4Play
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Post by 4Play on Jul 23, 2014 10:21:36 GMT -5
I am not sure where this thread should be posted. To the Mods, please move to the appropriate for a if necessary.
I am a big fan of internet radio. Currently I have a Denon DNP-720AE network audio player. Who needs a tuner these days when you have the internet with tons of sources to choose from. To my surprise, I see where Denon has discontinued this model, and this does not make good business sense to me. You can choose from Genre or Country for your choice of music. One of my favorite Blues channel is Bar Legend Radio from Larissa Greece. You can also get channels from the US. Two Smooth Jazz channels we listen to, one is in Georgia and the other is in Arizona.
I am curious to know if Emotiva has any plans to make a network audio player. You could do a stand alone model, just a network audio player, or another good example would be similar to Teac's model NP-H750. This is a USB DAC/Network Player/Integrated Amplifier with the amp putting out 40wpc. The case of the Mini-X would be an ideal fit.
Teac NP-H750 Dimensions - 11.4" W x 4.45" H x 13.4" D
Emotiva Mini-X-a-100 Dimensions - 12.25" W x 6.75" H x 18" D
I paid ~ $269.00 for my Denon network audio player. If you have searched recently for a network audio player, you will find the majority cost anywhere from $399 to $999.
IMHO, Emotiva could fill this niche with a product that would be a better built product for less money. There is no doubt in my mind that if Emotiva would bring this to production, it would be a great seller. If this product will be made, I would be the first person in line waiting to send payment.
Dan, Lonnie, and to all the Emotiva guys... Please consider making a network audio player. Whether it be a standalone model or with an integrated amp, this product needs to be made.
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Post by garym on Jul 23, 2014 11:03:58 GMT -5
IMHO, Emotiva could fill this niche with a product that would be a better built product for less money. There is no doubt in my mind that if Emotiva would bring this to production, it would be a great seller. If this product will be made, I would be the first person in line waiting to send payment. I'd second that suggestion. I just bought a Grace Digital "Primo" internet player. It works well enough, but it is not an "audiophile"-caliber component. It uses a low-end DAC and (probably) output stage. The output is decent, but not stellar. But then, it only cost $125. But the concept is just right --- it is a tiny device with a nice color screen, RCA outputs, and programmed links to most popular internet music servers plus literally thousands of streaming radio stations. I don't use it for internet streaming, not being a fan of compressed audio, but it also allows access to the WAV and FLAC files on my local network server. One of these in each room you want music (plus a stereo system), and you can play your entire music library. If Emotiva introduced a similar product with a good DAC (perhaps an ESS Sabre 9018) or at least a digital output for connecting a good DAC, and a quality pre-amp I'd buy it in an instant. Here's the link on Amazon: smile.amazon.com/Grace-Digital-GDI-IRCA700-Wireless-Featuring/dp/B00KT0ES54/ref=sr_1_8?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1406131348&sr=1-8&keywords=Grace+digitalHere's a photo of the thing: Attachments:
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DYohn
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Post by DYohn on Jul 23, 2014 11:15:11 GMT -5
There was quite a bit of discussion of a network audio player about a year ago and a very interesting-looking prototype shown on the forum. But I have no idea if Emotiva has continued that development or if it got shelved. And given the silly negativity and anger that always seems to surround new product discussions on this esteemed forum, I doubt any of us will know if it exists until it hits the street. Or doesn't.
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novisnick
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Post by novisnick on Jul 23, 2014 11:41:06 GMT -5
I just don't understand all of this hub bub,,,,,,,, My Yamaha 3020 has all the connectivity I could emagine. Internet everything, DNLA, Sirius, internet radio, airplay, USB, analog in, ,,,,,etc,,,,,,,what am I missing?? Yes, maybe not the balanced outs of the XMC-1 but to have a separate unit for these add ons? Could they drive the cost that much more,,,,,I'm not sure.but you don't have to build a box to house all of it!
Anyone?
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DYohn
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Post by DYohn on Jul 23, 2014 11:44:32 GMT -5
I use my network audio player to stream music via Logitech Media Server from my Vortexbox. Now and then I use it for connection to a web-based system like Pandora or Sky.FM. If your receiver does everything you want, then more power to you, but many of us have different needs.
