MP3 player with 2-zone amp?

[MikeB]

I'm looking for some kind of standalone MP3 player + amp that has at least 4 speaker outputs (2 simultaneous stereo zones is fine). Anyone aware of anything?

Or, a basic/small 2-zone (stereo) amp + a standalone MP3 player.

I'm looking for something basic & easy to use. Something standalone, no need for wirleess streaming or anything like that. No portability required, so a nice big display with easy controls is preferred.

Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Neurorad]

Laptop PC, running Automation Control Systems' Mirage software, plus any stereo receiver (almost all have A+B speakers).

Not many mp3 players with large displays - any laptop PC will suffice, as long as it has 2.1 or greater audio output. I don't know if laptops come with 2.1 or not - many might only be 2.0. Maybe a cheap used desktop PC?

Do you really need 2 zones, or just 2 sets of speaker outputs? I think you'll need 2 mp3 players for 2 zones.

Do you want cheap? Cheap receiver, ipod dock, used ipod.

You might want to check out the Squeezebox and Sonos.

If you have a PC and a network at home, some AVR's offer streaming direct, e.g. Denon models. A TV is used as the display, or you can change the music from any PC on your network. The Denon receivers sit on the network, with an ip address, and can be controlled directly.

 

[Rupp]

Mike,
Here's a sytem that receives decent reviews and it' wireless.
http://www.antonline.com/p_EOS-100T1R-NX_322543.htm

 

[MikeB]

Not many mp3 players with large displays

Sorry, should have qualified that comment. When I said large display, I meant I didn't want a 1" armband MP3 player type display. Something 4-5 inches would probably be fine. Laptop would be a bit too unwieldy for this use, we need something relatively small to fit on a shelf.

Squeezebox + receiver might be perfect, but do any of them have local storage? I don't want to stream of of anything - I want the MP3s to be self-contained within the unit.

I need 4 separate speaker outputs, but I don't need multiple sources. 1 source outputting to all 4 speakers simultaneously is fine.

Here's a sytem that receives decent reviews and it' wireless.

Thanks. The speakers are already pre-wired, so I have no need for wireless speakers.

An iPod plus dock + receiver sounds good. I'll just need to locate a small receiver.