I'm planning to build out the interface between my bubba2 and my stereo. Right now I don't have any Apple products in the house so I'm totally agnostic about all this. All my music archive files are currently MP3 but I'm planning to re-rip in a lossless format once I have the system set up.
Minimizing cost is important but so is audio quality. I was researching the pro's/con's of the Apple AirTunes device when I learned about Squeezebox.
Apple AirTunes
- Uses bubba2's built-in DAAP service
Easy setup
USD 100
Analog mini output will degrade sound quality
When I upgrade the stereo with a DAC I can use digital input instead
No UI built-in, must buy another Apple product or use a web interface
- Must install SlimServer software on bubba2 (is this really a perl app?)
Not as easy setup, risky timesink
Classic: USD 250
Duet: USD 400
Analog RCA output won't degrade sound as much
When I upgrade the stereo with a DAC I can use digital input instead
No UI built-in, but there is a remote control