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Post by audiobill on Jul 23, 2014 12:08:33 GMT -5
Given the relatively lo-fi of internet radio, haven't streaming services such as Spotify, Beats or better yet Qobuz marginalized internet radio?
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Post by drtrey3 on Jul 23, 2014 12:11:06 GMT -5
Someday my Squeezebox Touch will die. I would love to spend my money on an Emotiva product to replace it. Heck, I would spend my money on an Emotiva product NOW so I could move my Touch upstairs. It would be my next Emo purchase.
Trey
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Post by garym on Jul 23, 2014 13:45:48 GMT -5
I just don't understand all of this hub bub,,,,,,,, My Yamaha 3020 has all the connectivity I could emagine. Internet everything, DNLA, Sirius, internet radio, airplay, USB, analog in, ,,,,,etc,,,,,,,what am I missing?? Two things: First, most full-function network receivers, like your Yamaha, require a TV screen for browsing content on a server. Second, they are overkill for many applications (you're paying for all kinds of capabilities and features you don't need). A "minimalist" network receiver has only a wireless receiver, a DAC, a readable screen for browsing, and a pre-amp. All it needs to do is capture a wifi stream and convert it to analog (or send out the digital directly). It is only a wireless front end music source for any stereo system, just like a CD player or turntable.
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Post by indyscammer on Jul 23, 2014 13:59:47 GMT -5
Someday my Squeezebox Touch will die. I would love to spend my money on an Emotiva product to replace it. Heck, I would spend my money on an Emotiva product NOW so I could move my Touch upstairs. It would be my next Emo purchase. Trey +1....need it to also be a DLNA renderer. Would buy it right now.
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novisnick
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Post by novisnick on Jul 23, 2014 14:07:17 GMT -5
I just don't understand all of this hub bub,,,,,,,, My Yamaha 3020 has all the connectivity I could emagine. Internet everything, DNLA, Sirius, internet radio, airplay, USB, analog in, ,,,,,etc,,,,,,,what am I missing?? Two things: First, most full-function network receivers, like your Yamaha, require a TV screen for browsing content on a server. Second, they are overkill for many applications (you're paying for all kinds of capabilities and features you don't need). A "minimalist" network receiver has only a wireless receiver, a DAC, a readable screen for browsing, and a pre-amp. All it needs to do is capture a wifi stream and convert it to analog (or send out the digital directly). It is only a wireless front end music source for any stereo system, just like a CD player or turntable. Thanks for the reply, actually it doesn't need a TV , I use my Ipad to interact with it, some way you would want to do it. paying for the capabilities is less then the cost of a separate box to house the boards on and the required ports and screen. also,,,,you know what I need?.? Cool, cause from day to day I don't think I even know my needs. Im not trying to raise a stir, just that the inclusion of another board in the housing I've already paid for is no big deal to add. These abilities may be minimalist to some of us. My CD player has all kind of network abilities, even the cheap ones, there is little cost to add them or they wouldn't be there. Nick
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DYohn
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Post by DYohn on Jul 23, 2014 14:46:16 GMT -5
None of those functions replace a Squeezebox, Nick. They are not LMS compatible. Thus, the need for a "separate box." Like I said, if what you have works for you then that's great. But none of the network capabilities of my pre/pro (DNLA and Airplay) nor my BRD machine (full internet connectivity with streaming from MANY services) will allow me to stream my music from my music server that runs LMS, so I need a stand-alone network audio player. Plus my stand alone DAC sounds REALLY good to my ears and is much more musical than the sound created by the DAC in my pre/pro. As in all things audio, YMMV.
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Post by brubacca on Jul 23, 2014 15:09:03 GMT -5
Two emofests ago Emotiva showed a early prototype network player/server. Last Emofest (last year) Dan basically indicated that it was not under further development because they didn't feel like they could hit a price point that would sell. There was a little noise about doing the player without internal DAc as a possibility, but not sure where that went. Some including me feel that the DAC should be included although I'm at the point that I would take it without DAC.
Cambridge Audio has a seemingly nice unit in the Stream Magic 6 product, which is about $800 now.
I have made my feelings known. In fact, if Naim would release a product in their entry level products I'd probably buy it.
Nick- how could you own a $2k turntable and think that the Yamaha is a worthy product? (I ask in jest and absolutely seriously). If Rega released a network player like the Apollo R or at the level of your RP6 I'd also buy it.
