A very quick question about Synology NAS...

And equally pertinent... Is ALAC capable of 24/96 and 24/192?

Yes and Yes.

At least my Synology DiskStation Media Server control panel allow it to be set to transcode ALAC, whether it works is a different matter!

But you can install MinimServer on the Synology, this works very well. It takes some time to set up but after that it's great.

I can't understand why the need to transcode, I tried it & have yet to be convinced about any sonic benefits & wonder is it worth it.  Why not just convert to WAV & be done with it ???

Its a question by the way,  not being controversial, 'onest

All my NAS hi-res is in WAV (incl those originally on another lossless codec) & the 1000+ CD rips.

The pop & compilation stuff of dubious quality (don't be shy, we all have it) is on MP3.

The main disadvantage of storing files as WAV is the lack of tags (or use of non-standard tagging arrangements).

I also am yet to be convinced about the sonic benefits and I'm currently storing and playing files as FLAC.

I can hear a difference transcoding to WAV, though it's subtle, and might be down to the Unitiqute needing to work less then say an NDX or S. I prefer to rip and store in flac level 5; takes up less room on disc, backups are quicker, etc. Transcoding is as easy as a setting away. I see it as a no cost upgrade! Rare these days...

I have been using MinimServer on my Synology for a couple of days now and it's really amazing!

Especially for Classical fans. All my hires/red book is ripped to WAV so no need to transcode.

I think people need to be aware that tagging WAV is no problem these days.

I'm using iMac, Synology, Metadatics for tagging, XLD for ripping. It's easy, I can create custom tags also, e.g. Composition, Orchestra, Conductor and MinimServer and my control point see them ok. Its great and made the whole streaming experience even better. XLD can batch convert any format to WAV and all tags are maintained. Artwork is fine too. I can definitely tell the difference between file formats. Quite easy to demonstrate too. Much more airier, vivid sound.

So just to be clear, no issue at all to tag WAV files.

Anton

Served up as WAV but stored as FLAC gives the best of both worlds. Small file size and no hassles with tagging or potential degradation of sonic performance (but quite honestly I'm not sure I can pick between FLAC and WAV anyway). I've been looking at the potential of deleting my duplicate MP3 library and instead adopting a portable player that can play FLAC and the file size in this respect is more important than freeing space of the NAS, although that is a bonus. 

Good to to hear MinimServer works well but I believe I read some mention that it cannot be managed using a Mac, can anyone clarify?

One thing I do find a little annoying with the standard Synology UPNP server is that I don't see any album artwork when browsing by folder. As far as I can tell there is no way of turning this on which is disappointing as that was previously my primary mode of browsing.

Hello everybody,

You must use Minimwatch on your Mac to setup Minimserver hosted by your Synology NAS.

The interface is a little bit "hard" for a newbie but I think that Minimserver is the best way to transcode in live Flac to Wav. And the product is a donaware ...

I confirm that Minimserver is a very good product.