I'm wondering if there's some combination of components out there that can do this without involving either my computer or (except on the control end) my wireless network.

I'm imagining a hard disk-based device that plugs into my receiver's "auxiliary" RCA jacks, although I'm open to the notion of a more advanced receiver, more advanced inputs. The device itself is (large version) about the size of a receiver, with a small front panel screen and controls equivalent in functionality and simplicity to the original iPod, or (small version) a featureless box the size of a Mac Mini to be controlled either by a dedicated iPod-like remote, or by an iPad.

The device would be fed my entire (well, let's be reasonable: the collection includes some clunkers I've never purged) CD library, for choice at some minimally compromised level of digital recompression, so that I could summon up a given album or ditty at a dinner party and set it playing on my main audio system. I'm aware that various technologies offer approximately this functionality already, but those I know of require a PC/Mac at the wireless heart of the system, and while I'm prepared for the computer to serve as the portal for input into the musical library, I'd like the burden of actual storage to rest upon a dedicated device.

I think that my ideal fantasy system might involve a physically small component (something like a Mac Mini or Apple TV) that could be updated via a wired connection with the iMac, preferably with the transcribed music going directly from CD to imaginary device without taking up space on the iMac's internal disk, and controlled, once attached to the home audio system, either by means of a front panel with an iPod-like interface, a dedicated remote with the same interface, an actual iPod, or an iPad. My principal concern is to spare the computer the storage duties, and to spare the home network the serving duties: I'm guessing that the mere control functions would not involve a great deal of wireless overhead.

Does anyone know whether an arrangement like this is presently feasible?

cordially,