Hi

I have not been on this forum for several years, since I built my HT system with advice from here.

A friend is looking for a good solution to store and deliver his music throughout his house and I thought a PC with XP Media Center on it would be a good choice. I just started reading about the audio servers on this site and would like to understand some basic Pro's and Con's of going with the PC solution vs a specific audio server.

Any other advice/information on this topic would be appreciated as well.

Thanks!

Dedicated audio servers are generally easier to set up and use (you just drop CD into one and it'll rip the entire disc to a hard drive) than HTPCs and often have the capability to integrate into whole-house automation systems with touch panels and keypads. But these are generally more costly than a typical HTPC that can be had for a little over $1,000.

As far as whole-house audio distribution goes, you'll need at the minimum an amplifier dedicated to feeding the house audio system that will get its source material from a receiver, HTPC or server. Several companies make distribution amplifiers, including SpeakerCraft, Elan and Niles, just to name a few.

From the convenience standpoint, your friend will also want to consider putting some level of control into each room, whether it's a simple in-wall volume control, a multifunction keypad or touchpanel (the later two of which will let you switch sources in addition to providing volume control). Just keep in mind that if this house is existing and isn't wired for house audio, it can become an expensive retrofit project.