Ideal sound system for non-tech mother and 5 yr old.

Janko on 13/11/2013 - 10:49

Any suggestions on an easy-to-use lounge room sound system with no painful ongoing fiddling around? (which means I don't want to be tech support).

I'm thinking something like a Roku box (but for audio only) that connects to the television, allowing access to Australian radio channels, podcasts (including those on itunes) and some sort of music streaming service like spotify. The Australian radio channels could be via the internet if most offer streaming services.

They have an iphone 4 and an ipad 3 but I can see it a bit impractical to have the music stop when someone wants to use device for something else. Plus touch screens are painful remote controls.

I guess up to around $200 including amp/reasonable speakers although putting it through the television amp/speakers might be good enough.

CD/DVD player not required.

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • ESEMCE on 13/11/2013 - 14:55
    +1

    Don't think such a device exists as an all in one..
    AppleTV and an Amp maybe?

    • Janko on 13/11/2013 - 16:16

      AppleTV could work - although I seem to recall a frustrating experience helping a friend get mp3s into itunes and onto an ipod. Is that easier nowadays any idea?

      • Benicio on 13/11/2013 - 20:23

        select the files you want, drag them into iTunes, then drag from iTunes into the apple device of choice - Same process with any apple device through iTunes.

        • Janko on 14/11/2013 - 00:07

          It was iTunes on Windows very early on - there was some sync issue.

  • Daabido on 13/11/2013 - 21:23
    +1

    I've tried the whole music through TV thing. It gets old quick having to have the TV on to listen to music.

    Get a good quality iPod dock like a Pioneer refurb and a second hand iPod Touch that can control everything in the dock. Tune In for radio app and Spotify for the rest.

    Very, very simple and would suit their needs. I have a 5.1 surround system, but I don't fire it up when I'm cooking dinner in the kitchen. I resisted an iPod dock for years thinking they were gimmicky but wouldn't do without it now, especially with Spotify.

    I've tried to think of other solutions, including the Apple TV but I'm almost certain this is the best way to go.

    She's non tech, probably just wants to be able to listen to a bit of music with the young kid. Don't overcomplicate things or it will never get used. I know this from a lot of experience with relatives and family and friends. Don't nerd it up, nerd it way, way down.

    • Janko on 14/11/2013 - 00:21

      Yeah, I know what you mean with the TV thing. I just remembered she has Foxtel which has quite a few music channels, but she never bothers with that.

      Ok, I'll have a look at some docks. Pioneer is probably overkill (if their stuff is still as good as it used to be) and I see even a refurb is $380. Any idea who's a step down from Pioneer?

  • zerocritical on 14/11/2013 - 08:04

    I would have suggested sonos play 3 but that too is around the 300 mark.

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