Squeezelite

[Apesbrain]

After Jan 1 (bonus check coming & second stream of SS starting [my wife's, about 3/8ths of mine]), I hope to be buying and have the gear ready to start making the 'rip's.

Recording your old analog media can be painstaking and time-consuming. It all depends on what you expect in the final product. We are so used to digital sound now that when we hear the pops and clicks of a vinyl album -- something we took for granted as kids -- we are not happy with it. The grief then is in "cleaning" our homemade recordings so they sound like CDs. If you can live with the crackly vinyl sound, you'll save yourself a lot of time. Then, it's just a matter of playing the album into your computer using a USB audio interface such as this one:

M2 | MOTU.com

The M2 is a 2-in/2-out USB-C audio interface for Mac, Windows and iOS that offers best-in-class audio quality, best-in-class speed (ultra-low latency) and best-in-class metering with a full-color LCD.

motu.com

You'll also need an RCA-to-1/4" cable like this to go from tape out of your Holman to the USB interface:

https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-CPR-202-Stereo-Interconnect-Meters/dp/B000068O17/

And, recording software to run on your PC:

Audacity ® | Free Audio editor, recorder, music making and more!

Audacity is the world's most popular audio editing and recording app. Edit, mix, and enhance your audio tracks with the power of Audacity. Download now!

www.audacityteam.org

Note: There are other recording software that offer various tools for cleaning vinyl clicks and pops. Hopefully, someone will suggest one that works well and is not too costly. Otherwise, there are many insights and suggestions in this monster "needledropping" thread:

Your Vinyl Transfer Workflow (sharing best needledrop practices)*

Morning! I finally have all the pieces lined up to take a more serious approach to transferring my vinyl to digital. My collection is modest but I...

forums.stevehoffman.tv

 

[Deleted member 89782]

I run Logitech Media Server (Lyrion) from MyQnap.org, installed directly (without Docker containers) on Qnap TS-43D NAS (Intel Celeron J4125 with 4GB memory) with two WiiM Pro Plus endpoints. 44,000 tracks. 2,000 albums. All lossless. Installed quickly. Runs flawlessly. Full library scans take less than a minute. Files index perfectly if tagged correctly. Scrapes artist, album, and song information/lyrics from databases. Interface from web browser (I use my Macbook or Ipad) is quick. Playback almost instantaneous.

‚From MyQNAP.org‘ .. does that mean you need an internet connection to play your local library? So the server is running in the cloud?

 

[ShadowBoxer]

Not sure if I'll still be on Windows 10 Pro 64 or something else (not planning to be on Windows 11).

There is a recent thread here on ASR that outlines a super easy utility to upgrade from Win-10 to Win-11 (even when the auto- check says No). As you may know, Win-10 updates will stop next month. I used this method with great success on my last Win-10 NUC.

 

[Apesbrain]

‚From MyQNAP.org‘ .. does that mean you need an internet connection to play your local library? So the server is running in the cloud?

Pretty sure he meant that he downloaded the LMS server package from MyQNAP which is a repository for apps that run on QNAP devices. The server is running on his NAS. If you read the support thread for that package, you can see where things stand.

LMS does not require an internet connection to run, but some optional functionality -- e.g. "Music And Artist Information" plugin -- will not work without being able to fetch from online sources.

 

[Apesbrain]

There is a recent thread here on ASR that outlines a super easy utility to upgrade from Win-10 to Win-11 (even when the auto- check says No). As you may know, Win-10 updates will stop next month. I used this method with great success on my last Win-10 NUC.

Right now, the best option is to take advantage of Microsoft's offer to extend Win 10 updates for another year:

Windows 10 Extended Security Updates | Microsoft Windows

Use Windows 10 securely with the Extended Security Updates program. See how it helps protect your PC and find out how to get it.

www.microsoft.com

That buys you some time to figure out next steps. The "unofficial" upgrade from Win 10 to Win 11 for unsupported devices -- @EJ3's Core i7-4xxx is not supported -- is fraught with limitations. You may be able to get your PC to update, but you will not be eligible for future updates and service packs. There may be workarounds, but MS is likely to block them where possible. MS is intent on Windows being protected by TPM 2.0 and these older PCs do not have that functionality.

I faced this same issue having a Core i7-3xxx and finally decided to replace my PC with one having a CPU supported by Win 11. I was able to find a Core i7-8xxx PC on eBay for a reasonable price including a Win 11 Pro license. I still have one ineligible PC running Win 10 -- which I've enrolled in the extended ESU program -- and will likely let that one ride after 10/2026. It's a server, so I may switch it over to linux at that time.

