I have a Russound CAM 6.6T that I use to distribute audio through three different zones. I want to add a source for digital music that would come from Internet Radio, and a music library on a NAS (over 57000 tracks). I originally tried using an old laptop, but for some reason the audio output through the line out jack is not very strong. Additionally I have to go to my closet to change the station or playlist every time.

So I am looking to:

1) Play Internet Radio
2) Access my Music Library on my network
3) Have some sort of remote that shows me what I am selecting.
4) Not spend lots of money.

One option I thought was using a Sonos ZP 80 (available used on eBay) or ZP 90 with the new iPod / iPhone software.

Another option I have heard is that I could use a Squeezebox Duet and they also make iPhone / Ipod Software.

Anyone else have thoughts? A priority would be to have a simple way of accessing the internet radio or my music library without going to access a PC in a back room or some other large piece of gear.

Thanks

Hi,

I have the same configuration as you do.

I am using Philips Pronto Pro remote. I dvelopped my own software for controlling Russound CAM (Sources, Rooms and Radio). I use Squeezecenter + a specific software to control it on the Pronto remote (worth 30 $). It works fine.

This solution is not that cheep though. You need to buy a Philips Pronto Pro 9400 or 9600 remote + an Philips extender that will be connected to the Russound Cam through RS 232.

You can also do the following:
- Install a PC near your Russound CAM with ITunes in it
- Use the free apple software called "Remote" on Ipod / Iphone. With this software you can remotely control ITunes.

I never tried this, but it seems to be a good solution.

I like your solution especially as everything can be controlled from 1 remote, but the Pronto is out of my price league. Also, I want to run my media from a NAS or server and not have a dedicated music PC for my home audio distribution.

I will look into Remote for iPhone...but not sure I want to be locked completely into the iTunes eco system.

If you don't want a PC, how about an old TurtleBeach AudioTron. You can get them $50 to $100 on ebay. They will play music from your NAS and through an XML user created file that you could also store on your NAS or any other PC on your network. In the XML file you define all your internet radio connections. There's also a guy that runs a DNS server specifically for the AT if you want to use his list of radio stations instead.

It can be controlled w/ a remote or via its built in webbrowser. It connects to your network like any other ethernet appliance with both analog and optical audio connections to your gear.

It does only support mp3, wave and wma files last I heard, which may or may not be an issue for you.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AudioTron

I have a Squeezebox Duet connected to my NuVo sound system which allows me to wirelessly access music from my networked computer or from various internet radio stations and music sources such as Pandora Radio and Rhapsody. The internet music can be accessed without the computer being on. It has an RF remote that has a nice color graphic display, similar to an iPod, which shows the music sources and song titles, even album art. Seems to work well.

A NAS from QNAP systems can also be configured to allow access to music files from the Squeezebox, but I haven't done that.

The Squeezebox Duet sells for $323.85 at Amazon.

Wouldn't the casa tools software take care of this?

If I am not mistaken, you could run the laptop next to your Russound and then control it from any laptop in the house?

I may be wrong, as I am just trying to research a similar solution.


-Lee

Wouldn't the casa tools software take care of this?

If I am not mistaken, you could run the laptop next to your Russound and then control it from any laptop in the house?

I may be wrong, as I am just trying to research a similar solution.


-Lee

I think the OP wanted to dispense with the laptop usage. If there was an old PC available or that could be used there are a multitude of ways to do it. Browseamp pluggin for winamp for one.