Squeezebox interfacing???


Ok.

Please help me clarify the functional aspect of the following ideal system for me please...

Components...
Laptop (Basic Dell)
SQ3
DAC (PS Audio Link)
Pre-amp (Adcom)
Amp (Adcom)
Speakers

Connectivitity.
1. Laptop wirelessly sees the SQ using the software with the SQ.

2 SQ is ethernet connected to a fast external hard drive and pulls the files out of HD.

3. SQ outputs optically to DAC.

4. DAC does it's wonders and RCA's out to pre-amp.

5. Pre-Amp would STILL be the main component to affect volume and sound adjustments.

Pushing songs through the system can be done through the computer interface AND/OR with the SQ device right?

This mean there are atleast two components a person would have to interface with in order to play and control the system.

Archaic... but will function, please correct me if I'm mistaken.

Thank you
tballman
Simplify the NAS stuff...

Change to an Airport Extreme Base Station and hang a regular hard drive off it's USB port. Anything with network connectivity can see the drive.

If you need more than one remote drive, buy a USB hub,connect it to the Airport Extreme Base Station and connect your drives to the hub.

In addition to sharing you music files, you can also share anything else you wish between your laptop and desktop computers.
I have a similar setup but with a Benchmark Dac1 and I use a Hitachi 1 terabyte HD connected by usb2 (firewire also an option).

My understanding from Logitec is that the PC should be directly connected to router - not used wirelessly. The Squeeze box is wireless to the PC running the softwear. Upgrade the Squeeze Box wall wart with an external power supply, get some decent cables. I was surprised at how good mine sounds. Not quite my Esoteric X03 SE but for just sitting back and listening to preselected hours+ playlists, I can't complain.
So, with a NAS HD, do you need to have a computer involved at all, for running Slim Server? Or could you just listen to music using your remote control with the Squeezebox, and having it access its music from the NAS HD?

I have several computers in my house, and would like to install Squeezeboxes in atleast two locations. Problem is that none of the computers are "Wake Upon Lan", which means if I use them to run Slim Server for the Squeezebox, I have to go turn them on. I was hoping to avoid this with an NAS hard drive.

Thanks, Peter
Peter - With the new squeezebox duo a computer does not have to be on. Don't think that's the case with SB3. You should to check with slim devices. You should also ask them if they recommend particular NAS drives. The Duo is brand new so they may not have much of a track record yet.

But Sonos, who has had the capability from the beginning has a pretty extensive list on their site of known compatibility issues with NAS drives. That's not to scare you off, I think NAS is THE way to go. But they aren't all the same so a little research before you buy is good.