 

[jhenderson0107]

I run Logitech Media Server (Lyrion) from MyQnap.org, installed directly (without Docker containers) on Qnap TS-43D NAS (Intel Celeron J4125 with 4GB memory) with two WiiM Pro Plus endpoints. 44,000 tracks. 2,000 albums. All lossless. Installed quickly. Runs flawlessly. Full library scans take less than a minute. Files index perfectly if tagged correctly. Scrapes artist, album, and song information/lyrics from databases. Interface from web browser (I use my Macbook or Ipad) is quick. Playback almost instantaneous.

I run Lyrion MS in a docker container hosting 32,000 tracks on a DS928+ feeding four RPis and a WiiM Pro. Performance is snappy - similar to buckfiddy's report.

 

[EJ3]

‚From MyQNAP.org‘ .. does that mean you need an internet connection to play your local library? So the server is running in the cloud?

If it involves being connected to anything that is not fully within my home and under my direct control, then it is not for me.

Right now, the best option is to take advantage of Microsoft's offer to extend Win 10 updates for another year:

Windows 10 Extended Security Updates | Microsoft Windows

Use Windows 10 securely with the Extended Security Updates program. See how it helps protect your PC and find out how to get it.

www.microsoft.com

That buys you some time to figure out next steps. The "unofficial" upgrade from Win 10 to Win 11 for unsupported devices -- @EJ3's Core i7-4xxx is not supported -- is fraught with limitations. You may be able to get your PC to update, but you will not be eligible for future updates and service packs. There may be workarounds, but MS is likely to block them where possible. MS is intent on Windows being protected by TPM 2.0 and these older PCs do not have that functionality.

I faced this same issue having a Core i7-3xxx and finally decided to replace my PC with one having a CPU supported by Win 11. I was able to find a Core i7-8xxx PC on eBay for a reasonable price including a Win 11 Pro license. I still have one ineligible PC running Win 10 -- which I've enrolled in the extended ESU program -- and will likely let that one ride after 10/2026. It's a server, so I may switch it over to linux at that time.

Thank you.
My issue with things other than (as much as I despise it) Windows is that my 2 laptops have Blu Ray capability (yes, built in drives [and HDMI out ports]) as well as my full blown desktop.
I haven't found a good Linux app that works easily & fully all the time for Blu Ray &/or 4K.
It's nice to be out on the ocean, away from everything, and be able to play any media that is in the boats library.
And: much of the time, even on land, I am out of cell phone range. But I can play almost media that I have brought with me or that other's have.
I have so much media at home, I just want to digitize it for portability.
I have less than ZERO interest in streaming. Or anything else that uses a signal going somewhere outside of my domain.
60 miles of WiFi is about my limit (yes, I can do that). It works well from a boat that is near an island or relatively near shore to do things like use this site.
& if something goes goofy, shutting it down severs all connections.

 

[Deleted member 89782]

I run Logitech Media Server (Lyrion) from MyQnap.org, installed directly (without Docker containers) on Qnap TS-43D NAS (Intel Celeron J4125 with 4GB memory) with two WiiM Pro Plus endpoints. 44,000 tracks. 2,000 albums. All lossless. Installed quickly. Runs flawlessly. Full library scans take less than a minute. Files index perfectly if tagged correctly. Scrapes artist, album, and song information/lyrics from databases. Interface from web browser (I use my Macbook or Ipad) is quick. Playback almost instantaneous.

Forget my previous question please. I got that wrong.
But anyway, how can you instal LMS on a QNAP directly without docker these days?

 

[buckfiddy]

Forget my previous question please. I got that wrong.
But anyway, how can you instal LMS on a QNAP directly without docker these days?

I'm not real techy and don't know anything about Docker. All I did was add the MyQnap repository to NAS (using directions on QNAP website). Downloaded LMS (Lyrion) from repository and installed it normally. Configured LMS settings. Scanned library. Everything up and running on the WiiM in less than five minutes.

 

[fatoldgit]

@Rider

As you can see below, squeezelite when run from the command line (in this case Linux), has a boat load of options.

Does the Wiim allow ANY configuration of these options or is it "black box" and you have to accept whatever hidden options they use?

For example, can you control squeezelite resampling options or buffer sizes or limit supported sample rate or supported codes etc.

