Fred Brack   Fred Brack  
Raleigh, NC
Picture of the Cape Hatteras lighthouse

Fred's Network Music Player System

New October 2018.  I have revising this page because the device I describe in the original text below (a Squeezebox) is no longer available, AND mine died!  So while I am leaving the info on the Squeezebox below, I'm giving you my replacement setup first...

This gist of what I have done for the current installation is the following:

  1. Years ago I digitized all my CDs (also known as "ripping" CDs).  I did this by using Apple's iTunes product which "imported" the CD's contents when it was inserted in the DVD/CD reader on my laptop, and I asked iTunes to save the CD to disk using their "lossless" format, which is discussed in the original text below.  As mentioned in the original text, you have the option of "cleaning up" any textual import errors, like the spelling of the artist's name, album or song titles, or the genre.
  2. I have a "whole house" music system:  basically an amplifier which takes multiple inputs, controlled from wall switches in many rooms, and feeds the sound from that input to speakers in the ceiling.  The concept here would work the same for any amplifier which feeds any speaker.
  3. I purchased (as a replacement for my Squeezebox) a Bluetooth Streaming Audio Adapter, which connects to my iPad via Bluetooth and outputs its signal to the same amplifier I used previously.  The exact model I bought has the incredibly long name, TP-Link NFC-Enabled Bluetooth 4.1 Receiver, Wireless Audio Adapter Streaming Music from Echo Smart Phone Tablet PC to Home Car Stereo Sound System (HA100).  Clicking the link should take you to it.  I paid $22, plugged it in, connected it via Bluetooth, and it worked instantly and flawlessly.  It's only a couple of inches in size as seen in the image below.
  4. I now use my iPad to access my entire music collection via Apple's Music app:  Apple Music App Icon.  Don't have an iPad?  Use your iPhone or Android device.
  5. That said, I also use my iPad to play music from Pandora via the same system.  Whatever music app you use on your iPad or iPhone or Android device plays through your speakers.

HA100 Setup

What follows is the original text of this page which may have some tidbits of information some of you find useful.  Please note that NO COMPANY MAKES A DEVICE LIKE A SQUEEZEBOX TODAY.  Some folks have built their own using a Raspberry Pi, but that's another story ...

 

ORIGINAL TEXT
(mostly outdated now)

For many years I wanted to digitize my music CD collection and be able to control and play the selections via my home audio system (which is actually connected to a "whole house" audio system with speakers and controls in multiple rooms).  I finally figured out how to do this, and here is a description of my system and the steps involved to set it up.

The product described here was discontinued in all versions by Logitech in August 2012. Similar products may be available from other companies, but I am not familiar with them. The information is maintained here to familiarize you with the steps involved!

The system in brief

Squeezebox

Squeezebox hookup

The process I used to do this

That's it.  Now I am enjoying getting familiar with my CD collection again.

A few more technical notes