N-Serve / Stream - first impressions

Posted by: Tog on 31 March 2011

Much faster loading cover art!

More subdued colour scheme (far less luminous green!)

Very responsive volume control - much better

Uncluttered interface

Overall much faster - close to Remote ( especially loading cover art - possibly faster - interface is much simpler than Apple's.



Overall much closer to Remote - no that's unfair like comparing oranges and apples - they are still quite different - with different functionality - close and better than all the others.



Well done all - especially TJ



Tog
Posted on: 31 March 2011 by Tog
Speed improvements are based on iPad version of nStream - @Allen good point about the artist page I wonder if you put a jpg into the artist folder on the server - will it pick up.



I will test both Remote/ nStream side by side later but at the moment whilst nStream no longer frustrates I probably prefer Remote.



The layout on the iPad is much better - particularly the Uniti control functions - it is certainly a far more polished piece of work.



Tog
Posted on: 01 April 2011 by MacUser

The update to the n-serve app is excellent on the iPad; slick, no hangs and great to use. However, why is there no radio function on the n-serve for HDX - Songbook has this function; albeit the Songbook app is a disaster. The function exists on the HDX but the new Naim n-serve app continues to hide this function...

Posted on: 01 April 2011 by DavidDever

Internet Radio on the servers is not officially supported, as (firstly) it must be properly licensed and (subsequently) accessible to the end user for navigation and radio list updates.

 

Phil Harris has posted elsewhere that this functionality is planned for addition to 1.5a SP3 or SP4 software for the servers. It would subsequently be added to n-Serve for control.

 

SongBook's access to the servers is based on the DigiFi API for their system software, which Naim licenses–however, it is clear that the Naim servers are further developed to Naim's specification and, therefore, include functionality not available to SongBook through the generic API.

Posted on: 01 April 2011 by Klout10

Hi,

 

Anybody tried the app with an iPod Touch already?

Regards,

Michel

Posted on: 01 April 2011 by dk2

I've tried with an ipod touch (nstream) but no volume...? Maybe because I've got an older ipod touch?

 

Might get an ipad now (if I can get hold of one) as I know it will be a whole lot better on the larger screen.

Posted on: 01 April 2011 by Asenna04

dk2,

 

Have you enabled System Automation on your NDX. I see no reason why it should be different on touch. It should work. Make sure System Automation is enabled in the NDX settings and the volume controls are enabled on the n-stream app.

 

ASenna04

Posted on: 01 April 2011 by dk2

Hi ASenna04

 

Thank you for the tip. I don't think I did either to be honest, which probably explains a lot!


I'll try again this evening.

 

 

David

Posted on: 01 April 2011 by Asenna04
Originally Posted by AllenB:
Originally Posted by dk2:

Hi ASenna04

 

Thank you for the tip. I don't think I did either to be honest, which probably explains a lot!


I'll try again this evening.

 

 

David

dk2

 

See the other thread, you will need a cable between NDX and your Naim preamp to be able to control the preamps volume via the n-Stream app. Your dealer should know which one (they are not all the same, depends on preamp model).

 

Allen

 

Good point Allen, forgot about that. I saw that he can not see the volume controls on the n-Stream and thought of the reasons why and suggested to check the settings. But you are correct it will not work without the cable. I got mine to go with the 252 from Amazon by typing the following:

 

3.5mm Mono Jack Plug To Single RCA Phono Plug Cable 1.2m



ASenna04

Posted on: 01 April 2011 by JeremyT2

Seem to be catching up with the Sonus app but not quite as slick IMHO.

J

Posted on: 01 April 2011 by lhau

I want to praise the nStream a bit first.

 

It used to drop connection now and then, especially when faced with a long list of songs (when I was naughty enough to select All Music from my upnp server). I knew this is not server problem as I can see the list almost immediately on the green screen on the unit itself, but the list would fail to pass to my iPhone/iPad and the connection drop to a point that even the current playing information didn't even display.

 

All this is gone. It is quite fast too, and no problem even with my All Music browse so far. Though some say this is what it should have been, but I must acknowledge the effort to fix and its definitely working now.

