as well as one for a Windows tablet.

Did you have the Squeezebox set up to play the music externally on your audio system? Most tablets would likely have a headphone output that would likely work for that.

I do have an Ipad I can probably use. Haven't checked to see if Apple has apps that will do what the SB will.

I don't understand your question. Set up externally?

Found a good Youtube video describing the Raspberry Pi. I do have a spare PC that just got replaced by a new one I could probably convert to a dedicated music computor. Not sure if I want to spend that much time screwing with it though. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmeUxk14vCc

Found two other options for a music streaming device with internal "audiophile" DAC. Each requires tablet or Ipad type interface.

Bluesound Node 2: http://www.bluesound.com/en-us/products/node-2/

Auralic Aries Mini: http://www.auralic.com/en/

Both of the latter options are appealing to me. Not real sure which would be a better option.....

Also, there's always:
https://www.axiomaudio.com/wireless-components
Can't wait for the plastic version of the RP1 to cut down on price.

I've had a Grace digital (Mondo I think) for a few years. It runs pretty well, but in my opinion, the company is not really keeping up with the times. It's been a long while since they provided an upgrade/update. There is an audio out (1/8") if you want to connect an external amp/speaker.

I'll have more to say about the Raspberry Pi / BlueSound etc. in another reply.
Tim