Tablet as Remote in Second Zone

[Van G]

I'm looking at the Yamaha RX-A2000 AVR (or two other network AVR's) and I'm getting my head around controlling the AVR and using my audio library in the second zone?

AVR will be wired to router along with PS3, PC and possibly a Boxee if needed. Also have the option of plugging in NAS or USB drive directly into AVR.

Ideally I'd like to have a tablet that allows me to control the AVR and flip through my music library similar to an iTunes experience (album art, playlists, genius dj). In addition to my library, there is HD radio and Sirius on the AVR, Galaxy on my Bell Sat Receiver, and online services via PC or Boxee type device.

I don't have a tablet yet and am neither for or against Apple products. Only mention Apple because the Yamaha has an 'iOS' app for it.

My audio library is at a min 256 vbr but mostly uncompressed so maintaining audio quality is important.

By getting my head around the challenge, I'm not clear on how I will access the library? Assuming I go Yamaha and iPad, it will simply be the Yamaha app and then iTunes accessing the music from networked storage? Are there other options that give a similar, clean experience (Android tablet, PC)?

Appreciate any feedback and will reply back with additional info.

 

[Van G]

Here's a question: If I'm using an iPad/iTunes that is using music off a usb drive that is plugged into the receiver, is the music actually transfered to the iPad and then to the AVR?

I'm trying to figure out how to browse music library similar to iTunes or Sonos but making sure the lossless audio files are going through the AVR dac's (try to get best audio quality).

 

[novasatori]

I don't know about the Yamaha specifically, but the Denon networked receivers can also do this with the denon remote app.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3azGhmVaLk

That's how it works, you may be able to find a video similar for the Yamaha.

All you see on the remote app is the list, none of the files get sent back to it.

If you care about itunes interfacing, Denon is also adding airplay support so you can play directly from itunes to the receiver or other iOS devices, its a $49 upgrade coming out soon I guess, was supposed to be out this month, but was pushed to Jan I think.

here is a german (sorry only one i saw) video of the airplay upgrade
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCAtWkw6f4Q

 

[Van G]

Thanks novasatori, Denon app looks better than Pioneer and I can't find a good demo of the Yamaha app.

I took a look at Airplay/AppleTV but I don't want to stream my music library from the iPad.

I do want a 'rich' music library experience which is why I would like to go tablet (in addition to the added function in the kitchen). To me that means seeing a graphical representation of the album art that can be scrolled through as opposed to a text based navigation.

I'm also trying to figure out the path of processing the music files -> which process will have the best AQ by passing the music to the AVR codecs (digital path) for conversion.

Saw a demo of a Sooloos (Meridian) which sounded great but was then greeted by a $10K price tag. Sales guy who showed it to me said Sonos was the closet way ($1400) to get what I wanted but it wasn't high quality at that.