 

The down side is, I still want something like Song DS to easily create playlist, at least a on the fly one and a randomizer somewhat like that of the iTunes DJ, so I can shuffle and also know what is coming up and tweak it a bit etc.

 

Playback wise, would love to have a time bar showing time remaining etc. Fast forward and rewind would be nice, but failing that, at least give me a sense of time remaining and how far I am in the playback......

 

Love to hear more in the live chat. How do you access that live chat?

 

PS: I didn't test the Album art feature so much as I don't have stored much of them anyways. Would love to hear other's experience.

 

Posted on: 01 April 2011 by lhau
Originally Posted by AllenB:

When was this chat event arranged - about 5-6 weeks ago. Cancelled at the last minute. 

However, I am glad the APP was not rearranged. nStream from a paid not quite functional (at my home due to my post above), to a free AND user friendly program. Big change indeed! Thank God.

Posted on: 01 April 2011 by pcstockton

FYI,  you don't HAVE to use Naim's Apps nor Servers.

 

If you want flexibility and control, use JRMC or Foobar as your Server with PlugPlayer as your controller.

 

OR, use JMRC and their "WebRemote".  You can do anything you want with it.

 

Why do you guys think that a Server developed by a hifi mfr, and its corresponding apps, will outperform a dedicated developer of software?

 

No offense to Naim... and I do really want one of their renderers, but for what I and seemingly most others want, only a legit media player can deliver.

 

-Patrick

Posted on: 01 April 2011 by GeraldUK
The iPad app is a great upgrade but have to agree it would have been great to have had a volume control on there as well
Posted on: 01 April 2011 by Tog
nStream definitely easier to live with but still some irritations that I hope will be ironed out. iPad version looks better but lacks apple's slick usability eg. Cover art fills the screen until you touch it and it spins to reveal the track listings.



@Patrick - I can't agree. Why shouldn't Naim produce server and control point software. I think it is brave that they are venturing out of the traditional hifi pigeonhole to try and produce the best for their customers. I have used enough crap software from computer companies (usually Windows based) to know that it doesn't really matter who produces the code so long as they know what they are doing.



Brave or foolish I would give TJ and Co a good B+ with Apple just ahead which considering the advantages that Culpertino giant has is a remarkable feat.



Have a few drinks tonight TJ - and get working on V2.5



Tog
Posted on: 01 April 2011 by Paul Stephenson
Patrick plug player really compared to our app not really sorry.

As for the chat event guys we did not cancel at the last minute we had a set up problem with timev gmt had moved forward plus 1 hr since we posted the event. Since these chat events are new we missed this and screwed up- my fault. Tom has answers for many posted questions in the sticky above.

Posted on: 01 April 2011 by pcstockton
Originally Posted by Tog:
@Patrick - I can't agree. Why shouldn't Naim produce server and control point software. I think it is brave that they are venturing out of the traditional hifi pigeonhole to try and produce the best for their customers. I have used enough crap software from computer companies (usually Windows based) to know that it doesn't really matter who produces the code so long as they know what they are doing.

Read my post Tog.  I didn't say Naim shouldn't try to develop something.  I said those with exceptions to Naim's offerings should look elsewhere. 

 

Naim MUST develop something as they are selling standalone solutions (HDX, NS0x and Serve) that dont even require a traditional computer anywhere in the chain. 

 

But for most of us out there moving to distributed audio, we have a spare or dedicated computer somewhere in the mix.  Why not use it?  If that computer is a Mac, i get it.... you dont have any decent options, so a Naim solution might be preferable.

 

PlugPlayer is great.  Does nServe/Stream allow you to use your iOS device as the renderer?  How is this not desired by anyone with a music collection and an iPhone.  Take all of your music with you.  No more converting to ALAC or MP3 to put music on your device.  In fact no more need to sync music to the device at all!

 

-p

Posted on: 01 April 2011 by likesmusic

Plugplayer is crap! (imo)

Posted on: 01 April 2011 by Tog

@Patrick...  Plugplayer is pretty dreadful. I know I'm being chariitable but Songbook is even worse so I suppose everything is relative.
Using a Mac means having the good fortune to live a life without having to negotiate the train wreck that is Windows and all that goes with it. I could use Foobar or J River in the same way that I could choose to have root canal work done on my wisdom teeth. If I want an alternative then it comes with a Mac via ITunes.
At the moment I have both Apple and Vortexbox providing rock solid service as alternative
approaches to streaming. I use both Remote 2 and nStream 2 and mpad all preferable to the Winows alternatives. If I was stranded on a desert island with only a PC for company then I would choose Asset as the least worst alternative but then streamed music would probably be the least of my problems.

