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Recommendations wanted: Rack mounted MP3 HD based player

gorgekko

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I know these exist but I can't seem to find any at the big electronics stores today.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a MP3 hard drive based unit that is standard stereo component sized. I do not want a wireless only option, but rather one I can connect to my PC and transfer over MP3/WMA/Whatever as need be.

I know, I know, but I don't feel like stringing CAT5 to have a permanent interface between a unit and my PC and I hate leaving my computer on permanently so a wireless network isn't much use to me.
 

GQgeek

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Originally Posted by Nantucket Red
Bang & Olufsen Beosound 3200 is what I'm getting.

B&O isn't exactly bang for your buck but it sure looks nice. It's more a lifestyle audio brand imo.

GG, what's the rest of your system look like? Nobody can make good recommendations without knowing what sort of gear you have. Or you could always build a HTPC. It'll do a lot more than play MP3s and you can buy a case that will fit in with the rest of your gear.
 

gorgekko

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Originally Posted by Nantucket Red
Bang & Olufsen Beosound 3200 is what I'm getting.

Hmmm, nice but it doesn't fit what I need. I need a standalone component that fits in with the rest of my home theatre.

GQgeek, the rest of the system is your standard brushed steel look, an receiver, CD changer and a DVD player/recorder. I'm not opposed to the HTPC concept. I have been considering the Apple Mac mini or one of its competitors and building some sort of custom set-up. I'd rather it come out-of-the-box ready but I don't mind investing some time if I have to.
 

GQgeek

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The mac mini is absolute crap and doesn't do a good job of what it's designed for. Do a search on the forums for htpc. There was a thread quite a while ago and if my memory serves me correctly I posted some useful info in it. How much do you know about PC hardware and how much are you willing to spend. I can pretty much guarantee that you could build a high quality HTPC that would put out sound rivaling a very expensive HDD MP3 player and I can pretty much guarantee that the interface will be better. How good is the rest of your audio system?

I run an HTPC on Windows Media Center Edition and I couldn't go back to life without it. It does PVR as well, which I made plenty of use of before I cancelled my cable. And of course with a PC it's very easy to add space when you need it. And there are several manufacturers that make cases designed to fit in with home theater components that have brushed aluminum fronts.
 

gorgekko

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Originally Posted by GQgeek
The mac mini is absolute crap and doesn't do a good job of what it's designed for. Do a search on the forums for htpc. There was a thread quite a while ago and if my memory serves me correctly I posted some useful info in it. How much do you know about PC hardware and how much are you willing to spend. I can pretty much guarantee that you could build a high quality HTPC that would put out sound rivaling a very expensive HDD MP3 player and I can pretty much guarantee that the interface will be better. How good is the rest of your audio system?

To be truthful, I think the Mac Mini probably would have done the job. All I need is something to play MP3s and with its Front Row software, it would have done that easy peasy. Either way, at $800 Canadian, it's a bit much for a single-se object.

I'm very comfortable with PC hardware and I am willing to spend a decent hunk of change, especially now that I'm obsessed by the problem, ha ha. I'll have to look for your thread on HTPC.

The rest of my stereo is fine. Nothing fancy, it does the job. Middle class, I suppose is one way to say it.
 

GQgeek

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Edward Appleby

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Yeah, I'd definitely recommend an HTPC. Much more functionality than what's essentially an Ipod on a rack.
 

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