I don't know how anything can be easier to setup than a squeeebox. S/W installation is a few standard clicks of the mouse and you plug in an ethernet cable and power supply and the unit just works. Wireless is a little more tricky, you need to put in your network SSID and encryption password. If you have a non standard router setup or run fixed IP there may be one or two other settings to consider, but it is not rocket science.

It then just works...

I run mine using iTunes as the music library. I don't know for sure but I believe that this may allow you to play music direct from your iPod.

Meridian owner since 1992
Prime & PSU, Focal Elear headphones, Roon (ROCK 8Gi5 NUC), Explorer 1 & 2, F80. 200/203, various Sonos (via Roon).