ND5xs on the way....

Short answer is yes you will need to run media server software on your macmini. Asset seems to be well thought of here.

Just to mention that if you do go down the NAS route, your NAS drive should have media server software preinstalled on it.

Hope you enjoy the ND5.

 Hi Marc

the nd5 is the client, so you will need upnp server software installed on the mini in order for the nd5 to see it, etc...

I used to use Playback but understand this is no longer available. There are many mac users on this forum so they will be able to recommend a good upnp server for the mac.

i use a nas drive now so no computers required when listening

good luck with it and make sure you rip your your albums with good metadata for the future. 

ATB, Anton

Thank you both for the reply,

Im wondering if it might be easier to just go directly into the NAS route? I have some time to set one up before the ND5 arrives and in my mind it seems like a better solution.  I may be miunderstanding something here, but i seems like a bad idea to involve a computer at all(ie noisy power supply etc) Im in the NYC area and could run out to and purchase a NAS....i have been looking at synolgy and Qnap, thr TS-220 looks like an excellent value.

The nas route is great.

i use synology 213+ and it's been faultless really. The inbuilt media server once setup correctly is really good and performs well.

there are many qnap users on the forum and I understand these are good too.

some good information on the forum regarding setup, etc... So you get the best experience.

good luck, Anton

A lot will depend on how you want to set up your network. Will you be streaming over ethernet or wireless? Can the mac mini be sited away from your listening area? Remember too that a NAS drive will also have a power supply and won't be completely noise-free. Ideally it's best to site your NAS drive away from your listening area if you can.

Good advice above.

all my IT stuff is in my office.

music system down stairs in living room. 

What format is your music currently ripped to?

general consensus is to feed the streamer with either wav or aiff.

you can transcode flac on the fly with your upnp server to wav but some users are experiencing problems with doing this.

something for you to consider Marc

My preferred route is ethernet and use the wireless for the ipad/iphone stuff, my modem is physically around 15 feet from my audio rack.

Hi Anton,

Most of my files are flac, im hoping this doesnt propse to much of a problem.

Hi

it doesn't cause a problem, I'm sure many users are using this format too with great results.

if you go the qnap route, I believe asset upnp can transcode these flac files to wav on the fly so present themselves in uncompressed format to the streamer.

I'm sure this will work fine.

you will love iradio too when all setup. It's really good 

Anton,

Im leaning towards setting up the NAS, setting up sever software to use the mini as a client first  seems like a redundant idea if im gonna go the NAS route eventually..im going look at the synology too, lots of good feedack

Can you run a separate Ethernet cable from a free port in your router/switch to your NAS drive? If so, it would help in separating the NAS from your music equipment which would be useful.

Its funny you should ask, because i had give this some thought as well..canyou elaborate on this, is your concern the physical location, the signal?

Hi Marc

I just find having the NAS drives or computer around a distraction so my PC is located in my upstairs den together with several networked hard drives (with their blinking lights) all linked by ethernet cable/switch to my router/switch located in my hallway near where my master phone connection enters the house.

My setup is to have all my IT stuff up on the third floor, and the main hi fi system down on the first floor.  I have ethernet cable running through the walls however, with an RJ-45 type wall outlet at each end.  So at the hi fi on the first floor, it's very tidy; just one ethernet cable is the entire amount of 'computer stuff' there.  If you can do it, it's well worth having cable in the wall.  Even if you pay a skilled installer to do it.  I think it cost me $400 (2 men x 2 hours) total.

sounds great, NYC apt here...so the best i can do is the other side of the room, but no computer stuff on thw audio rack

I just ordered the Qnap TS-220 w/2X3TB dives. It seem s like the most seemless configuation to me.  What is the reccomended method(ethernet)to go from the ND5 to NAS to router.  I hear a lot of people using a switch, if so how would i incorporate this?

ty

Sounds good Marc

i do the following:

nas > router > long cat6 cable > switch > nd5

this way everything connected to the web but IT stuff all in my office. Other than switch which is close to the nd5. I'm sure others will have a different setup. Never had any buffering issues with this setup and it sounds great.

Anton

Oh, might I add the following:

IMPORTANT!!!

1. only copy a few albums to the nas drive 1st.
2. setup the nas as required.
3. connect with Nstream iPad app (assuming you have iPad)
4. make sure your music displays correctly as you would like and the album artwork also displays correctly.
5. check the different browsing methods, by album, album artist, song, composer, folder, etc...
6. correct any issues with help from the forum.
7. only once you are happy that all the above is working and you have a procedure to follow for the rest of your albums, then copy the rest over.

Job done! 

"No computer stuff on the audio rack" is an EXCELLENT way to go!  (My wife really wants us to 'downsize' some day to a city apartment, but I really worry about what to do with all my STUFF.  But I have no worries that I'll be able to have an excellent audio system even in a small space.

Anton, in that config, what is the switch doing?  It seems lonely . . . with nothing to switch.

I have my switch connected directly to the router, and EVERYTHING else connected to the switch (which is 10-port).  Sources (Nas, uServe) and players NDS (for system 1), Qute (System 2) all terminate at that switch.

Maybe I'm doing it wrong? I didn't think so.

Hey Bart

maybe I'm doing it wrong, lol....

my switch downstairs, 5 port, is also connected to my sky hd satellite box for on demand shows, etc...

I have one hifi rack downstairs and this houses my hifi and AV equipment.

when listening to my hifi, all AV gear is switched off.

its the best I could come up with.

your setup sounds great!

atb, Anton

Any Qnap users out there.....are you usung music station for upnp into  your naim streamer or some other program?

Your switch should sit between your NAS & ND5. It should also be connected to your router for your devices to connect to the net as required. Your sound files shouldn't need to touch the router when streaming...

good liuck in your venture

Thank you SS..that seems to make a lot of sense.  Will any switch do?  i've seen netgear bounced around a lot hear.