Thanks,

Peter




Squeezelite 2.0.0-1541, Copyright 2012-2015 Adrian Smith, 2015-2025 Ralph Irving. See -t fo
r license terms
Usage: ./squeezelite [options]
-s <server>[:<port>] Connect to specified server, otherwise uses autodiscovery to find s
erver
-o <output device> Specify output device, default "default", - = output to stdout
-l List output devices
-a <b>:<p>:<f>:<m> Specify ALSA params to open output device, b = buffer time in ms or
size in bytes, p = period count or size in bytes, f sample format (16|24|24_3|32), m = use
mmap (0|1)
-a <f> Specify sample format (16|24|32) of output file when using -o - to
output samples to stdout (interleaved little endian only)
-b <stream>:<output> Specify internal Stream and Output buffer sizes in Kbytes. Default
is 2048:3445
-c <codec1>,<codec2> Restrict codecs to those specified, otherwise load all available co
decs; known codecs: flac,pcm,ogg
Codecs reported to LMS in order listed, allowing codec priority ref
inement.
-C <timeout> Close output device when idle after timeout seconds, default is to
keep it open while player is 'on'
-d <log>=<level> Set logging level, logs: all|slimproto|stream|decode|output, level:
info|debug|sdebug
-e <codec1>,<codec2> Explicitly exclude native support of one or more codecs; known code
cs: flac,pcm,ogg
-f <logfile> Write debug to logfile
-m <mac addr> Set mac address, format: ab:cd:ef:12:34:56
-M <modelname> Set the squeezelite player model name sent to the server (default:
SqueezeLite)
-n <name> Set the player name
-N <filename> Store player name in filename to allow server defined name changes
to be shared between servers (not supported with -n)
-W Read wave and aiff format from header, ignore server parameters
-p <priority> Set real time priority of output thread (1-99)
-P <filename> Store the process id (PID) in filename
-r <rates>[:<delay>] Sample rates supported, allows output to be off when squeezelite is
started; rates = <maxrate>|<minrate>-<maxrate>|<rate1>,<rate2>,<rate3>; delay = optional d
elay switching rates in ms
-R -u [params] Resample, params = <recipe>:<flags>:<attenuation>:<precision>:<pass
band_end>:<stopband_start>:<phase_response>,
recipe = (v|h|m|l|q)(L|I|M)(s) [E|X], E = exception - resample onl
y if native rate not supported, X = async - resample to max rate for device, otherwise to m
ax sync rate
flags = num in hex,
attenuation = attenuation in dB to apply (default is -1db if not e
xplicitly set),
precision = number of bits precision (NB. HQ = 20. VHQ = 28),
passband_end = number in percent (0dB pt. bandwidth to preserve. n
yquist = 100%),
stopband_start = number in percent (Aliasing/imaging control. > pa
ssband_end),
phase_response = 0-100 (0 = minimum / 50 = linear / 100 = maximum)
-v Visualizer support
-O <mixer device> Specify mixer device, defaults to 'output device'
-L List volume controls for output device
-U <control> Unmute ALSA control and set to full volume (not supported with -V)
-V <control> Use ALSA control for volume adjustment, otherwise use software volu
me adjustment
-X Use linear volume adjustments instead of in terms of dB (only for h
ardware volume control)
-z Daemonize
-Z <rate> Report rate to server in helo as the maximum sample rate we can sup
port
-t License terms
-? Display this help text

Build options: LINUX ALSA EVENTFD RESAMPLE NO_FAAD VISEXPORT NO_MPG123 NO_MAD

 

[pablolie]

I have never left the Squeeze universe since I joined it in 2005. Maybe it was 2004. It is unsurpassed. I wish the people maintaining it so awesomely would collect a yearly subscription, honestly.

The stupidest decision Logitech (and originally Squeeze) made was never thinking about charging anything for the software ecosystem, it was just about selling little ~$200 boxes and the software was free, but the value was always in the software.

I still have over 7 boxes (classic, touch, boom, radio) and some spares. I tested other stuff, but I'll stick with what I have until I am possibly forced out of it... wich I thought would happen soon after Logitech shut down the product... but here we are and the product is still going strong. And it is still absolutely competitive aainst anything else out there, so many years after the parent company discontinued it. There's a lesson in there...

 

[lucian]

I just jumped on with several ESP32 endpoints, basically making any amp/speaker multi-room-able.

Squeezelite-ESP32 Installer

 

[fatoldgit]

I have never left the Squeeze universe since I joined it in 2005. Maybe it was 2004. It is unsurpassed. I wish the people maintaining it so awesomely would collect a yearly subscription, honestly.

The stupidest decision Logitech (and originally Squeeze) made was never thinking about charging anything for the software ecosystem, it was just about selling little ~$200 boxes and the software was free, but the value was always in the software.

