Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Streaming Sooloos migration plan from squeezebox, on a budget

How does this sound for a Sooloos migration plan (from squeezebox - see footer for current kit):

1. Purchase MC200 to provide Core & Source into 861. Use QNAP as Sooloos store and as Squeezebox server for F80/SQT combo. Use iPad as control.

Question: can I use the same FLAC directory to serve both?

2. When funds allow: purchase LPS / ID40 / warranty for 861. Move MC200 to source for F80 (digital out converted to optical in), using it as the single core on the network. Use QNAP as store for both. retire SQTs. [It seems silly, if I'm getting an ID40, not to get the LPS/warranty package at the same time.]

As I need an MC200 (cheapest Core) in all circumstances, and I cannot afford both ID40 & MC200 at the same time (*), this seems to me to be the sensible step-wise approach.

MC200v1 seems more than adequate as I'm not using its storage, and only the digital-out, not the analogue stage which was enhanced in v2.

I would welcome others' thoughts.

(Another) Duncan

(*) Unless there's a dealer out there with too many 2nd hand MC200v1s and ID40s who wants to make me an offer I cannot refuse!

You have to import everything into Sooloos. I too came from squeezebox. Don't rush the import, take your time to check that all the data is as you wish.

Edd

Edd - thanks. Good to have the experience of someone who has already done it.

When you say 'import' is that a physical copy, so I end up with two copies of the files? Or a logical one where Sooloos builds an index (as Logitech media server does)? This matters as I may need to increase the disk storage on my NAS.

When you say 'all the data', I assume you mean the metadata (as well as file names containing accented characters, for example)? That could take some time with 1500 albums, even with dBpoweramp, perfecttunes and mp3tag. How long did it take you?

Duncan

Once you have imported everything to your Sooloos you can point the Squeezebox server to the NAS/MC200 that's holding the Sooloos music and use the same files. Use the FLAC files you're using for the Squeezebox to import to Sooloos, no need to rerip the CDs. I'm about to sell my final SBT from my migration.

You'll still need a good back up, mind you.

Only issue is we're presuming the MC200v1 will be able to handle Sooloos v3.0. I reckon it will be able to.

You just drag and drop into Control:PC. Just double check the metadata and artwork. Most of it will be correct. But if you rush through it without checking (like I did) and you come across some errors, then you will get an OCD itch wondering what else is wrong!! It's far easier doing it properly once and then make the necessary back ups.

OCD? I have CDO, it is almost the same but the letters are in alphabetical order

Russ

I'll be doing this soon as well, also migrating from a squeezebox to an MC200.

It's probably a dumb question but is the drag and drop into Control:PC a copy operation or a move? I.e. Does it leave the original behind or delete it?

Thanks,
Simon

It is a copy.

Russ

Ok. Fortunately, when one of my 2TB drives started throwing SMART errors recently, which the QNAP software warned me was a BAD THING, I swapped if for a 3TB drive, as I knew the day would come when 2TB was not sufficient. I will be able to hold 2 copies of my FLAC directory on there (even if only needed temporarily) once I upgrade the second drive.

Duncan

Thanks Russ.

Cheers
Simon

May I ask what the reason was for the migration from Squeezebox to Sooloos?

I currently have a SBT feeding a pair of DSP5000s and it works very well.

Note - no QNAP in the mix, I have a separate HP server for media storage.

I wonder about moving to Sooloos, but apart from a possibly better interface I'm having difficulties justifying the move - mostly on logistics/aesthetics rather than cost.

Any pointers to make me change my mind welcome!

Mike - I haven't done it yet, but the promise of better sound quality is what makes me contemplate it.