Receivers that can decode/stream flac for around $500

I can think of a handful of devices to do this in conjunction with a receiver, but none for less than $500 that will do this in just one box.


Does it have to be a one box solution? Does it have to be a multi-channel receiver or can it be a 2-channel receiver?


BTW, some devices have USB inputs, the quality of which varies depending on the implementation. In some cases, you are better off with an add on unit.



Quote:
Originally Posted by vantagesc /forum/post/16888365


I can think of a handful of devices to do this in conjunction with a receiver, but none for less than $500 that will do this in just one box.


Does it have to be a one box solution? Does it have to be a multi-channel receiver or can it be a 2-channel receiver?


BTW, some devices have USB inputs, the quality of which varies depending on the implementation. In some cases, you are better off with an add on unit.

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I thought about getting a squeezebox, but if possible I would like the all-in-one budget solution. The best solution for me would be a receiver that can decode flac from an external hard drive


Edited the original post with more info on what I am looking for



Quote:
Originally Posted by jbrady3324 /forum/post/16888334


I am looking for a list of receivers that can stream flac files from a computer or external hard drive. The best solution for me would be a receiver that can decode flac from an external hard drive


The receiver also needs to have at least HDMI inputs and decode 7.1 truehd. Audyssey is a plus however I know nothing about it! But I guess that would limit me to Onkyo and Denon. I do like the Denon sound a lot


Thanks in advance

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The only ones I know of are the Pioneer SC-07 and Denon AVR-4308 & AVR-3808 and Onkyo TX-NR906. I'm sure there are others.


Question: If you are using a computer why not let the computer do the decoding? I do this with no problem streaming the audio via optical.



Quote:
Originally Posted by Knucklehead90 /forum/post/16888691


The only ones I know of are the Pioneer SC-07 and Denon AVR-4308 & AVR-3808 and Onkyo TX-NR906. I'm sure there are others.


Question: If you are using a computer why not let the computer do the decoding? I do this with no problem streaming the audio via optical.

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Yamaha RX-V3900 will stream WAV, so with transcoding you can effectively stream FLAC files. It's another one that's well over $500 though.


My guess regarding the desire for network streaming is that the computer might not be next to his AV system...



Quote:
Originally Posted by Dzhokhar /forum/post/16888718


Yamaha RX-V3900 will stream WAV, so with transcoding you can effectively stream FLAC files. It's another one that's well over $500 though.


My guess regarding the desire for network streaming is that the computer might not be next to his AV system...

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The computer is a bit too far away. Squeezebox is looking more like the answer.


External HD streaming functionality would be great if the receiver has on-screen controls



Quote:
Originally Posted by jbrady3324 /forum/post/16888731


The computer is a bit too far away. Squeezebox is looking more like the answer.


External HD streaming functionality would be great if the receiver has on-screen controls

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You could use a PS3 or an Xbox360 instead of a squeezebox. They wouldn't cost much more (the Xbox might cost less), and they'd have other functionality. I know you'd have to transcode to WAV in order to use the PS3 with your FLAC files, I'm not sure about the Xbox360 though.



Quote:
Originally Posted by Dzhokhar /forum/post/16888764


You could use a PS3 or an Xbox360 instead of a squeezebox. They wouldn't cost much more (the Xbox might cost less), and they'd have other functionality. I know you'd have to transcode to WAV in order to use the PS3 with your FLAC files, I'm not sure about the Xbox360 though.

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I actually have a PS3 and Xbox. The only issue with the PS3 for streaming is the user interface is very poor for music.


I have not tried the xbox yet..



Quote:
Originally Posted by jbrady3324 /forum/post/16888731


The computer is a bit too far away. Squeezebox is looking more like the answer.


External HD streaming functionality would be great if the receiver has on-screen controls

Click to expand...

I don't know how far is too far - I have a coax connection from my sat box to the receiver in the bedroom strung out measuring 85'. It transmits a clear signal just fine. Works better than any wireless - I've tried a few. I can accept video being 'off' a bit - not audio.



Quote:
Originally Posted by Knucklehead90 /forum/post/16889084


I don't know how far is too far - I have a coax connection from my sat box to the receiver in the bedroom strung out measuring 85'. It transmits a clear signal just fine. Works better than any wireless - I've tried a few. I can accept video being 'off' a bit - not audio.

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I've decided to go the squeezebox route. Thanks for the help

What about a WDTV , it can be found for about $100 US, and is a pretty small box. It accepts hard drives and is pretty nice from the few times I have toyed with it at a friend's house. This isn't networked, meaning it does require something plugged in via USB, but I have seen a few guides online saying they got a USB dongle for wireless internet working with it.


There are other choices, probably better choices since they are networked, this was just the first one that came to mind. The WDTV is the cheapest of the bunch that I know of though. I assume you could find something cheaper to play audio though.


*Edit* I didn't see the OP decided to get the Squeezebox, my bad.