I still have over 7 boxes (classic, touch, boom, radio) and some spares. I tested other stuff, but I'll stick with what I have until I am possibly forced out of it... wich I thought would happen soon after Logitech shut down the product... but here we are and the product is still going strong. And it is still absolutely competitive aainst anything else out there, so many years after the parent company discontinued it. There's a lesson in there...

(1) Joined the LMS bandwagon in 2006 with my first Transporter and now have three

(2) agree on a sub BUT the "issue" is if it is used to pay the devs, how do you decide the split (they would have to agree internally). And what happens when someone like CDrummond comes along with a compelling addon such as the Material skin... now the pie needs to be split again. Maybe better to keep money out if it

(3) You don't need to leave the squeezebox ecosystem when all your devices die, just use squeezelite on a PC (intel/pi) into a DAC

Peter

 

[pablolie]

(2) agree on a sub BUT the "issue" is if it is used to pay the devs, how do you decide the split (they would have to agree internally). And what happens when someone like CDrummond comes along with a compelling addon such as the Material skin... now the pie needs to be split again. Maybe better to keep money out if it

They allow for donations, which I have done. I hate using stuff that individuals clearly spend a lot of time on without properly compensating the community. The problem right now is that it is hard to regard it as a growing ecosystem, although upon further inspection it could well be. There are new devices supported with Raspberry Pi and others, I have just found my devices to be rock solid.

(3) You don't need to leave the squeezebox ecosystem when all your devices die, just use squeezelite on a PC (intel/pi) into a DAC

In my experience, it is the cheap power supplies that crap out. Replace them with a quality one, and weird malfunctions (remote control or the device seeming dead) stop. So common to see people -in the Lyrion forums say their device died, and then a new power supply solves the issue. Clearly the original power supplies weren't sourced for long term reliability.

 

[krell]

Bringing back some memories now. I still have my Boulder Cable modified Sqeezebox (not touch) laying around here. Would anyone be interested in it? Its just collecting dust.

 

[Deleted member 89782]

@Rider

As you can see below, squeezelite when run from the command line (in this case Linux), has a boat load of options.

Does the Wiim allow ANY configuration of these options or is it "black box" and you have to accept whatever hidden options they use?

For example, can you control squeezelite resampling options or buffer sizes or limit supported sample rate or supported codes etc.

Thanks,

Peter




Squeezelite 2.0.0-1541, Copyright 2012-2015 Adrian Smith, 2015-2025 Ralph Irving. See -t fo
r license terms
Usage: ./squeezelite [options]
-s <server>[:<port>] Connect to specified server, otherwise uses autodiscovery to find s
erver
-o <output device> Specify output device, default "default", - = output to stdout
-l List output devices
-a <b>:<p>:<f>:<m> Specify ALSA params to open output device, b = buffer time in ms or
size in bytes, p = period count or size in bytes, f sample format (16|24|24_3|32), m = use
mmap (0|1)
-a <f> Specify sample format (16|24|32) of output file when using -o - to
output samples to stdout (interleaved little endian only)
-b <stream>:<output> Specify internal Stream and Output buffer sizes in Kbytes. Default
is 2048:3445
-c <codec1>,<codec2> Restrict codecs to those specified, otherwise load all available co
decs; known codecs: flac,pcm,ogg
Codecs reported to LMS in order listed, allowing codec priority ref
inement.
-C <timeout> Close output device when idle after timeout seconds, default is to
keep it open while player is 'on'
-d <log>=<level> Set logging level, logs: all|slimproto|stream|decode|output, level:
info|debug|sdebug
-e <codec1>,<codec2> Explicitly exclude native support of one or more codecs; known code
cs: flac,pcm,ogg
-f <logfile> Write debug to logfile
-m <mac addr> Set mac address, format: ab:cd:ef:12:34:56
-M <modelname> Set the squeezelite player model name sent to the server (default:
SqueezeLite)
-n <name> Set the player name
-N <filename> Store player name in filename to allow server defined name changes
to be shared between servers (not supported with -n)
-W Read wave and aiff format from header, ignore server parameters
-p <priority> Set real time priority of output thread (1-99)
-P <filename> Store the process id (PID) in filename
-r <rates>[:<delay>] Sample rates supported, allows output to be off when squeezelite is
started; rates = <maxrate>|<minrate>-<maxrate>|<rate1>,<rate2>,<rate3>; delay = optional d
elay switching rates in ms
-R -u [params] Resample, params = <recipe>:<flags>:<attenuation>:<precision>:<pass
band_end>:<stopband_start>:<phase_response>,
recipe = (v|h|m|l|q)(L|I|M)(s) [E|X], E = exception - resample onl
y if native rate not supported, X = async - resample to max rate for device, otherwise to m
ax sync rate
flags = num in hex,
attenuation = attenuation in dB to apply (default is -1db if not e
xplicitly set),
precision = number of bits precision (NB. HQ = 20. VHQ = 28),
passband_end = number in percent (0dB pt. bandwidth to preserve. n
yquist = 100%),
stopband_start = number in percent (Aliasing/imaging control. > pa
ssband_end),
phase_response = 0-100 (0 = minimum / 50 = linear / 100 = maximum)
-v Visualizer support
-O <mixer device> Specify mixer device, defaults to 'output device'
-L List volume controls for output device
-U <control> Unmute ALSA control and set to full volume (not supported with -V)
-V <control> Use ALSA control for volume adjustment, otherwise use software volu
me adjustment
-X Use linear volume adjustments instead of in terms of dB (only for h
ardware volume control)
-z Daemonize
-Z <rate> Report rate to server in helo as the maximum sample rate we can sup
port
-t License terms
-? Display this help text

