ND5xs on the way....

Posted by: Marc0209 on 19 March 2014

Hello,

Let me begin apologizig for the redundancy of my topic, but im having some difficulty finding the info i need.  I just traded in my DAC V-1 on a ND5xs because i like the versatlity it affords me ie inet radio etc..I have a 2010 Mac mini w/a external HD into my Nait XS2/FCXS. Utlimately im gonna go the NAS route, but i thought i would get started streaming wired(ethernet) from my mini into ND5XS.  So here is where my confusion begins.  Will the Upnp in the ND5 talk with my mini or do i need server software ie Twonky?  I was  using audirva+  into the DAC v-1 w/excellent results.  Any recomendations for a simple solution would be VERY helpful, as im not very computer saavy.

TY

 

Posted on: 19 March 2014 by hungryhalibut

Cisco switches are good. If you get a QNAP, I'd make sure you avoid Twonky, and that any server software can transcode to WAV.

Posted on: 19 March 2014 by Marc0209
Originally Posted by Hungryhalibut:

Cisco switches are good. If you get a QNAP, I'd make sure you avoid Twonky, and that any server software can transcode to WAV.

The QNAp is ordered, it comes with software called music station that is upnp compatible, but im unsure if it will convert my flac files to WAV, im hoping somwone can make a suggestion for a good server application to work with my ND5 an QNAP.

Posted on: 19 March 2014 by Marc0209
Originally Posted by AntonD:
Originally Posted by Marc0209:

Hello,

Let me begin apologizig for the redundancy of my topic, but im having some difficulty finding the info i need.  I just traded in my DAC V-1 on a ND5xs because i like the versatlity it affords me ie inet radio etc..I have a 2010 Mac mini w/a external HD into my Nait XS2/FCXS. Utlimately im gonna go the NAS route, but i thought i would get started streaming wired(ethernet) from my mini into ND5XS.  So here is where my confusion begins.  Will the Upnp in the ND5 talk with my mini or do i need server software ie Twonky?  I was  using audirva+  into the DAC v-1 w/excellent results.  Any recomendations for a simple solution would be VERY helpful, as im not very computer saavy.

TY

 

 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

Aton,

What server software are you using with your nas?

Posted on: 20 March 2014 by Singlespeed
Originally Posted by Marc0209:

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

I picked up a TP-link 5 port GB switch for < £20 (metal cased) they are fine for the purpose... They are almost identical to the netgear one iirc?

Posted on: 21 March 2014 by dzambolaja
Originally Posted by Singlespeed:

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

are you saying that NAS and ND5 should communicate directly via switch and not via router?  What is the benefit in this case, do you believe the NAS-switch-ND5 path is less detrimental to sound quality than NAS-router-ND5?

 

I am just curious because I have seen similar comments before.  

 

Bobby

 

Posted on: 21 March 2014 by AntonD
Originally Posted by Marc0209:
Originally Posted by AntonD:
Originally Posted by Marc0209:

Hello,

Let me begin apologizig for the redundancy of my topic, but im having some difficulty finding the info i need.  I just traded in my DAC V-1 on a ND5xs because i like the versatlity it affords me ie inet radio etc..I have a 2010 Mac mini w/a external HD into my Nait XS2/FCXS. Utlimately im gonna go the NAS route, but i thought i would get started streaming wired(ethernet) from my mini into ND5XS.  So here is where my confusion begins.  Will the Upnp in the ND5 talk with my mini or do i need server software ie Twonky?  I was  using audirva+  into the DAC v-1 w/excellent results.  Any recomendations for a simple solution would be VERY helpful, as im not very computer saavy.

TY

 

 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

Aton,

What server software are you using with your nas?


Hi Marc

 

I use Media Server but this is inbuilt to Synology NAS. It works great when setup correctly.

Unfortunately I have no experience with QNAP so cannot help.

Hope all is going well.

Posted on: 21 March 2014 by AntonD
Originally Posted by dzambolaja:
Originally Posted by Singlespeed:

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

are you saying that NAS and ND5 should communicate directly via switch and not via router?  What is the benefit in this case, do you believe the NAS-switch-ND5 path is less detrimental to sound quality than NAS-router-ND5?

 

I am just curious because I have seen similar comments before.  

 

Bobby

 

Well, I understand the comments made above and I think this would be the ideal solution.

However, regarding sound quality and is it affected, I don't know. All I do know is that my system sounds great. Never had any issue with buffering, iRadio works great with 320 streams (as long as the provider is working ok) So all sounds good.

Had a recent demo at my dealer recently and 1st tested the SN2 with all other equipment exactly as mine. It was the same sound I already have. Which is good I suppose as this was my benchmark.

So unless anyone can give credible reasons as to why my configuration is incorrect, I really don't think that it matters.

ATB, Anton

Posted on: 23 March 2014 by Singlespeed
Originally Posted by dzambolaja:
are you saying that NAS and ND5 should communicate directly via switch and not via router?  What is the benefit in this case, do you believe the NAS-switch-ND5 path is less detrimental to sound quality than NAS-router-ND5?

 

I am just curious because I have seen similar comments before.  

 

Bobby

 

Bobby yes that's the optimum way, why send your music files through the router when it's busy taking care of most of the other stuff on your network? The switch is intelligent enough that it knows where to send your data packets & can do so without bothering your router. Obviously I see no reason that it should improve the sound quality (runs for cover) but the thinking is the reliability of the data getting there without buffer underuns drop-out etc. The NAS & streamer just use the router (via the switch) when they need to: Iradio updates etc.