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DYohn
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Post by DYohn on Jul 23, 2014 15:12:55 GMT -5
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4Play
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Post by 4Play on Jul 23, 2014 18:19:10 GMT -5
I am tickled to death to see this much interest. I think it's sad that Emotiva shelved the idea. A product like the Teac NP-H750, small only in size, a network audio player that has a 40wpc integrated amp has a phono input for a turntable (this could be left off in favor of the XPS-1), dlna certified, has AirPlay capabilities, I cannot believe for one second that Emotiva could not bring a better product for less money than the Teac. As for a small case/chassis, the Mini-X chassis would be a perfect fit. Incorporate a ethernet jack on the back, I'm sure Emotiva could add the innards needed for an internet radio.
Click on the link I provided on the Teac. There is a lot of information on there that I haven't touched on. It is my hope that Dan, Lonnie, and the other Emo will reconsider and revisit this much needed component. If Teac can make one and Amazon can sell it for $399.99, I cannot see any reason why Emotiva couldn't make one for a little less. The technology and know how is available. We just need Emotiva to see the possibilities that would favor this product and bring it to the forum for discussion. If they would accept reservations, I am more than ready to send a deposit, or if full payment would be needed, just let me know when and I will send a PP payment.
Emotiva... Please consider this a possibility.
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4Play
Minor Hero
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Post by 4Play on Jul 23, 2014 18:42:34 GMT -5
I thought I would post a couple pics of the Teac NP-H750 for your viewing pleasure along with the dimensions. Teac NP-H750 Dimensions - 11.4" W x 4.45" H x 13.4" D
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Post by garym on Jul 23, 2014 18:56:33 GMT -5
Thanks for the reply, actually it doesn't need a TV , I use my Ipad to interact with it, some way you would want to do it. Yes, there are several network receivers/players that expect you to use some external device, like an Ipad or tablet, to control them. But I wanted a receiver anyone in the room could use, without needing a smartphone with the required app. Not if you already have an amp and speakers in the room in question. I have 5 separate systems in 5 rooms. So just want all of them to be able to play files from the server. Heh. Should have said "what I need." Didn't mean to be presumptuous. I agree. In my theater room the BDP handles the network retrieval, delivers to a UMC-200 via HDMI. But there is a TV in there for browsing. The little Grace Digital is the perfect component for me. Will probably buy another to feed the back porch system. Just wish it had a better DAC or a digital output (I'd buy another Geek in the latter case).
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Post by garym on Jul 23, 2014 18:59:59 GMT -5
I thought I would post a couple pics of the Teac NP-H750 for your viewing pleasure along with the dimensions. Would be good for secondary systems if it had a color screen for browsing.
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4Play
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Post by 4Play on Jul 23, 2014 19:16:45 GMT -5
I have yet to see a network audio player that has a colored screen. My Denon doesn't have a colored screen and I never had any issues. A colored screen would also be an added expense when you're trying to keep the price down.
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Post by AudioHTIT on Jul 23, 2014 19:23:13 GMT -5
I thought I would post a couple pics of the Teac NP-H750 for your viewing pleasure along with the dimensions. Teac NP-H750 Dimensions - 11.4" W x 4.45" H x 13.4" D Though smaller it looks like it would blend nicely with the Emo Gen2 gear.
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4Play
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Post by 4Play on Jul 23, 2014 19:36:16 GMT -5
I thought I would post a couple pics of the Teac NP-H750 for your viewing pleasure along with the dimensions. Teac NP-H750 Dimensions - 11.4" W x 4.45" H x 13.4" D Though smaller it looks like it would blend nicely with the Emo Gen2 gear. Exactly what I was thinking. Picture this... A component similar to the Teac, a pair of Airmotiv speakers, an auxilary jack(s) for other components if needed. This would not take up a lot of real estate and would not be that noticeable, if you so choose but I like looking at good audio gear. Compare the dimensions of the Teac with the Mini-X... Emotiva Mini-X-a-100 Dimensions - 12.25" W x 6.75" H x 18" D The mini-X is bigger than the Teac. From a technical standpoint, the Mini-X's case/chassis would be the perfect candidate, and no need to spend money on an extra case/chassis if it's not needed.
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