what i don't get about many of these other offerings is that they want me to replace my CD player with a new box - a server/player-combo-box that stroes my music there. err, i have a perfectly good server in the house, and i don't want a music server as a replacement for my CD player - i want a very lightweight client.
the storage and computing is better done where it belongs - on a computer. at better cost points, with better service- and upgrade-ability. so i think the basic architecture of some systems is flawed by trying to be some sort of new appliance that replicates functionality that is available elsewhere, and includes areas of expertise that are alien to audio vendors (why on earth should they design a better computer than established computer vendors)? i think the SB fundamental architecture is the smart way to go. especially since now with the Touch i get all the functionality of these high end boxes in a better priced, more compact, and most likely equally well sounding package (get an external DAC if you don't like the built in DA conversion). i think the flaw of the SB system for the regular user is still the CD ripping process (but that will probably matter less and less as people just download music), and the temperamental nature that SBS has developed at times. since software seems to be the weak link (for rips and troublefree operation) perhaps it means that Logitech needs to find a way to monetize software some more so they get (a) some return on development and (b) more customer lock in. but then the software *has* to work in utterly reliable form, and upgrade fiascos and lapses in operation then are no longer acceptable. and the linux version should still be free. :-D the Touch in my opinion is genius and points the way to the future. i think the client had to become smarter from an interface point of view, yet remains lightweight from a music path point of view. it is the best of all worlds. Logitech has this nearly won: the interface is pretty, the box very flexible, the cost point just right. -- pablolie ...pablo Server: Shuttle X27D - Ubuntu 8.04LTS - SBS 7.4.1 Sources: SB3 (3), SB Boom (3), Duet (1), Accuphase DP65v CD Amplifier: Accuphase E306v - Creek OBH21/22 Loudspeakers: Ceeroy 3-way tower (tuned) - Audioengine 5/S8 - Acoustic Energy Aego M Headphones: Grado SR-1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ pablolie's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3816 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=74510 _______________________________________________ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
