Basic questions about ND5 XS

Hi,

To be able to play the files stored on your Laptop under iTunes, you would need to make it a 'Server' so that the tracks can be seen by the ND5XS. I would suggest you install Asset UPnP server, with the iTunes directory in the Asset configuration. This will then present the iTunes library, through UPnP to the ND5XS streamer.

Ultimately though you would need to be looking at a dedicated server (NAS or NAS & dedicated UPnP server) to store and serve your music.

In terms of control from a Laptop, I believe there is a project 'Asset Control' that does allow UPnP control from Windows. All part of the dBPowerAmp family.

"What else do the ND5XS do that is interesting" - the ability to play FLAC/ALAC or ACC/MP3 (if you have to) through your existing system without having to touch the laptop, and the ability to do it in much better SQ than your current arrangement, especially with the ability to play 24/192, 24/176.4, 24/96, 24/88.2 formats.

Before, I get flamed, yes, I know that iTunes can be made to play HiRes, through plug-ins/USB drivers to be able to take a digital out to an external DAC etc. But that's not what the OP is asking about. iTunes via Airplay to a Airport Express (performing the DAC) with a analogue out, into the 152, can easily be better.

Simon.

Great, thank you.

Why do you think I will ultimately need to have a dedicated server? 

And what's involved in doing that (i.e. equipment and so forth)?

Hi,

It depends on the make/model of NAS you buy, and the UPnP server software you can run directly on the NAS's processor. I started, as many do, with Twonky server, running on a low-power NAS (my first unit is a ReadyNAS Duo), but I found as my library grew, the performance of the NAS wasn't up to the job, and there elements where Twonky can be better. It isn't a music-only UPnP server, and how it handles Compilations, Album Artists, Composer, Conductor fields etc. 

So I now run a dedicated Asset based UPnP server hosted on a Raspberry Pi, with the files running on a ReadyNAS Ultra 2+ NAS, with the ReadyNAS Duo being part of the backup strategy.

Hope this helps.

Simon.

Very helpful.  Another question if you don't mind - if I recreated the same setup you have with the IT equipment, would I still be able to use all my iTunes playlists?

Unfortunately no - the UPnP server would only scan your library for audio files in the ALAC, ACC, WAV & MP3 formats supported by iTunes, for presentation to the ND5XS.

I don't know what format iTunes maintains its playlists in, but I don't believe they can exported and converted into a M3U format.

Personally I use Playlists in the Naim application running on the iPad, I can back them up via iTunes, but are separate to any iTunes playlists.

Now, thinking about it, before my ND5XS I had a Squeezebox and ran Logitech Squeeze Server (LMS) on the NAS, and their iTunes plug-in was able to read the iTunes Playlists. See http://wiki.slimdevices.com/in...ners_Guide_To_iTunes

So what you could do, is run LMS on your Laptop (or supported NAS), allow it to scan your library, then enable the UPnP mode in LMS, which would then serve the files and playlists to the ND5XS.

Anyone else got any ideas or experience with LMS, iTunes and Naim streamers?

Simon.

I would suggest purchasing a UnitiServe, as this will rip your CD's as a 1:1 copy negating any loss which you would experience by ripping through iTunes. It can store around 2,500 CD's at CD quality, and there's even a 'downloads' folder which you can drop iTunes music into for the US to manage!

On top of making your life easier, it is also the best sounding UPnP server that I have come across (I have tried many different options by now including Asset UPnP running on a dedicated Raspberry Pi). It is made by Naim, for Naim.

It will however cost more than an ND5, but I feel it's a reasonable price for what is on offer here.

Hi, N,

Funny thing is, thinking you "have music in iTunes" gets in the way.  What you have is music files on your hard drive that iTunes presents and plays for you easily on your computer.  Those same music files, sitting right where they are, can also present themselves in other programs optimized for different purposes, including playing on a Naim streamer.  The fact that iTunes will not be involved is trivial.

Install a UPNP server app you like on the computer.  Asset, and MinimServer are two I like on Macs.  Once that is done, you can play your music files via the ND5.  

Another option is to use an optical cable from the AirPortExpress to the ND5. 

The ND5 also lets you control your 152 from an iPad, etc.  Nice!

You cannot go wrong, really, if you plan to keep the 152 or stay with Naim long-term.

Nick

Hi N,

One simple way to play your. ITunes through an ND5 would be to use an iPhone (assuming you have an iDevice which also carries your iTunes library). All you have to do is plug it to the USB connector on the front of the ND5 and then control it via Nstream / Naim app (though you would need a second iDevice (or android with the new app) to do this).

Hope this helps.

Paul