Going NAS: Advice please

quote:

1) Can I plug the NAS directly into my NaimUniti. ie: Not wireless.
2) If I do - how the hell do I find albums/songs without recourse to a computer or other device.

Unfortunately Jon it is not possible to plug a NAS straight into the Uniti ( or any other Naim digital audio box.)

In the descriptive stuff on the Uniti Naim says:

"...It can also stream digital media from any UPnP-enabled device (PC, Mac) or Network Attached Storage (NAS) on the home network and has iPod connectivity."

So the NAS connects to your home network. It then talks to a piece of software known as a 'media server' which is built into the Uniti which scans the NAS and then knows where all the music tracks on it are. The NAS then needs guidance on which exact individual music tracks on it's hard drive(s) you want to listen to and this it gets from a so called 'control point' app running on the likes of an i-pod.

regards
geoff

Geoff - wouldn't it be possible to connect them directly with a crossover cable, with fixed IP addresses? Of course, you would still need the media server software and control point

It worked fine with the HDX and a ReadyNAS. You just need a NAS with built-in DHCP-server to avoid messing with IP-adresses manually.

quote:

Originally posted by Geoff P:

Unfortunately Jon it is not possible to plug a NAS straight into the Uniti ( or any other Naim digital audio box.)

I used a Uniti a few months ago.

You can connect the Uniti with wire. Wireless not needed (I didnt use it). But you need a network with something that hands out IP-adress and some parameters (DHCP-server). Normally this is the router but it can be a Mac (if you set it up to do it) or even the NAS (but you have to configure it to do it).

Unless I missed something the Uniti doesnt read the NAS directly - it access everything through a protocol called UPnP. Some NAS has UPnP-server software built-in. Some dont and then you still need a computer that run any of the UPnP-server products available.

You have to setup the UPnP-server and tell it where your songs are stored. The Uniti will only see songs the UPnP-server report available.

If I understand it correct you dont want a network but a NAS, a wire and the Uniti. For this you need a NAS with UPnP-server and built-in DHCP-server (or setup fixed ip-numbers as suggested). And the wiring need to be crosser-type (sometimes the NAS can be set up to do the crossover electronically).

quote:

Originally posted by Jon Myles:
I've finally decided to go the NAS route - for convenience and to clear up the ever-expanding space my CD collection is taking up!
However, I'm new to it and wondered:

1) Can I plug the NAS directly into my NaimUniti. ie: Not wireless.
2) If I do - how the hell do I find albums/songs without recourse to a computer or other device.

If I could find a device which just plugs straight into the Uniti and displays info on its screen I'd jump straight away. Otherwise it seems I'm just adding more remotes/gadgets for little benefit.

Any help appreciated.

quote:

Originally posted by Nero:
Geoff - wouldn't it be possible to connect them directly with a crossover cable, with fixed IP addresses? Of course, you would still need the media server software and control point

In principle I believe it is possible but I don't know whether Naim boxes are OK with fixed I.P. addresses. The Linn DS's need to receive an I.P. address via DHCP, you can't 'plug in' a fixed I.P. except perhaps if you make it 'fixed' inside a router's DHCP function.

There is a piece of software I have seen mention of ( SEE HERE ) which apparently turns a windows PC into a DHCP server and allows you to wire it direct to a DS, though I have never tried it myself.

Geoff

quote:

Originally posted by Geoff P:
In principle I believe it is possible but I don't know whether Naim boxes are OK with fixed I.P. addresses. The Linn DS's need to receive an I.P. address via DHCP, you can't 'plug in' a fixed I.P. except perhaps if you make it 'fixed' inside a router's DHCP function.

There is a piece of software I have seen mention of ( SEE HERE ) which apparently turns a windows PC into a DHCP server and allows you to wire it direct to a DS, though I have never tried it myself.

Geoff

The Uniti can handle the fixed IP without any problems.
If you are new to the network stuff, configure your Uniti with these parameters.
IP: 192.168.1.1
Subnetmask: 255.255.255.0
Gatway and DNS: same as IP

NAS
IP: 192.168.1.2
Subnetmask: 255.255.255.0
Gatway and DNS: same as IP

I am struggling to see the point of plugging a NAS directly into a uniti. I would appreciate comments as to why this has any point what so ever?

quote:

I would appreciate comments as to why this has any point what so ever?

