A standard set-up for the Naim ND5 XS?

Posted by: hashtag on 29 November 2013

Hi there,

I am new to audio streaming and looking for some initial advice on the setup; I've followed the posts here but find it awfully hard to catch up with the discussions here without some initial briefing...

My current set-up set up looks as follows:

Naim CD 5x

Supernait

Odeon loudspeakers

I'd want to build this out by adding a ND5XS and a NAS, but I'm lost when it comes to the exact configuration. Have fixed-wire ethernet in my home which I wish to use for streaming, and an Apple Mac for ripping.

I imagined that there must be something like a standard configuration for this type of arrangement, but am finding none. Looked at sites like http://www.computeraudiophile....-dlna-network-audio/, which are helpful, but not specific to Naim hardware. Also, I'd want to use n-Stream instead of PlugPlayer or other solutions suggested on other forums.

Here are some initial questions -- any insight that you might be able to provide would be much appreciated:

What specifications does the NAS have to meet (uPnP, dlna, Twonky, non-Twonky)?
I suspect that a Synology NAS will work in that environment. Any advice on the model that I should get?
Any word of advice on ripping from a Mac to a (Windows powered) NAS and the file format that I should use?
Is there a need for a separate router between the NAS and the Naim hardware if no other hardware is connected to the Ethernet?
If, in the future, I wanted to migrate to a multiroom solution, any suggestions for an alternate set-up?

Again, many thanks for anyone taking the time and responding to some of this...

Regards,

Rembert

Posted on: 29 November 2013 by NickSeattle

There are a few ways to do multi-room. Your requirements determine the style of your implementation. I would send Line Out from the Supernait to a distribution amp. From the distribtion amp run speaker wire to in-wall Volume pots, then out to speakers. The amp should also allow you to pass along Line Out to Line In in one or more zones where you want a local amp for a better, more flexible system. Long Line-level runs are subject to signal loss; but I find they can sound astonishingly good if implemented using inexpensive RG6 cables, installed and terminated with care.

There are alternatives using CAT5 networking and wireless networking. So far, none I have seen beat my setup, for my requirements. Sonos, while convenient, doesn't sound near as good as wired my way. NaimNet might be worth a look, if you can see a demo.

A key success factor for you should be to be able to control the system via iPad from any zone; so, you will want to be sure your WiFi coverage is sufficient for the network you put the ND5XS on.

Good luck.

Nick

Posted on: 29 November 2013 by Bart

Hi Rembert,

Based on what you wrote, you're not far away at all

Ethernet wiring in the house is very helpful. All you need to do is get a decent quality unmanaged switch (I have a Netgear gigabit). Plug the switch into your home router, and plug the nas and the ND5XS into the switch. That's as standard a setup as it gets.

A Synology nas is a great choice. I have a 212J. For me, 2 drives provides plenty of storage. The Synology nas runs its own UPnP music server which is pretty good. It will do all you need I am pretty sure. Note: Neither Synology nor QNap nas's run on Windows; it's a Unix variant.

Ripping is easy, and you can rip with Max or XLD if you'd like. Max has not been updated for about 4 years now, but I don't think it's missing a thing. There are plenty of other rippers for OS X.

You can do it!

Posted on: 29 November 2013 by hashtag

Many thanks, Bart and Nick, very helpful and encouraging! While multiroom may be some way off, I guess I am taking the plunge...

Posted on: 29 November 2013 by Singlespeed

As Bart said, the Synology NAS are a good choice (212j user here too) & come with all the software packages you'll need for serving your music files to your Streamer. You access your NAS the same way you would your router, via your internet browser & Synology has good guides on setup & using it's packages on its web portal...

good luck!