I would like to make my own streamer, more precisely, I would like to create a themed custom case for a streamer and I am at a loss as to which 'computer' to use?
The feature set I would like are: (like being the operative word here)
As a secondary point the platform would need to be able to run commercial software that can support the items listed in 1 to 6 above as well. Coding is outside of my skills set.
I have thought about using a modest cost dedicated streamer like the Bluesound Node 2i but this doesn't seem to offer a display output and the digital/analogue control inputs, (start, stop, next track & Vol.) would need work.
If anyone knows of a dedicated streamer which can display track No./data/artwork on a separate if fairly small screen I would be interested.
Alternatively I am thinking of using a NUC, Apple Mini or RPi3 or 4. I have some experience with an RPi3 plus SPDIF hat running Picore squeezebox simulation and it was bordering on 'too geeky' for me.
I would love to hear of your ideas.
Many thanks
The feature set I would like are: (like being the operative word here)
- Access to Qobuz or and Tidal natively
- Output that can be used to connect a 5" to 7" colour screen to display track playing and album art work,
- Digital output by USB or and SPDIF by copper or toslink to allow use of external DAC
- Built in Analogue output to allow me to drive UV meters, (most important this one!)
- Digital and analogue inputs to enable interfacing to physical controls, push buttons and rotary knobs, (really nice to have)
- WiFi and RJ45 access to network
As a secondary point the platform would need to be able to run commercial software that can support the items listed in 1 to 6 above as well. Coding is outside of my skills set.
I have thought about using a modest cost dedicated streamer like the Bluesound Node 2i but this doesn't seem to offer a display output and the digital/analogue control inputs, (start, stop, next track & Vol.) would need work.
If anyone knows of a dedicated streamer which can display track No./data/artwork on a separate if fairly small screen I would be interested.
Alternatively I am thinking of using a NUC, Apple Mini or RPi3 or 4. I have some experience with an RPi3 plus SPDIF hat running Picore squeezebox simulation and it was bordering on 'too geeky' for me.
I would love to hear of your ideas.
Many thanks