You lot finally got to me and I googled around for info on the Squeezebox, etc.

It is not simple for the neophyte to understand this technology. Please don't laugh too much but I now understand that I need an SBwhatever or equivalent, a NAS of some description, a wireless network, possibly a broadband connection and it seems I need a PC too which sometimes has to be on. And all of it has to be set up to work together. Please tell me if I am missing anything.....

So today I went to a major central London hi-fi emporium of note and reputation and asked about music servers. After ten minutes of being treated like the customer in the famous Alas Smith and Jones sketch (UK reference) with all sorts of stuff about CD drives and you need a screen, etc. I eventually said "but I don't want to buy another piece of hi-fi, I want a music server with an SPDI/F output" and was sent packing towards the computer district with "you have an IT problem" ringing in my ears.

Now I was quite pleased with myself when I got my laptop making a noise through a �20 radioshack USB to SPDI/F converter into my system. But I really don't want to have to figure out how to put together a music server system from scratch using components - I do that cr*p for a living, at home I want simplicity.

So I too am in the market for a complete Meridian (or whoever) music server solution designed to work alongside my existing Meridian kit. I know understand why it must not be a one box solution. And I now understand what all the fuss is about.

So that's a "Yes, sold to the dummy with the chequebook in the corner".

In the meantime, can anyone point me at an idiot's guide to assembling an SB solution? Please? With sugar on top......

In the spirit of Spinaltap, I would like to confirm that I am not involved in the corrupt theft of a global sport.