Because the Uniti can't talk to a DAS - I guess you'd need some kind of internet connection when ripping to get track info - otherwise you don't really want any unnecessary networking when you don't need it. I prefer to eliminate networking all together if I can when playing music - hence the Uniti doesn't really work for me, whereas the nDAC is perfect.

if you are going to plug a NAS (Network Attached Storage) into a uniti, presumably via ethernet socket then you may as well plug it into your router and use it as intended.

There is no argument to your stance, 'I prefer to eliminate networking' for a network attached device is like saying 'I prefer to eliminate the transport' in a CD player.

Stupid.

If you don't want a network player, then a uniti really is a pointless purchase. Plugging a NAS directly into one, is doing the uniti and the NAS a disservice.

What if you haven't got a router - I have, but it is nowhere near my system - a Juniper SRX is not the prettiest object to have in front room.

As I said I use neither a NAS nor Uniti - prefer a MacBook/hiFace/nDAC - with direct attached storage - I only need the wireless network for iTunes sharing from my Apple Server or to get track titles. When playing from DAS, I can turn the network off and stop the network services. Possible plan is to move to MacBook Air and use on board SD RAM storage to eliminate moving parts - I can store around 300 albums locally and link to the server when needed for other albums. Though ATV is another option.

However, if you have a Uniti and want to play from a NAS then you can link to it directly - I agree it is not the best solution because it uses UPnP. If the new Naim streamer is going to use Airplay rather than UPnP then that would win me over, but I fear it may be for Microsofties only.

Whilst connecting a Uniti to a NAS may well be possible using a crossover cable and fixed IP addresses, it does beg the question of how you would store music on the NAS. Normally you might do this using a PC and dbpoweramp or some other piece of software.

There are a lot of people out there, myself included, who can't run an ethernet cable from their router to the HDX (or Uniti). My router is located many rooms away, and such a cable is aesthetically unacceptable.

Now, the HDX needs a network connection to get track info, so I use an unobtrusive Airport Express near the HDX. But we have been warned not to use wireless for streaming from NAS drives, it will degrade performance.

It would be really nice if it were possible to connect an external HD to a USB port on the HDX, but this doesn't seem to work.

I'm not familiar with "ReadyNAS," mentioned by jlarrson. But wouldn't that occupy the single Ethernet port on the HDX? Could I still get wireless track info?

Why do people feel the storage has to be next to the HDX/uniti, this is the bit a cannot fathom.

You router might well be under the stairs or in the loft, this is the ideal place for a nas.

Believe it or not you don't physically need to see the nas for it to work

garyi,

You obviously have not read my post.

Aesthetically, for me, a physical cable between HDX and the router is off the table. It's an aesthetic, not a technical issue. Fathom it.

So the remaining issue is, what about a wireless connection? Naim insists that it degrades performance to an unacceptable level. But on the other hand, the new NDX has a wireless facility. So what gives?

quote:

Originally posted by aht:
garyi,

You obviously have not read my post.

Aesthetically, for me, a physical cable between HDX and the router is off the table. It's an aesthetic, not a technical issue. Fathom it.

So the remaining issue is, what about a wireless connection? Naim insists that it degrades performance to an unacceptable level. But on the other hand, the new NDX has a wireless facility. So what gives?

I don't think I have read that Naim discourages the use of wireless between player and router?

They do not advise it between NAS-storage and router and certainly not between both player and router and NAS-storage and router.

-
aleg

aht. I read and understood your post, you have not understood mine.

You should not have purchased a HDX, its pointless to you if you don't even have a network point for it.

I think he purchased a NaimUniti

We seem to have two conversations going on

Sorry to sound so dumb founded by this but I cannot fathom anyone plumbing over 4 grand for hardware but is not prepared to put a network point up to it. If its so impossible to have the wire then why buy the product?

Uh, what do you mean by "don't even have a network point"? My HDX is connected to my network.