 

If you don't have a separate switch then the one in your router may work fine dependent on the network load of everything else that's going through it at the same time as you are streaming...

 

cheers

Posted on: 23 March 2014 by dayjay
Originally Posted by Singlespeed:
Originally Posted by dzambolaja:
are you saying that NAS and ND5 should communicate directly via switch and not via router?  What is the benefit in this case, do you believe the NAS-switch-ND5 path is less detrimental to sound quality than NAS-router-ND5?

 

I am just curious because I have seen similar comments before.  

 

Bobby

 

Bobby yes that's the optimum way, why send your music files through the router when it's busy taking care of most of the other stuff on your network? The switch is intelligent enough that it knows where to send your data packets & can do so without bothering your router. Obviously I see no reason that it should improve the sound quality (runs for cover) but the thinking is the reliability of the data getting there without buffer underuns drop-out etc. The NAS & streamer just use the router (via the switch) when they need to: Iradio updates etc.

 

If you don't have a separate switch then the one in your router may work fine dependent on the network load of everything else that's going through it at the same time as you are streaming...

 

cheers

I don't know why, because it doesnt seem logical to me, but it does improve sound quality.  I bought an assetnas last week and set it up as described,  the cable runs to and from switch are short as opposed to 100 feet to the pc on the previous set up. There was a subtle but clear improvement in imaging and quiets are quiter and voices more realistic.  Against my better judgement at some stage I will buy a vodka cable for switch to uq2. Virtually every tip I've tried from this forum has had a positive impact, its most irritating 

Posted on: 30 March 2014 by Marc0209

Update...

I am now running the Asset beta as a server as an application on my Qnap TS-220.  Things seem to be going nicely.  Playback is fairly seamless, but I am only getting about half of my album art for some reason even when the art is contained in a folder.  Im  not really sure why.  Moving my files from my external HD has proven to be a very time consuming project as Qnap doesnt support dragging and dropping folders.  I have heard of doing this as media share, but i am a bit confused on how to do...and im communicating with the NAS through my macmini.  If anyone could be of some help with this it would be greatly appreciated.  This may sound stupid, but currnely my bit torrent program puts my files on my ext HD, which I would like to phase out.  How do I assign The NAS as the destination for my torrents?

TY,

Marc

PS..The ND5XS is a an amazing sounding and easy to use product.  It replaced a DAC V-1, and my first impressions(about 100 Hours) are very favorable.

Posted on: 09 May 2014 by Jasonf
Originally Posted by Marc0209:

Update...

I am now running the Asset beta as a server as an application on my Qnap TS-220.  Things seem to be going nicely.  Playback is fairly seamless, but I am only getting about half of my album art for some reason even when the art is contained in a folder.  Im  not really sure why.  Moving my files from my external HD has proven to be a very time consuming project as Qnap doesnt support dragging and dropping folders.  I have heard of doing this as media share, but i am a bit confused on how to do...and im communicating with the NAS through my macmini.  If anyone could be of some help with this it would be greatly appreciated.  This may sound stupid, but currnely my bit torrent program puts my files on my ext HD, which I would like to phase out.  How do I assign The NAS as the destination for my torrents?

TY,

Marc

PS..The ND5XS is a an amazing sounding and easy to use product.  It replaced a DAC V-1, and my first impressions(about 100 Hours) are very favorable.

Marc, how's that MD5 running in?

 

Jason

Posted on: 09 May 2014 by Marc0209

Hi Jason,

Overall I am very pleased.  Although the sonic signature is very similar to the DAC V-1 there are some differences.  I notice a tad less warmth in the ND5 along with a bit more precision.  The sound stage is also a bit wider and deeper in my system.  Unlike some of the others here I am also very pleased with the n-stream app.  The interface is very user friendly and I am able to control the inputs and volume on my XS-2.

Posted on: 09 May 2014 by Simon-in-Suffolk

Marc, that is good to hear. I like NStream to, and I was fortunate enough to see the new Nstream prototype that is scheduled for release in the autumn at the recent Naim Soho event. It looks very tasty and from memory it had quite a few usability enhancements for web radio.

Simon

 

Posted on: 09 May 2014 by Jasonf
Great to hear.

I have not heard the V1, but by all accounts it's very good.

I've paired up the NAC 152/NAP 155XS with mine and I also have a HiLine, all together the music is currently giving me a lot of enjoyment. The HiLine has sharpened things up and improved clarity across all frequencies which brings to the fore a kind of speed or 'attack', if you like. Overall. I feel the balance is key here.

Agreed on n-Serve, simple and effective.

Anyway, just thought I would pop in, perhaps you could update your profile, as it would be good to see the rest of your system.

Jason.
Posted on: 09 May 2014 by Jasonf
Originally Posted by Simon-in-Suffolk:

       

Marc, that is good to hear. I like NStream to, and I was fortunate enough to see the new Nstream prototype that is scheduled for release in the autumn at the recent Naim Soho event. It looks very tasty and from memory it had quite a few usability enhancements for web radio.

Simon

 


       


Hey Simon, that's good to hear. Like you, I think, I would prefer that Naim kept n-Stream as simple as poss, with maybe a little more powerful search/organisation features.

Looking forward to the I-Radio enhancements too.

Jason.