Streaming music to home amplifier

Perhaps you could explain what exactly you want to do.

You can stream music from your NAS using either the iTunes (FireFly) Server, Squeezebox Server, Plex Server or DNLA server. However to receive the music you will need a Client which in turn is connected directly to your amplifier - or are you suggesting that your amplifier already has a client installed. I've read that some DVD, TV's and amplifiers come pre-equiped with a DNLA client.

Note that the iTunes Server does not work with iTunes 10.5. You could buy a Logitech SqueezeBox Classic off eBay. I purchased mine for £75.00 and has a built in DAC. The Classic needs to be connected to your amplifier with RCA Phono plugs. Also the Classic can be ethernet or wi-fi connected. If you give some more information perhaps we can offer some further advice. Using any of these methods will avoid you needing to have your computer switched on.

There are many iPhone Apps available for SqueezeServer, DNLA Server, Plex etc it is just a question of choice....

The Yamaha Avenge line have built in DNLA. I can play music directly from my readynas to my A2000. The user interface on the receiver is not the best. There is an app for apple and android, but more basic controls than a music browser.

mark

It's a long time I stream music from a NAS to my (old) Denon AVR-4308 receiver. It works well both in wi-fi or powerline. On the NAS is better using Twonky Server, that's far better than the native DLNA server provided by Netgear.
To control all the stuff, if you don't like using the receiver commands, I use PlugPlayer application on my Iphone and Ipad (browse music with cover art, create playlists, and so on). It works like a charm. Moreover, if you have more DLNA clients in the home, PlugPlayer allows you toforward music from the NAS to whatever client you like. Far better than Airplay.

So, all you need is a receiver/amplifier with DLNA certification/compatibility, plus PlugPlayer App - and a DLNA server on your NAS, of course :-)
Hope this helps

BTW, streaming from NAS to your receiver allows you to use the advanced MP3 decoding (and hi-quality D/A conversion) provided by most receivers...

Thanks for the tip about plugplayer. Now I just need a device like the Logitech Sqeezebox Classic mentioned above.

Would anyone happen to know if there are very cheap devices that have an audio socket to connect to the amp and an ethernet socket to connect to the network?

I'd like to find something cheap on ebay - but I've not had any luck so far and I'm not sure what such a device would be called.(ie their generic name instead of 'logitech squeezebox classic')