New switch in network to move NAS closer to NDX

Yep, a switch connecting regular ethernet wired connections between your NAS, media server (if seperate) and Naim is the way to go. Drop outs will become a thing of the past. 

You might want to get a little wifi access point, such as an AirportExpress to plug into that switch.. That way discovery issues should be kept to a minimum and you should have smooth operation with the Naim client app.

Simon

Great thanks Simon bt home hub seems start of issue

will report back

+1 wot Simon Sez - especially if its a BT HH2 or 3

Thanks Mike,  Home Hub 5  is the router - having to reset all the time is a real pain but over Xmas it got silly

If you set up the system as Simon suggests, with the NAS and streamer connected to a switch, and an AE as access point, the system will keep working even if the router is turned off at the mains - though you won't get iRadio or Spotify of course. It's a very resilient setup, and one which even yours truly can handle. Probably 90% of the problems people seem to experience with streaming systems seem to be down to network issues. If the setup is right, using the system will be a pleasure rather than a pain in the neck.

Switch fitted and boy did it make a difference increased musicality detail

delighted with the result

THANKS for advice 

this new set up really has improved the sound quality of my system, just by the addition of one small switch, thus enabling me to move the NAS into the same room as NDX - certainly more detail

Good to hear that is working for you. 

If you fancy a bit more fiddling (and some expense) then I would think it is worth replacing the Devolos with an Airport Express per the previous suggestions. 

Getting rid of the electrical noise injected into the mains might give you an SQ improvement, but will likely give you more stable operation (because better for app discovery).  Also if you have any issues in the future where you need Naim support, the first thing they will suggest you get rid of is the Devolo's.

+1

I'd agree that the Airport Express is a better solution, as long as it's within range of your wifi. The old style AE that is smaller, and attaches directly to the socket, works fine, and you can pick them up very cheaply on 'that well known online auction site.'

I would also move your Home PC connection off of the BT Home Hub onto the Netgear switch. You presumably want your home PC to work relaibly with uPnP and other discovery protocols too, so the chances of that will increase if the BT home hub is not involved.

I'm OK with what you have but would agree with the other sugestions for the sake of what I would consider better.  

1 ...........  replacing the Devolos with an Airport Express

Yes +1 but I would be even happier with ethernet all the way

 2 ..........  move PC connection off of the BT HH5 & onto the switch.

It will be OK as it is but would be better with data traffic managed rather than pebble dashed around the network.

I'd agree that you should at least give this a try. Your BT HH may be doing a decent job of sending data in the right direction, but there's every chance the switch will do this better. In fact, if you don't plug the PC into the switch, I'm struggling to see what the purpose of that switch is.

I adopted a slightly different approach, keeping the 'noisy' NAS upstairs and network equipment well out of the downstairs listening room (lounge) ....

I don't seem to experience any problems with this configuration.

Mr Frog

Out of interest just how "noisy" is your QNAP TS-212 NAS? I guess you are talking about the noise produced by the fan? My recently installed TS-112P is sited on the same shelf as my audio system and any noise produced is unintrusive. Certainly less than my occasionally humming NAP200! Maybe QNAP have improved the design.

Dave

Nothing terrible, just intermittent restarts etc ...

It was once suggested to keep all the network equipment well away from audio kit .... so that's where I ended up, with it in a different room. Prior to that, everything was in the lounge on the audio rack. I can't say that I've heard a difference in sound, but at least I don't hear the NAS firing up 

I don't know of anything other than mechanical noise that makes a far away NAS location better.

Mine is in a closed door cabinet near the audio rack. Synology claim the noise is 17dB but are not specific about @ 1m or right next to it - its practically silent.  All I hear is a low whirring on power start up & shut down & even lower noise when its waking from hibernation.  To isolate it further I have mounted it on small sorbothane half ball feet.  Like I say practically silent. 

If you are feeling flush & fancy a new one,  look around for fan-less

Or will they:

https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...33#45493054454075733

Dave

I have a QNAP 212, which varies in noise. I have, this week, changed the drives to WD Reds and the noise has almost vanished. I have taken the opportunity to give the NAS a good clean and place it in a cupboard in the hallway, so well out of ear shot.

I moved it far away for aesthetic reasons.  I like to see just Naim kit on my Fraim.  Just black boxes with green lights.  Perhaps trivial, but moving the nas with its blinking lights gives my hi fi setup and living room environment look less like a computer room.

Yup,  thats a pretty good reason & why mine lives in its closed door cabinet.