Only after purchasing the HDX was I advised by the likes of Dave Dever, via the forum, that wireless connection to NAS drives degrades performance. I was not told this when I purchased the HDX.

I was also not advised that the promised internet radio would never materialize. There have been a lot of disappointments with the HDX.

But if someone from Naim wants to step up to the plate and recommend wireless connection for streaming, I'm all ears. My dealer, in this area, is clueless.

quote:

If you don't want a network player, then a uniti really is a pointless purchase. Plugging a NAS directly into one, is doing the uniti and the NAS a disservice.

Indeed. It would be just like having a hard disk incorporated into the Uniti....they could call it the Naim HDX perhaps. Oh, hang on....

quote:

Originally posted by Nero:
Geoff - wouldn't it be possible to connect them directly with a crossover cable, with fixed IP addresses? Of course, you would still need the media server software and control point

Absolutely, however you will have created a closed network but that is completely valid. You could also get a cheap switch (20 poound or so) and connect your NAS and Naim to the switch using standard Ethernet cables. This has the advantage if you ever want to connect to the Internet via a router you can plug an Ethernet cable from the switch to the router, and other devices such as rippers can potentially see your NAS by connecting them to the switch.
As others have said if you are just using a switch without a DHCP server or you are just using a cross over you will need to statically set the ip address and subnet mask on both devices - and a valid example has been given earlier on in the thread. Always best to make a note of settings.
Good luck
Simon

Naim like Linn, for NDX at least, emphatically recommend a wired connection from NDX to router. If you read the NDX site Naim quote 'provide wireless purely for convenience'.

So for Uniti/Qute at least 1st prize is wired, 2nd wireless, and in all cases 3rd homeplugs.

quote:

Originally posted by aht:

Only after purchasing the HDX was I advised by the likes of Dave Dever, via the forum, that wireless connection to NAS drives degrades performance. I was not told this when I purchased the HDX.

That's a big omission. I did my research before I approached the dealer to buy one but in previous conversation they made it clear that in their view an HDX would be pointless without a wired network connection.I just used a wireless bridge into a nearby cupboard - really easy. The NAS sits in the same cupboard sharing the (four port) bridge.

Internet Radio will not materialise on the HDX? Is this the official Naim line or an expression of frustration at the wait? I will be disappointed if the intention to drag this into the HDX has been taken off the back burner and binned.

Of course Naim will recommend Cat over wifi - it is the most error free solution unless you have a very good wifi setup. They are being cautious (though not as cautious as Linn's ridiculously OTT recommendations)

I think that the Uniti still makes some sense as a one box solution and a wonderful introduction to the Naim brand even without UPnP streaming. The HDX /NDX may be more splendiferous in every way but they don't have a lovely little amp like the Uniti.

I bought mine to replace my six Cyrus boxes and the dozens of cables etc etc. I considered the Linn DSi but it was more expensive, didn't sound any better and looked IMHO orrible. I love the ipod digital connection, the bomb proof build, the minimal styling and the sound of the Naim.

I may use UPnP ... it does work (but inelegantly at present) I may buy another MacMini to connect via a Wavelength audio ...thingy ... I may play the CD - I bought the Uniti because it does everything and does it very well.

What I have learnt is that UPnP is not Naim's fault... and that with a bit of effort it could be much better (see Chorus HD / Apple Remote)

ReadyNas are excellent - Thecus N550 or an Open Source Vortexbox RAID / Ripper ...

NAS Cat to Router Wifi/Cat to Unity

@aht - wifi doesn't degrade the sound quality (in fact it will probably be better that an optical connection) - but you may get drop outs if the signal is weak or the Mrs puts the microwave on.

@RoTF - Airplay is unproven and Naim would be well advised to adopt a modular approach to implementation - a card that can be added to streamers for example - one way of getting around the Microsoft limitations is to use WINE or VirtualBox and run the nasty windows stuff inside them. The Open source Wine allows you run the software without Windows (bit of tinkering)
Tog

How about using a switch between NAS and Uniti (or other streamer) then connect a wireless bridge to the switch enabling Internet connection (and other access such as control).

Eloise