Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Streaming Squeezebox Touch replacement / Upgrade advise please

Hi all

I have a DSP5000 24/94 setup with a Logitech Squeezebox Touch and am looking at options to upgrade the Squeezebox Touch.
I use the Touch for internet radio and also for streaming the 120GB of CDs I have copied to external HDD/Pendrive.

The Touch has been very good as far as sound quality is concerned but it does have some downsides.

1). The Touch keeps resetting. From what I have read on forums, this is a common problem, which hasn't been fixed.
2). Although the Touch has a USB socket that one can theoretically connect an SD pendrive or external HDD with music files, this is not a reliable method and users are recommended to use either a PC with the music files on, running Logitech Media Server, or a Raspberry Pi also running LMS or a version of it. At the moment I am using a PC setup to Switch On Lan (and also switch off when not streaming) but its not that reliable and there are too many components to faff about with anyway.
I have about 120GB of music files saved to external drive and have probably another 120GB or so to copy across but have refrained from copying the rest so far, due to the above issues.
3). The Touch and LMS software is old and not really supported anymore although there are many forums that can be used....but its all too time consuming.
4). I also have a Denon TU1800 Internet Radio tuner. Its fine and I do use it especially when the Touch starts playing up...but adds to the number of boxes I have.

So ... what to do?

I don't really want to go the Meridian way, due to cost ... unless others here know different.

I have been googling a bit and found the following:-

Sonos ZP90
Marantz NA7004 Stereo DAB AM FM USB Network Audio Streamer
Cambridge Audio Stream Magic 6 Network Streamer
Mitchell & Johnson WLD+211T
Audiolab 6000N

I think these are types of equipment I should be after. Again, let me know if I'm wrong.

I think most have an external USB port for the external HDD or SD pendrive.

Some of the above also have DAB and FM tuners also so that would be a bonus.

They are not hugely expensive when bought 2nd hand.

I would appreciate people opinions and advice on this please.

Regards

My recommendation...

Earlier this year, I migrated from my Squeezebox Touch to Roon and a fanless NUC - controlled via iPad - and fed to my Meridian 210.

It’s the best Internet radio money can buy.

Hi,

I have a Marantz NA7004 which is a bit on the old side now given that reviews are from about 10yrs ago.

I originally bought it for audio from CDs ripped to my Mac Mini (or to a NAS) but didn't use it much as Sooloos intervened. It's mainly used now as an FM or DAB tuner for my G65 (1 analogue and one digital input) and occasionally as an Airplay (I) connection to the system so I haven't used it's other USB or coax/optical inputs very much.

However, it's a nice sounding unit, and as long as you've done your homework (e.g. no wireless connectivity and non-asynchronous DAC) on what it 'does or doesn't do' it might make a nice addition. Make sure you look for / get the RX-101 bluetooth add-on unit as well, it was an optional extra.

Obviously younger devices from Marantz, Pioneer (N50 or 70?) or Cambridge Audio (?) are also around.

Brian

Many choices are available. I am still using an SBox Classic that is connected to a paired DSP33 in my Bath. Although the SB and LMS service is quite old compared to modern offerings. It is nice that it is supported by Roon and has the ability to use Airplay for streaming.

It's worth bearing in mind that the SqueezeBox was well engineered with very little jitter for its time. Replacing it turned out to be less easy than I expected!

I missed the whole LMS phenomenon while immersed in Meridian's networked audio. Now I have friends who want 24/96 streaming but don't like spending money and certainly won't pay for Roon, so I'm looking into downloadable software to emulate SBT hardware. So far, I've tried Squeezelite and also Volumio running on Raspberry Pi.

I find that LMS control via iPeng is fine even though I've not managed to successfully pass MQA. Any ideas?

The Volumio interface, always via browser, is better and it does deliver MQA bit perfect, but they charge a modest fee to integrate TIDAL (unlike Logitech which allows you to tie in subscription services along with their website for free).

Are there other Hitchhikers who have already traveled this road to guide me?

I was “all in” on Slimdevices aka Squeezebox back in mid 2000 including (4) squeezebox 3 and even a squeezebox Boom (anyone ever see that?

Once I couldn’t stream the services I wanted I moved to Roon and have been able to continue to use all of my devices. Earlier this year one of the devices died and I picked up a 218 to connect to my 7200s. Rather than replace my next zone with another 218 I’m looking in to Bluesound Node2i. I’ve seen good feedback on these and if you are not committed to Roon it looks like they have their own ecosystem. Worth a consideration...

Sonos has a newer device called Port as a replacement for ZP-90. Sonos’ user interface is the best in my opinion. No hi-rez though, if required.

Agreed, though the Bluesound Node2i does work great with Roon as well.

My suggestion is to buy a pre-loved Sooloos MC200 for £500 or so. Then buy an AppleTV or Airport Express for about £50. You can stream whatever you want Tidal, Quobuz, BBC sounds etc and have your music library managed by an amazingly intuitive app which runs on an iPad and iPhone. Indeed it’s an award winning system and well proved over the last 10 years! I purchased an MC200 a month ago and love it. I don’t mind it’s not being developed. It still works and does everything I want.

The Blusound Node 2i works quite well with my Meridian G65, AC200 and Direct DAC. The BluOS is very intuitive and as easy to use as the excellent Sonos OS. The Qobuz interface is very well done, in particular. The Blusound Node 2i box has a pretty good DAC, but the results with SPDIF input into the Meridian DAC's is sublime. Good luck.