First, this forum has been a great (though overwhelming) source of information. Like so many others here, I'm faced with the fact that no single streamer seems to be ideal. My needs are really rather simple, but my focus on music really seems to throw everything off.
Budget: $350
Primary use: Stream music from PC (NFS shares preferred) for now, then likely a type of NAS device at a later date.
Secondary use: Stream a dozen or so frequenty viewed DVDs. HD is not needed at this point, but desireable for future use.
The device should:
- Allow browsing the music catalog during music playback
- Composing playlists on the unit would be nice
- Have wired networking
- Preferably have an optical drive, as I'd like it to completely replace our old standalone CD player.
- Have a built in display that would allow use of the device without an external display (TV).
Thus far, the Zensonic Z500 is the only unit where I've found specific comments that the built in display functions sufficiently for playback of music without the TV. It also seems to be one of few that allow browsing during playback. However, I've heard enough comments about instability to shy me away from it.
I really like the Helios X3000, but haven't heard enough about it. I MUCH prefer the appearance over the Z500; particularly the black color. I don't know if the built in display would fit my criteria, and I'd prefer to not be tied down to uPnP. It also seems to have many handicaps that are shared with other Sybas Middleware based units.
Does anybody have any suggestions, comments, or similar requirements? Honestly, i'd be happy with anything that is stable and meets the "no TV" desire.
Thanks!
Glenn
Budget: $350
Primary use: Stream music from PC (NFS shares preferred) for now, then likely a type of NAS device at a later date.
Secondary use: Stream a dozen or so frequenty viewed DVDs. HD is not needed at this point, but desireable for future use.
The device should:
- Allow browsing the music catalog during music playback
- Composing playlists on the unit would be nice
- Have wired networking
- Preferably have an optical drive, as I'd like it to completely replace our old standalone CD player.
- Have a built in display that would allow use of the device without an external display (TV).
Thus far, the Zensonic Z500 is the only unit where I've found specific comments that the built in display functions sufficiently for playback of music without the TV. It also seems to be one of few that allow browsing during playback. However, I've heard enough comments about instability to shy me away from it.
I really like the Helios X3000, but haven't heard enough about it. I MUCH prefer the appearance over the Z500; particularly the black color. I don't know if the built in display would fit my criteria, and I'd prefer to not be tied down to uPnP. It also seems to have many handicaps that are shared with other Sybas Middleware based units.
Does anybody have any suggestions, comments, or similar requirements? Honestly, i'd be happy with anything that is stable and meets the "no TV" desire.
Thanks!
Glenn
