UnitiServe for free experiment

quote:

My god, I'm glad I bought a UnitiServe.

Jan

That's what I was saying to David !!!

End of day 2

Ingredients

Glass of port
Hi res flac files

TogServe has been operating for 22 hours without a glitch
- well there was a wobble when I altered a file name on a 24 bit flac file whilst MiniDLNA was scanning the folders.
Sound is excellent and seems slightly louder than through eyeconnect.

So far I am beginning to wonder if I could live with VB long term. I had thought that after a play I would simply buy a UnitiServe but now I'm not so sure.

The Naim server software may be more robust but so far once up and running VB has been very solid. VB has been updated every few months and since it's Linux the process is more straightforward than some updates I could mention (Uniti V3).

In truth I'm a bit shocked by how good I've found the VB software. Rationally there seems to me to be no automatic reason why the UnitiServe will be automatically better -

So will I build my own or buy a tested pre installed VB Raid appliance? At £500, at the moment the latter looks like a steal.

Too much hard work? - No I've enjoyed every minute, got a free music server and re-learnt some linux commands. .. Oh and my server lets me add files whenever I want...

I may just have saved a lot of money.

Cheers

Tog

Thanks Tog for your test. Please, can you tell us what is it possible to do with n-stream against the VB? which search options...wich playlists options...and so on. Thanks again
MB

And how you can edit metadata in the rips.

Sorry for the delay - real life intrudes

TogServe - week 1

Still robust - works well with itunes /Uniti

n-Stream - VB will now serve up cover art, far more responsive than with EyeC. All normal n-stream functions available and working well. Haven't moved much of my library yet - but search seems to function well - will test today and tomorrow with more files.

Tagging - VB allows some freedom - although did crash miniDLNA by changing filenames during a scan - mysql hates that. Will spend more time retagging files and report.

Snowy at the moment....

Tog

This thread is interesting

One or two posts sound a bit aggressive, but overall quite interesting.

Of course "time spent" is not an issue.
a) it's a hobby, so time spent is time enjoying the challenge (would be to me at least)
b) time spent on getting a system that costs far less but sounds the same (subjective) is time you do not spend working for money to pay for the products

I do agree that if you can actually prove that two files are absolutely identical, and I mean absolutely identical, then there is no benefit from using a more expensive ripping device.
The only advantage maybe being it is easier to use, which I have to say, does not sound likely.

However, ripping is just one part of the process. The more vital part to sound quality is the DAC and the amp.

but it still is a valid point that if two files are identical they will sound the same if played through the same system.

Agreed - I spend enough time working...could quite easily buy a UnitiServe (almost have several times) but if you have an enquiring mind looking at the alternatives is fun.

I can't figure out why the Serve would be any better. The VB matches the UnitiServe in almost all areas and beats it in terms of allowing already ripped files to be added to the main datastore and in terms of providing RAID storage as a standard option.

True the UnitiServe has a better dig out but this can be easily remedied by using an audiophile grade sound card or buying Sonore unit.

The next stage is to build a dedicated server to run VB as the old MBP is only practical as a testbed. I may have to spend several hundreds of pounds ... And get a nice case!

I don't think there have been any hostile comments - most folks round here are very genuine.

Tog

Looks like the currently free Serve replacement - TogServe will be moving to a Tranquil PC Harmony 2.

Dual core Atom, v low power and 4 tb.

Not free, but nowhere near £2000 and more practical than the old 2007 MBP which does get a little hot. She will now become a testbed for Ubuntu Server.

For the new TogServe I think I will pass on the included WHS though - horrible (save £50 in the process)

Tagging on VB is probably a weak spot - will continue to use Max / Tag.

Interestingly VB serves up flacs to ITunes as Wavs!

More soon.

Tog

the linux freak wakes up again ;-)

what do plan to use as a control point in such a configuration?

VB works well serving Itunes via DAAP and can be controlled with Remote 2 (works well - no cover Art - boo )

Stream to UnitiServe can also be controlled by N-Stream app (with cover art hooray )

May the SSH be with you.

Tog