[Voyage-linux] Hardware advice: Soekris net5501 + Voyage + MPD

[Nick L.]

On Tue, Jun 28, 2011 at 3:46 PM, Muffinman <news at koster.tk> wrote:
> Dear all,
>
> Currently I am trying to decide on what machine I will run Voyage + MPD to feed
> my QB-9 with music. I've set my eye on the Soekris net5501, 500MHz, 512GB,
> USB2.0, Sata. I think this is my best option as I want to connect a 3.5"
> sata-hdd to it (just for the music files not the OS). Since I am a newby on this
> type of hardware I am wondering if anyone sees any pitfalls I am not seeing
> before I set the order.
>
> Thanks in advance, Maarten
>
> ps. I've seen some posts of earlier this year on this list with some problems
> with this board but they do not point to a general problem with the board as far
> as I understand. However, if anyone disagrees or has a better board in mind for
> my use, please tell . . .

Maarten,

I've been running Voyage Linux and MPD on an PC Engines Alix board
since 2007/2008 with a number of USB DACs. For the last year, I've
been running the Ayre QB-9 with excellent results.
I use a Alix 2d2 or 3d2. I use my bedroom Debian desktop (an extra 1TB
drive attached via SATA) as an NFS server feeding the Alix over
ethernet in the listening room. I've been meaning to experiment with
what I'm about to recommend...

I would try using a headless Alix board and install a mini-pci SATA
adapter in one of its slots. Boot Voyage Linux off of compact flash,
mount your SATA disk, and play via USB to your QB-9.
Use a 2.5" disk as you would only need 5v for power, IIRC. Advantech's
MIO-3140 mini-PCI dual SATA card reportedly works fine on an Alix
running Voyage Linux.

Nick