Playing my iTunes library on home stereo, what interface?

Question

Playing my iTunes library on home stereo, what interface?

Over the last month I have imported my entire (600+) CD collection into iTunes. I have used an external drive (USB 2.0 port) to hold the library and I would like to take that external drive and hook it up to my home stereo allowing me to play music through the stereo system.

I know I will need an interface computer that will hold the iTues app allowing me to play my library through the stereo. I don't want to use my main computer because it's nowhere near the stereo.

What is the minimum (in terms of cost) that I can get away with for the computer? I don't think I can use an iPad because there's no USB port to connect to the external drive.

Would I be best off buying an old laptop and dedicate it to using it for iTunes? If so, what's the oldest version of OSX that wil run iTunes 10?

BTW, if Apple's R&D is watching this might be a new product, a small interface for us old farts to use at home with our stereos, a small (11") touch screen that runs nothing but iTunes. You heard it here first.

thanks,

Rob

Posted on Mar 30, 2012 12:04 PM

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Answer 1

varjak paw

Level 10

182,668 points

Mar 30, 2012 12:37 PM in response to Rob Di Stasio

Have you considered an Apple TV? If that won't work for you, the Squeezebox units from Logitech would be an option - they have a model with a touchscreen - or you can stream from your computer using an Airport Express.

Regards.

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Answer 2

Mar 30, 2012 12:48 PM in response to varjak paw

Just looked at the Squeezebox, but how will that run from my iTunes library? Besides, the screen is too small for my use. I suppose it's fine for people that just want to listen to specific songs, much like an iPod.

Apple or someone should consider something like an 11" Macbook Air that does nothing but run iTunes and can be kept on top of a stereo. Put your iTunes library on an external drive and it would be the "console". It would have iTunes stor capability for new music but that's it. I see it working well for classical music but perhaps that market is not large enough.

I'm thinking that for now an older small laptop off eBay would be do the trick.

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Answer 3

varjak paw

Level 10

182,668 points

Mar 30, 2012 1:11 PM in response to Rob Di Stasio

Pretty unlikely that Apple would consider such a specialized device; they would probably just point you to an iPod touch with a Dock or the Apple TV for such a use. But you can suggest it to them via their feedback pages, if you wish:

http://www.apple.com/feedback

An older laptop or a Mac mini with a small screen would certainly be an option, but I'd really suggest considering an Apple TV. You can get an Apple TV and a 15" LCD TV with HDMI for less than $200.

Regards.

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Answer 4

May 2, 2012 9:36 PM in response to Rob Di Stasio

You can use your iPad if you share your iTunes library from youf computer over a wireless network. Then all you need is headphone to rca adapter to connect the iPad to your stereo.

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