Setting up NDS and NAS

It's easiest if you use a more 'all-in-one' solution instead of a nas.  That is why I purchased a UnitiServe; it does it all -- rips, stores, creates the database of metadata, and serves over the home network.  Other all-in-one solutions could include a Vortexbox or a Ripnas.

It's not HARD to use a computer to rip, and set up a nas to serve, but read all of the threads here.  Depending on the nas, and server package it runs, it can be easier or harder.  If you do want to go the nas route, I recommend either a Synology nas running their free media server, or a nas that will run Asset.  But installing a different server onto a nas can in and of itself be a bit of an IT project.  So buying a nas that, out of the box, runs a good server is important.  In that regard, people here have pretty good luck with Synology, vs QNap which makes a great nas but it comes with a difficult server (Twonky).

Having lived here for a while, I have realised that it is better to go with products that are available in Barbados. That way you stand half a chance of getting support, repairs, parts etc.  I am pretty sure someone here does QNap but I will have to look around for Synology.

Naim, of course, means lugging heavy bits of kit half way around the world when something goes wrong! Still worth it at the moment.

If you have moderate IT skills you should be fine with using a computer and NAS.  Synology NAS is very easy to use and if you use the supplied MediaServer add on you will then be able to access it from an NDS.  You can buy Synology NAS drives either populated with hard disks or as the barebones unit.  If you do the latter, ensure you buy NAS ready hard disks as these will have a longer lifetime.  Synology has a list of compatible drives on their web site.

Don't assume that RAID 1 in the NAS drive means your data is protected.  You are protected against a single disk failure but nothing else (for instance a slip of your finger and you could delete your ripped collection, RAID won't help you with that), so think about whether a separate back up is appropriate.

Get a copy of dBpoweramp to do the ripping.  Rip a few CDs first to make sure you are happy with the way it displays artist/album/track names in nStream (the iOS app used to select what to play).

Use wired connections from the NDS not wifi, either directly to your broadband router or via a separately connected switch.  If using a switch try to ensure the NAS and NDS are physically connected to the same switch.

+1 x100 wot Graham said - plus see my post about NDX install & set-up; bottom line is keep it simple.  

The Synology package is all you need - their MediaServer & Synology Assistant make it so.

Picking HDD's is easy enough, but don't go cheap. I was recommended WD "Red" by an IT specialst who also is a audiophile,  seems to be a good way to go. 

dBpoweramp is a real simple to use system for ripping CD's.  Others would recommend Naim's Unitiserve & make it really simple.

Added +1's for keeping the Player-Switch-NAS connect staright & simple,  run other stuff like internet & other ethernet off that switch, but the simple one stop Player-NAS switch link is the important one.    

So just to be clear the setup would be Cat 6 cabling going NDS - switch - NAS.

The switch would link separately to the router / modem?

I have seen the list of Naim tested NASs; is there anything similar with switches?

Also, if I go for the NDS, can I reuse my two CD555/555PS Burndys or are they different for the NDS?

Set up looks good - I use Cat-7 with a Netgear Gigabit switch, the all metal switch ports connect the Cat-7 shields across the switch to give a single end to end shield.  

Re: tested switches ...... a few www reviews are around & reading various subject forums that use ethernet it seems that Cisco gets the most votes closely followed by Netgear then the others.

The most used switch (that gets mentioned) around this forum is Cisco. 

Linn actually recommend brand & model(s) - Netgear GS108 or GS105 - these are both un-managed switches & don't do anything fancy, the slightly more expensive Netgear "e" versions show basic line data.  

It seems Cisco & Netgear more or less copy what each other do, from basic dumb un-managed, up a multi step spec ladder to fully managed. My philosophy is KISS, simple plug 'n play & avoid anything that adds cost that you wont or don't need.  

I believe the Burndy's are the same. 

I have found someone in Barbados who will import a Synology NAS for me. I can also source Cisco switches on-island so I am on my way.

Next step, I need advice on whether any of the UK Naim dealers will deal with a non-UK purchaser. Naim obviously encourages dealers to sell in their own territories - which I support as it means they deal with local customers - but that does not help someone like me who lives 3000 miles away from the nearest Naim dealer. Has anyone else been in the same position? I am not looking for names, just general feedback. Also, any advice on how to reclaim VAT would be welcomed.

You could maybe e mail Naim Support for how they would suggest to handle your issue?

See sticky on the Forum for the details.

@ Wat

The die is cast, I am afraid, as I have placed the order and paid the (large) deposit, so the Synology is hopefully on its way. I have a wired and wireless network running across the house, so I am sure with a fair wind, I can get the NAS installed and working.

Next thing, and I know it will be on the forum somewhere, but is there an idiot's guide to ripping CDs onto a Synology NAS? Basically, I want the highest quality data saved that the NDS can deal with.

I own two Synology nas, I like them so much. 

I recommend ripping to flac.  Use dbPoweramp (Windows) or XLD (Mac). 

I know this is an idiotic question but is FLAC compressed? I am not instinctively a supporter of compression.

I thought you just ripped the data off a CD and saved it bit-for-bit but I guess that is not the case as I see a Unitiserve saves as FLAC or WAV.

I am confused. Is there an idiots guide to formats etc., on here somewhere?

It might be difficult to get somebody to swap a working NDS for a broken CD555.  Once past that hurdle, the process is quite easy.  Anybody with basic tech skills and the will to do it can.