How do I play Pandora through my NAIM system?
Posted by: Rebmarch on 05 May 2011
NDX & UnitiServe set up & working well (playing nicely with the XPS/82/250/SBL's). How can I play Pandora or Rhapsody through the system? I have an iPad and a Windows Vista PC on the network, but can't work out how to stream from those websites. I searched pervious threads but couldn't find anything. Any help appreciated.
You cannot.
You can if you purchase another (relatively) inexpensive product capable of Pandora streaming and plug it into a digital input on your NDX.
Three examples off the top of my head:
- Airport Express (Pandora app would play on iPad, via Airplay, to Airport Express)
- Squeezebox with Pandora app
- Cambridge Audio digital iPad/iPhone dock
Thanks LeeTom, this sounds positive. Looking at the AirPort base, I see it has an ethernet & a USB port. How would I connect a digital input to the NDX as you suggest? (sorry if this is a dumb question). I have tried simply plugging the iPad into the NDX's USB port, but that does not allow whatever is playing on the iPad to pass to the NDX. It simply seems to allow the NDX access to the itunes library that can then be played/controlled from the NDX (but not from the iPad).
You need to look at an airport Express. These are around 60 quid and have digital optical output.
Bare in mind you will need a computer on streaming the service to the express
The Airport Express has USB, Ethernet, AND a minijack audio output, which is a dual analog/digital out. When used in conjunction with a minitoslink-to-toslink optical digital cable, it will plug right into the NDX's optical digital input. After setting up the Airport Express properly, the iPad will just "sense" it on the network, and a new icon will appear in Airplay-capable apps that allows you to select the Airport Express as the audio output device.
Thank you again, this is very helpful. One other option; as the stereo is in the same room as (although separate from) my TV system. Would I lose anything to buy the Apple TV & connect it to the NDX for music, and the TV for movies? As far as accessing Pandaro/Rhapsody, does the Airport Express do anything that Apple TV does not?
In that case, the AppleTV would probably be your best choice. They provide the same Airplay streaming function, although the AppleTV would include the ability receive Airplay-streamed videos.
The major difference, sound-wise, is that the AppleTV is locked at 48khz and the Airport Express is locked at 44.1khz. Theoretically, for CDs, the Airport Express could have a slight advantage there, but as you have a UnitiServe for a primary music source component, I would take the slight theoretical hit in sound quality and go for the extra video features of the AppleTV.
Thank you LeeTom. You've been very helpful.