Tog

Posted on: 01 April 2011 by pcstockton
Originally Posted by likesmusic:

Plugplayer is crap! (imo)

why?  can you please elaborate?  You as well Tog. 

What is so dreadful about it?  I dont get it?

 

I do admit when it first released, like two years ago, it was slow and buggy.  I haven't had a single problem since.

 

If I was stranded on a desert Island I would stream ALL of my music from home to my iPhone, WHILE my GF listens to something completely different in the living room, AND send another stream to our basement office.  All different music, not the same stream to multiple locations.

 

I am doing it right now in fact.  I am streaming (from JRMC at home) a little John Zorn to my iPad in my office.  Sweet.  But looking on LastFM right now (i scrobble from Foobar and MC), it shows my GF is enjoying a nice sunny Friday afternoon Pixies sesh from the same library and player.  I can even change the tracks and volume on her (hilarious).  I just put on some Meshuggah...... and she just called me

 

Oh and on top of that I can stream all of my pics and videos to my iOS device.  Money.  No more painful x264 conversions.

 

Anyway....  That is what I like about PlugPlayer.  It works as a remote and a renderer and does both very well.  It streams any file I can import into J River.  It is fast and reliable.  What's not to like?

 

-Patrick

 

Posted on: 01 April 2011 by latecomer
It's free now? Great for new users but leaves a slightly sour taste that I paid $38 for it.
Posted on: 02 April 2011 by pcstockton

whatever.... I paid $10 for the Scrabble app that is now $2.99

 

My own first real PC (1996) was about $3000 (200MMX).

 

My parents first VCR (1982ish) was $1200

 

its free now.... it is what EVERYONE wanted.  No spilled milk allowed.

Posted on: 02 April 2011 by pcstockton
Originally Posted by Tog:
Using a Mac means having the good fortune to live a life without having to negotiate the train wreck that is Windows and all that goes with it. I could use Foobar or J River in the same way that I could choose to have root canal work done on my wisdom teeth.

It is hilarious to me that we feel EXACTLY the same way....just in complete opposition.  To each their own always applies.

 

iTunes is unusable to me, but is the best thing about Mac world. 

Posted on: 02 April 2011 by Tog
@Patrick







Lost my heart to a Macintosh (fat mac) at Uni in 1985 - never looked back even the days when everyone said they were dead in the water. My mind works visually so I guess that's why I like their approach to software.



In truth Plugplayer reminds me of everything I hate about PCs and windows. It works but with absolutely no sense of ergonomics, design or finesse. Apple's remote app in contrast works so intuitively that it takes seconds to learn and is a pleasure to use. Plugplayer for me just feels awkward like a Zune. Naim's apps are much better in their iPad form but still leave me a bit cold, a purely emotional response.











However, I love the fact you are so enthusiastic about what it can do for you which is great.







Having completely different views on something is what makes life interesting.







Tog
Posted on: 02 April 2011 by pcstockton

Tog,

 

I honestly cannot find a meaningful difference betwen PlugPlayer and Remote.

They are basically the same.

 

How is PP harder to use?  What isn't intuitive.

 

I use both everyday and they are on equal ground in my estimation.  PP is only more complicated because you select a Server and Renderer (if you have more than one). 

 

Do you actually use it?  If so, how and why?  If you are a Mac guy, what use do you have for it?

 

-p

Posted on: 02 April 2011 by fathings cat



Good point Allen, forgot about that. I saw that he can not see the volume controls on the n-Stream and thought of the reasons why and suggested to check the settings. But you are correct it will not work without the cable. I got mine to go with the 252 from Amazon by typing the following:

 

3.5mm Mono Jack Plug To Single RCA Phono Plug Cable 1.2m

 

 

Will this were with a Serve and give me volume on my i pad?

 

Thanks

Gary