Build options: LINUX ALSA EVENTFD RESAMPLE NO_FAAD VISEXPORT NO_MPG123 NO_MAD

Hi Peter,
I wasn‘t aware that things like supported codecs etc. can be customized per player. You can sure do it in the server but only as a general setting. Maybe more savvy people can jump in on this.

 

[Multicore]

Now I came to discover that WiiM streamers (at least most of them) have a Squeezelite implementation. So I bougjt a WiiM Amp Ultra. Man, what a revelation. I‘m back in the game of Squeezeboxes!

LMS/Lyrion is such a great server and it is for free. So why don‘t more brands support it?

I think a lot of this comes from the problems of packaging software into comprehensible consumer devices. Relative to a portable BT speaker, one with WiiM or Squeezelite and therefore WiFi and SW updates is much more complicated for users to set up and maintain. The successful brands in that space, Apple, Sonos etc., took control of the whole streaming network (media servers, streamers, renderers and control UIs). They've sold a lot of gear that way so it can, with enough investment behind it, work.

Look at it another way. It's easy for WiiM to add Squeezelite. But WiiM is in an unusual position in the market so imagine yourself at JBL, Sony or Tribit or something like that and someone proposes "Let's put Sueezelite in these noise canceling headphones." I love the idea because I already use it and like those cans but then the boss instructs me to develop the marketing including all the education how to set up a NAS with backups, get Lyrion working, rip CDs and download FLACs from Bandcamp, and on and on and on. I scratch my beard for a few moments and hand in my notice and go to work for a company that makes computer mice and keyboards.

 

[Deleted member 89782]

I think a lot of this comes from the problems of packaging software into comprehensible consumer devices. Relative to a portable BT speaker, one with WiiM or Squeezelite and therefore WiFi and SW updates is much more complicated for users to set up and maintain. The successful brands in that space, Apple, Sonos etc., took control of the whole streaming network (media servers, streamers, renderers and control UIs). They've sold a lot of gear that way so it can, with enough investment behind it, work.

Look at it another way. It's easy for WiiM to add Squeezelite. But WiiM is in an unusual position in the market so imagine yourself at JBL, Sony or Tribit or something like that and someone proposes "Let's put Sueezelite in these noise canceling headphones." I love the idea because I already use it and like those cans but then the boss instructs me to develop the marketing including all the education how to set up a NAS with backups, get Lyrion working, rip CDs and download FLACs from Bandcamp, and on and on and on. I scratch my beard for a few moments and hand in my notice and go to work for a company that makes computer mice and keyboards.

I see what you mean. But following the same reasoning the manufacturers might also just as well skip UPnP. But they don‘t!
I rather think it is pure ignorance.
Further, if I had anything to say in the WiiM marketing I would mention Squeezelite on page one! I only found out by coincidence that this was implemented in their streamers.

 

[Multicore]

I see what you mean. But following the same reasoning the manufacturers might also just as well skip UPnP. But they don‘t!

Good point. Would have to look at the history of that flop. Maybe the question is how come Logitech was smart enough to exile its zombie while the others feel the need to pretend their zombies are part of the family.

 

[Deleted member 89782]

Good point. Would have to look at the history of that flop. Maybe the question is how come Logitech was smart enough to exile its zombie while the others feel the need to pretend their zombies are part of the family.

I wouldn‘t call it smart on dehalf of Logitech. I can only speculate, but I believe that they focussed on non-software supported products. Thus it was a consequential decision to part with Squeeboxes.
A minor investment in two savvy programmers would have spilled a load of cash on them though. Even if LMS had not been developed to the point where it is now, it would have been a major success given their hardware distribution platform.
However, I‘m out of business. Otherwise ….