Q2 with RipNaS Solid v3.0?

Are you going to use it as a UPnP server, or as a player via a direct connection?

Mac Mini via optical out gets good reviews as a player.  The UnitiServe is a fine player too.

If a UPnP server, I think that sound qualities differ less from solution to solution and I'd be in favor of trying a RipNAS as a server.  I'm not so sure about it's qualities as a player however.

I have used Zoneripper mini (2TB) for about 3 years and it has worked faultlessly ripping with dBpower and serving via Asset UPNP. Its both PC and MAC compatible and saves or converts to all the major formats. If you are in the UK and google Zoneripper you will find the main dealer who is very helpful. knowledgeable and supportive about all things ripping and streaming.

I would throw Daphile into the mix now, does what vortextbox does without the geekery.

The possible problem for macs now is no cd drive.

HI Bart, Guys,

Thanks for the advice.  I intend to use the RipNas (or an alternative quality all-in-one solution, but which??) simply to rip and then to use as a NAS; so streaming vthe files via the Q2. I won't use the RipNas for playing CDs.  I don't need the hassle of buying & installing s/w, and connecting a NAS to my PC; in order to start ripping. Looking for a simple one box solution with no PC involvement.  Is the RipNas as good as the UnitiServe; in terms of quality of ripped files? I guess that's the crux of the question; and to be balanced against the price difference.

Advice, comments welcomed.

Celt.

A ripped file is a ripped file so I really wouldn't worry too much about that. I have found dbPoweramp on my Macbook to be much much faster (3X?) than ripping on my Vortexbox, and more accurate in its tagging. Honestly, if I had to do it all over again I would probably have just ripped on my Macbook and gotten a regular NAS vs going the Vortexbox route. It works, but been quite finicky, and definitely not plug n play in my experience. Anyway, if your budget allows it the Ripnas looks like a good solution, though this is my first time hearing of it (not in the USA I would think). The Zoneripper looks good as well. Naim's Unitiserve is grossly overpriced imo for what it does and the components involved. But I suppose if you can afford one then it makes for a seamless fit. Also budget in a decent ethernet cord(s) - made a big difference with my UQ1. Also transcoding from FLAC to WAV. 

Oh, and in no way would I spend more on the server than the streamer! You'd be better served going as inexpensive as possible on the NAS end of things (be sure to include a back up solution as well) and going up the chain from the UQ with the money saved. Or the UQ combined with a better amp. Even better is a DAC V1 or Hugo between the UQ and amp. 

I used RipNas when I first got into streaming.  It is a very good all-in-one solution.  I use a UServe now but I think the quality of the ripped files and playback is as good as the UServe.

Thanks Guys,

For all your good advice.  I have taken a look at the Zoneripper (as suggested) and the "Mini" version looks neat, and would fit well with the Q2; and certainly it "looks" more of a quality product than the RipNas Solid v3.0.  Any thoughts on how the Zoneripper compares to the RipNas in terms of ripped files quality and in reliability?

Celt

The RipNAS and ZoneRipper use the same ripping engine so no reason to expect any differences in quality.

They are both computers so reliability is never going to be 100%, and likely to exhibit failing HDDs etc. One of my ZR max drives failed after 13 months, 1 month after the manufacturers warranty expired but was replaced and repaired free of charge through a local dealer. Having a good dealer to fall back on is probably key just like buying any Naim gear.

The latest RipNAS and ZR max units look better built than the earlier equivalent versions. The max versions also appear to offer greater flexibility with larger drive sizes if that is important.

My Vortexbox is in the same case as the Zoneripper mini. They do look nice, though the build quality is nowhere near that of a Naim or other good hifi. Mine's now in a closet so in retrospect it really didn't matter that much how it looked. 

Has to be Vortexbox - find a nice case and build your own.

The latest build 2.3 just gets better and better.

Tog

Celt I'm not sure of your terminology.  A NAS is just storage.  Most nas boxes also can function as a UPnP server, if you enable that feature.  Is that what you mean -- using the device as a UPnP server, connected to your home network via an ethernet cable -- the same network to which you connect your Qute?

Not all UPnP servers (software packages) are created equal, and the data you see in n-Stream is what the server software sends it.  I'd rely on reviews of others here who have used the particular server you're interested in. 

"A regular nas" is painting with a broad brush.  Some come pre-configured with good UPnP server packages, some with awful servers.  Some can have a different server installed on them, some cannot.  This is true even within brands of nas's.  I think that experience here shows that not all nas's and server packages are created equal.

Whilst we're counting opinions, imo I'm quite happy with my UnitiServe as a ripper/storage/server device. We have many options, which is great.