Play music without a computer

[LstBrunnenG]

I'm trying to set up a home theater sound system bit by bit. Previously, I had on my computer desk this receiver and these speakers. Recently, I moved the receiver to the TV cabinet and the speakers next to the TV. Now, I'm faced with the challenge of getting music onto this setup.

I have an HDMI cable running from the computer about 15 feet to the TV, for when I want to game on the big screen. The TV can receive the digital audio signal and pass it to my receiver, but the HDMI on the receiver is only pass-through. So right now, I can play music from my collection on my stereo system, but my computer and TV both need to be on.

I can buy a longer optical cable like this, but this would be another cable running across my living room floor and I would still need the computer on to play music.

I would like way to get my collection of lossless audio to my stereo via an optical or coax connection that doesn't require a computer. I'm not interested in building a HTPC at this juncture.

The best thing I can think of is to buy a $99 Apple TV, and stream the music wirelessly from my iPod to the Apple TV using AirPlay, and connect the Apple TV to my receiver using an optical cable. This still requires me to use my iPod, not to mention a good deal of network traffic. And I'm kind of out of luck when my iPod gets full. Isn't there some kind of appliance that can do what I'm looking for? Thanks.

Also, I'm looking to purchase the M-Audio AV40s to take over as the speakers on my desktop - thoughts?

 

[LstBrunnenG]

No ideas? Is a 3.5mm to RCA cable for my iPod really the best option here?

 

[kschaffner]

The only thing I can really think of off the top of my head would be to plug your iPod into the stereo using a 3.5 to RCA like you mentioned. Most other devices would require the tv to be on at least to start the playback. You could also try looking into a receiver like one of these listed here that can access USB storage and play the files. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/archive/index.php/t-790918.html

 

[jakebot]

I own a PS3. That's how i play music on my HT

 

[LstBrunnenG]

Neither the 360 nor the PS3 support any kind of lossless audio aside from .WAV

 

[450]

360 supports WMA lossless.

 

[Deleted member 176933]

iPod Compatibility: Using an optional ASD-11R iPod dock, or an ASD-51N or ASD-51W iPod/Network adapter dock, you can integrate your iPod with the AVR-1609. Song titles appear on the receiver's display panel and the iPod can be controlled using the buttons on the main unit and the remote control.

Not sure how you feel about that. Still using your iPod, but more integrated than using the headphone port.

If I were in your shoes, I'd get an old laptop off of ebay, and use it as a music server of sorts. I know you want something that doesn't require a computer, but consider the cost/benefit ratio. Some of the older Core Duo and Core 2 Duo machines are now going in the $99-$150 range. Maybe you could drop down to the Pentium M range. Those would work fine.

The smaller machines (see: HP NC2400) should be easy to "hide" in your Entertainment Center". Spend a bit more and pick up a new battery, a docking station, etc and you have a decent backup machine always ready to un-dock and go.

You could even get a laptop with a busted LCD. You're not really going to need the LCD to just play music (and you can hook it up via DVI to your TV or VNC/RDP to it from your desktop).

...since you're on [H], I'm sure you could think of other uses for another machine.

Just my 2 cents.