Recommend a budget wireless streaming radio player managed by web interface?

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aumouth

73 posts

Master Geek

# 206216 14-Dec-2016 19:16

I'm looking for a wireless streaming radio player, with inbuilt speakers, that is controlled by web interface.

Something between a bedside clock radio and a 'boombox'. Budget doesn't extend to Bose or Sonos devices, so I guess max around $200 mark?

Usage is an office environment, floorspace containing approx 35 people, to have some low volume music playing. Web browser interface because of the desire to share the ownership of the music player each day to different people. They can simply connect to it's web interface and pick an appropriate genre of their choice from all the streaming radio channels.

aumouth

73 posts

Master Geek

# 1687875 14-Dec-2016 19:28

For example, http://www.jbhifi.co.nz/jb-hi-fi-home-audio/wireless-audio/pioneer/compact-wireless-hi-fi-system-sku-29189/ but it doesn't look to be controlled by web browser.

richms

22614 posts

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# 1687876 14-Dec-2016 19:29

Web interface is a tricky one since that tends to not be liked by most users compared to app/spotify connect type solutions.

I would look at getting 2 old speakers from wherever, a raspberry pi and the x400 shield off aliexpress which will power speakers quite loud if you want.

Then use volumeio on the pi and it will present a web ui that you can do stuff with. Friend has that exact solution running in their workspace off an old laptop powerbrick. The x400 doesnt have screw terminals for power so you may need to change the plug on the old laptop adapter to fit. These are good for that. cheap plug on aliexpress just tripple check polarity. I am sure you have an old laptop powerbrick that is 15 to 24v at a couple of amps lying around somewhere.

Richard rich.ms

BarTender

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# 1687884 14-Dec-2016 19:49

One person supports this post

Or you could just re-use an old tablet and get a Bluetooth set of speakers and pair them up.

rogercruse

301 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

# 1688966 14-Dec-2016 22:02

I see that you've dismissed Sonos as a solution. Shame asa single speaker would meet you requirement and open up the options to add more speakers as your require grows.

lxsw20

2318 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

# 1689003 15-Dec-2016 01:46

No web interface and not sure if still available new, but a UE Smart Radio could be an option. They have 6 physical preset buttons, and spotify support. So you could just change playlist, or preset on the device itself.

jnimmo

What does this tag do
1022 posts

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# 1689088 15-Dec-2016 08:48

An Amazon Dot with a set of 2.1 computer speakers? I assume this can be controlled from the Spotify app on a mobile device or computer

tieke

314 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 1689103 15-Dec-2016 09:12

One person supports this post

Or instead of the dot there's always a google chromecast audio+powered speakers as a cheap solution, as there's currently a few left on 1-day for $39.99 (and you can use the 1DAYNOFREIGHT free shipping code). As with the Amazon Dot, setting pairing up for everyone's PC could be problematic, but anyone could cast to it from phones or you could have a dedicated cheapie phone set up as the "remote".

DaveB

1139 posts

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# 1689177 15-Dec-2016 10:13

aumouth:

Usage is an office environment, floorspace containing approx 35 people, to have some low volume music playing. Web browser interface because of the desire to share the ownership of the music player each day to different people. They can simply connect to it's web interface and pick an appropriate genre of their choice from all the streaming radio channels.

Don't forget, even in this day and age of streaming music, you will still need a separate licence for what is essentially public broadcasting.