Squeezebox with Macs

[EdipisReks]

so, how does this work? do i have to use a Squeezebox application, or can i stream from whatever app i want? will i have to put my music into categories? right now, i have about 2 TB of flac scattered around on several drives, and i use spotlight to find what i want, but putting the stuff into categories wouldn't be that hard... i'm thinking ahead to when i move, as i don't think my speakers and my computer are going to be in the same room.

[deepak]

If you do get a SB I'll be interested in hearing how you like it with OS X. I've ran the Windows server client to get a feel for it, and I wasn't a big fan of it.

[lostonetr]

I think xand1x might be able to shed some light on this. He seemed a bit more familiar with the squeezebox/though he owns the trasnporter.

[blessingx]

Well you have to use SlimServer (now called SqueezeCenter) to stream the files. You arguably never have to view the app though, as you can use the included remote, Duet or even a iPhone or Touch as a controller. You can't stream from whatever app you want though.

In my case, I continue to use iTunes to rip/encode/manage my tracks. Organization, tagging etc. is done there, but you can use whatever you want. You then have SqueezeCenter manually or automatically scan your library.

Not sure what you mean by categories. Not sure if SqueezeCenter can handle multiple directories (I see only a single field in the settings). I keep everything on a single external NAS drive.

[EdipisReks]

by categories i just meant genres. if i can't do multiple directories then i'll have to go to a different solution.

[blessingx]

Just did a search over at the SlimDevices forum. It seems symbolic links to files on other drives is the recommended method if your library is scattered.

http://www.naratt.com/MakeSymlink.html

[EdipisReks]

hmm, thanks

[blessingx]

So yeah, a single library is necessary, but you can 'link' to files where ever you store them.

You can download SqueezeCenter and run it to see, even without the hardware, but if you ask me that's actually more complicated then what it will be with the device.

I've done some tests recently with the Squeezebox versus the Lavry DA10 and I was surprised how close the SB came to the Lavry. It's a good DAC and a great streamer. The setup may sound all complicated, but it's not really.

[krrm]

I run the Slimserver (not the newest, ie the classic Debian way ) from a Debian server. It works as good server software should, fire and forget. Scans the music directory sometimes I am usually at sleep. The remote works surprisingly good for searching my collection (250 GB).

Have not tried to use multiple parent directories, if things are constant there should be nothing stopping you from using the root directory as parent. If disks go in and out I guess things could be a little more complicated.

If you have things scattered around, who do you take backups, or do you trust fortune?

[slwiser]

Well you have to use SlimServer (now called SqueezeCenter) to stream the files. You arguably never have to view the app though, as you can use the included remote, Duet or even a iPhone or Touch as a controller. You can't stream from whatever app you want though.

In my case, I continue to use iTunes to rip/encode/manage my tracks. Organization, tagging etc. is done there, but you can use whatever you want. You then have SqueezeCenter manually or automatically scan your library.

Not sure what you mean by categories. Not sure if SqueezeCenter can handle multiple directories (I see only a single field in the settings). I keep everything on a single external NAS drive.

I have read that for mulitple directories all you need is a short-cut from the second directory placed into your primary directory. It is supposed to resolve through the shortcut.

I am using my Squeezebox into my Lavry DA10 into my SRM-1 Mk2 Pro feeding my Gamma Pro. Sounds better than my ALO-780J out of my Yamamoto HA-02.

My primary directory is FLACFiles with all genre below it so I only have a single directory setup.

[KenW]

Haven't had to use the Symlink since I'm very anal about my music server. All my albums are tagged and organized/sorted properly with cover art so the SqueezeCenter is smooth sailing for me on my Mac. I use it to stream to my Transporter which is located in my home theater or my SB3 which is located upstairs in my bedroom. Very nice setup although I wasn't a big fan of the interface until the last upgrade to the "SqueezeCenter". That was a step in the right direction, but it could still be better.

Lately though I've been playing with the Nullriver software and the PS3 in my home theater. Very cool to be able to stream music, movies and photos through the home theater from the Mac. Anyway I don't want to stray off topic so I'll just give the Squeezebox/Transporter and the associated software a big thumbs up. No more CD's for me.

[deepak]

edit: SD Wiki answered most of my questions

[xand1x]

I think xand1x might be able to shed some light on this. He seemed a bit more familiar with the squeezebox/though he owns the trasnporter.

I run my transporter from PC. However, from what I know of the SB3 and the way in which streaming occurs you have to use SqueezeBox software (SqueezeCenter) in order for the device to stream music via wireless. The only way to avoid using the software, i think, is to use a wired connection.

[morphsci]

Figured I would revive this thread to post a warning about Squeezeserver 7.4.0 (Yep they changed the name yet again ). If you are running server app on a MAC, and are running snow leopard, skip right over version 7.4.0 and instead ver. 7.4.1 which is currently not the default when you download and you have to go under the nightly build to find it. When I installed 7.4.0 one of my SB3s lost the ability to connect with its remote and also went totally blank after it updated. Strangely enough I could control it with a controller but not its own remote. The bigger problem is it would not rescan my library which it has to do as the new database is incompatible with the previous format. After I installed 7.4.1 the library scanned, the first SB3 came back and I updated the second SB3 and it worked just fine. I never had a problem with either controller, the receiver, the boom or the transporter.

[GPH]

Using 7.4.0 here and it works fine, but I didn't have any of the previous versions installed (just got the SB3 yesterday).

[morphsci]

Yeah, on MACs it seems like you either need to do a clean install and lose your preferences or simply go to 7.4.1. Not sure about the other platforms. Even if 7.4.0 is working fine look at the change-log for 7.4.1, they fixed some pretty nasty litle bugs.

[GPH]

Thanks for the tip, I'll try 7.4.1.

On an unrelated subject, does anyone know if it's possible to sort albums by year on the Squeezebox? I know I can do it on the web interface, but I haven't found a way to do it on the SB.

[Fitz]

I can sort by year on mine... Music Library => Years => (List of years)

[morphsci]

^^Yep, me too.

[GPH]

I can sort by year on mine... Music Library => Years => (List of years)

Sorry, I wasn't clear, I meant Artists -> Albums by Year.

i.e.

Artists -> Genesis ->
Trespass (1970)
Nursery Cryme (1971)
Foxtrot (1972)
etc.