Muso & Asset on WHS based NAS

Posted by: Mark M on 20 February 2015

my setup is a ZoneRipper Max running asset under WHS v5.2 (build 3790 SP2) accessed by a Linn DS, Linn DSM plus a few Sonos, all connected wired via Gigabit switches.

I bought a Mu-so (connected wired not wireless) which is great until I try playing 192kHz 24 bit files which results in frequent pauses - not a problem with the Linn DS or DSM.

Installed Asset on my MacBookPro and even though connected to the network by wireless, the Muso can play the 192kHz 24 bit files without problem from there, which would suggest something not ideal with the zone ripper Max/ Asset setup for a Mu-so even though its fine for Linn.

I have asked support who suggest its obviously my NAS at fault though other players have no problem.

 

I have tried restarting everyone (modem, switches, players) and the problem continues.

 

Has anyone successfully played 192kHz.24bit files on a Mu-so from a NAS running Asset under WHS (v5.2 build 3790 SP2)?

Thanks

 

Mark

Posted on: 20 February 2015 by Frizzlefry

Hi

 

Is Asset converting FLAC to WAV? If it is, try un-transcoded FLAC; if it is not, then try a transcode to WAV.

 

Not sure if it will make a difference, but worth a try.

Posted on: 21 February 2015 by Mark M

Hi Frizzle fry

 

thanks, a more informed suggestion.  No transcoding - less debate of WAV vs FLAC on Linn forum; rightly or wrongly, FLAC files and the Naim app indicated its playing FLAC.  Checked Asset settings and its setup to play FLAC "as is" and WAV "as is"

 

Does Naim have a problem playing FLAC files ?

 

I have converted one album to WAV and yes, the Muso can play those just fine.  

 

Next step, I changed the Asset settings to play FLAC files as WAV and Muso then copes with the FLAC files transcoded ...

 

What does this say about Muso?

 

thanks

 

Mark

Posted on: 21 February 2015 by dayjay

I'm running whs on an Assetnas with Asset upnp supplying my music streaming,  it's feeding a UnitiQute 2 and not a muso though. Almost all my files are flac with a fair few at 24 bit and I transcode to wav on the fly with no problems what so ever. Not certain which version of whs mine is, from memory 2011?, but I can check if it helps.

Posted on: 21 February 2015 by DavidDever

Check to make sure that the unit is in fact utlizing the wired network? Unplug the network cable to see if it drops (if it doesn't, you've been running on wireless all this time).

Posted on: 21 February 2015 by Mark M
Hi Dayjay
 
24bit is not the problem, only 192kHz 24bit files.  Interestingly, my Muso is fine with WAV files or with asset transcoding to WAV - just odd it could not cope with FLAC played as FLAC.
 
I am curious; why do you have asset transcode FLAC to WAV on the fly?
 
See also reply to David to follow.
 
Originally Posted by dayjay:

I'm running whs on an Assetnas with Asset upnp supplying my music streaming,  it's feeding a UnitiQute 2 and not a muso though. Almost all my files are flac with a fair few at 24 bit and I transcode to wav on the fly with no problems what so ever. Not certain which version of whs mine is, from memory 2011?, but I can check if it helps.

 

Posted on: 21 February 2015 by dayjay
Originally Posted by Mark M:
Hi Dayjay
 
24bit is not the problem, only 192kHz 24bit files.  Interestingly, my Muso is fine with WAV files or with asset transcoding to WAV - just odd it could not cope with FLAC played as FLAC.
 
I am curious; why do you have asset transcode FLAC to WAV on the fly?
 
See also reply to David to follow.
 
Originally Posted by dayjay:

I'm running whs on an Assetnas with Asset upnp supplying my music streaming,  it's feeding a UnitiQute 2 and not a muso though. Almost all my files are flac with a fair few at 24 bit and I transcode to wav on the fly with no problems what so ever. Not certain which version of whs mine is, from memory 2011?, but I can check if it helps.

 

I spent an evening listening to flac and wav files back to back, after reading on here that Naim recommend wav for best quality,  and felt that wav sounded marginally better. That was before I got my Hugo to be fair and I haven't tested to see if the same still applies

Posted on: 21 February 2015 by Mark M
David,
 
thanks for the suggestion; I was convinced I had avoided entering WAP details as notes suggested wired is necessary for high res files.  However, after unplugging, the light changed from white and back to white and Muso worked.  Looking at the guidance notes, it would appear I could have copied the wireless details using iOS without specifically entering them.  However, reconnecting network cable interrupts play so I assume cable overrides wireless.
 
After trying numerous permutations:
- MBP (wireless) / asset to Muso (even wireless) is almost OK with 192kHz.24bit FLAC (one randomly timed pause per track) but not a PC/WHS/asset wired (pauses approx every five to ten seconds - not fixed intervals).
- 192 WAV and 192/24 FLAC transcoded to WAV on the fly were OK, even with Muso wireless. 
 
Perhaps this is why the Naim forum is more enthusiastic for WAV - Naim works better with it.
 
Done fiddling with settings, I shall WAV bye - off to listen to some music :-)
 
Thanks all for input.
 
Mark