Sonos

[Jnan_devi]

Hello Charlemagne - I see in your signature, Streacom fanless and Sonos Connect. Can I know why you have both in your systeM

For Streacom Fanless - what app you use ?
Does it have its own app or one needs to switch on TV to browse ?
How have you connected from Streacom to D ? (USB or Toslink)

Hello Jnan_devi, 

the Sonos Connect (modified by Magna Hifi in the Netherlands) was in my system before I decided to buy a Streacom fanless HTPC with SSD and W8.1 running. It's fast in starting up and supersilent, making no noise at all. The cooling is fanless and is done by heatpipes. The Streacom I do use with JRiver and the JRemote app on my iPad. I also use the Qobuz desktop app. This doesn't have a 'Remote' app. So I'm using the Splashtop app on my iPad. That's a General Remote desktop app. Of course I can also use my flatscreen tv as a monitor and a ordinary remote keyboard, if I want. JRiver and Qobuz are playing via the Air-ethernet connection. No hiccups or white noise devils here luckily. 

Further I'm using my Fanless PC for XBMC, Netflix, YouTube and Vimeo for videostreaming to my Pioneer Kuro plasma tv. These app's are using the USB connection for the moment. Mainly because it's easier to get the lipsync right. Al these app's can play via the Air-streamer as well, but with the buffering in Air it's difficult (but not impossible) to get the lipsync right. 

The Sonos Connect modification was a major upgrade SQ-wise but still doesn't beat the Air-streamer in my system. I do keep the Sonos because the SQ is good enough for easy listening, internet radio etc. And I really do like the Sonos software, as do my guests. The alternatives are to complicated for them. Even the two years old son of my best friend understands how to operate a Sonos.

Cheers, ChM 

Thanks for Sharing. I m definitely looking for a all Data base connected (NAS, System etc). I purchased JRiver but its literally a sandbox. given up on it i will try some time later. Got input regarding .iso format i will try later.

Regarding the silent PC + JRiver +USB, is good combo i guess, as i never want to use TV for playing my music. Haunts me with the power consumption  on TV (just like A.Monk). 

For now I m on macbook-Air + iTunes + NAS + AIR_ETH Devialet - for ALAC - I think i will continue with this set up until Dialog verdict is out. but my Issue with all this is just like the silent Streacom PC you are using is a very high end architecture for any streamers. all they need to do is develop an APP which controls the device for music lovers. its a cheap and best solution (high end floating point math processor etc)