Pandora radio devices

[Chuck Moreland]

We have Pandora streaming into the shop, presently through a computer then output to an amp. I'd like to get it off the computer and have a dedicated device just to handle pandora. The dedicated device would still feed into the amp.


What's the best way to do this?

I'm looking at the Logitech Squeezebox. It has a built in screen for navigation, then use the earphone out jack to feed the amp.

A remote control would be a desirable feature. Or one that can be controlled from an Iphone via wifi. I don't think the Squeezebox has this.

Not looking to spend a fortune. Squeezebox seems to be about $150 street price.

[Paul_Heery]

Chuck,

We use a Squeezebox in exactly the same way you describe. It works very well.

It can be controlled remotely via a browser. Once you get the Squeeezebox, you get an account on mysqueezebox.com

Paul

[porsche4life]

iPod touch....

[MysticLlama]

Squeezeboxes work great for the most part. I have 4 at home, and 7-8 others at different work locations.

For work, we subscribe to a commercial channel, so no commercials, custom mix, etc. and it's super reliable.

At home we just run Pandora, and it works 98% of the time, occasionally it'll get stuck switching to the next song, but if you just hit skip on the remote it'll pick back up. I think it's something on their end, but who knows.

They can be controlled with the IR remote, a special Squeezebox Wifi remote you can buy, or pretty much any smartphone with an app. There are various apps for iPhone, WP7, and Android.

[stomachmonkey]

I'm waiting for the Raspberry Pi's to start shipping again.

Going to buy a few and turn at least one into a media server.

Yeah I know I can buy something turnkey but I'm a geek and like to tinker.

[john70t]

For $150, what about a simple used PC?
Still using the same internet feed, but may have more features available such as auto shut-off and record?

Plus it could serve as an expendable access point.

[Chuck Moreland]

I want to stay away from a PC. Takes time to boot up, requires too much space, consumes too much power, requires maintenance.

I didn't know these could be controlled from a webpage. That's pretty handy.


What about devices like the Roku? I was staying away because I thought they needed a tv for menus. If that can do webpage setup, that might be workable. And they are like $50?

Any other devices I should consider?

[Zeke]

I thought everyone has and old laptop. I do and use it for these purposes plus it has my Durmetric in it...because it's in the garage.

[porsche4life]

Roku is going to need a Tv....

Any web enabled device that has apps will work....

I'm using pandora on my iPhone and streaming it wirelessly using an airport express. I don't have to plug in to listen to music.

[id10t]

One more vote for a homebrew with Rasberry Pi

[David McLaughlin]

I use Pandora and Roku on my nook. I use a wireless speaker to put the sound where i want it.

[Z-man]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

iPod touch....

+1. IPod touch with the Pandora app - and if your amp supports Apple's 30-pin connectivity, you can use your amp's remote to control some iPod touch functions. If not, then like you did with your pc, you can use the headphone jack and a 3.5mm to RCA cable connect it to your amp.

I have a similar setup - I listen to pandora via my eife's Mac connected to my amp, or my iPhone connected to my amp - both via the headphone jack.

-Z

[john70t]

Originally Posted by Chuck Moreland

I want to stay away from a PC. Takes time to boot up, requires too much space, consumes too much power, requires maintenance.

All very true unfortunately.
However the "general-usage PC" can also handle OB2 scanning and recording wirelessly, or other entertainment functions (such as a Youtube video of rebuilding a muffler bearing) on any flat screen wall of the garage.
Just a consideration.

[porsche4life]

Zman, get an airport express, and ditch the need to plug your devices into the stereo.

[MysticLlama]

I still say Squeezebox.

It'll sit on top of the stereo, just work, and can be controlled with the iPhone as you wander around.

It also has RCAs on the back, instead of just using the headphone jack.

[whiskyb]

Slightly more money but take a good look at Sonos. I have multiple units around my property. They can be controlled by your smartphone, laptop or there own controller. Each unit represents a separate zone. Volume and content can be controlled independently.

[GH85Carrera]

I use an old iPhone. It does not have the phone enabled but wi-fi works fine. That and an old laptop.

[Chuck Moreland]

Just ordered the Squeezebox. $129.99 with promo code at Crutchfield

Sounds like it should do the job.

[Chuck Moreland]

Got the squeezebox running last week. Gotta say it's a cool device.

Does exactly what I wanted. The ability to control it through a browser was surprisingly easy to setup. I just keep the page open on my iphone.

I'm getting another for home use.

Mysticlama, the one I got doesn't have RCA jacks. Perhaps that is a different model or obsoleted feature.

[MysticLlama]

Weird, what model is it? I haven't actually seen one without RCAs other than the Boom.

There should also be an app or two or three for the iPhone if you want a few more options than just the little web remote. It works the same way and saves the username/password.