To stream or not to stream?

Posted by: nyron59 on 11 April 2016

For far too long, I have considered going down the digital streaming route. My current library is exclusively CD but has already been burned to Flac using Dbpoweramp.  On several occasions, I have almost “pressed the button” only to be dissuaded by the complexites of setting up and maintaining a network, and NAS with UPnP. 

Disillusioned, I convinced myself that the solution was to remain with a CDP. However, my wife has “persuaded” me that I need to find a proper solution for my ever-expanding CD collection.  In other words, streaming is her sole solution!

I have still to invest in a Naim system but have demo’ed (i) a CD5 XS and (ii) ND5 XS along with a Supernait 2. Frankly, I’d be thrilled with either the CDP or streamer.

I want to “get off the fence” and make a final decision: either proceed or forget it forever! So, this is what I’m thinking about:

Streamer:          ND5 XS

Amp:          Supernait 2

NAS:           Synology DS216+ (plus 2 WD Red 2TB drives) using DSM6 (not MinimServer)

Switch:          Netgear Prosafe GS105

I have been following the Naim Streaming forum for some time – some of the problems emphasise the frustration felt by a number of users. That is what concerns me!  I am neither a tech expert nor a network engineer!  I also know that there are a variety of digital solutions but think the NAS route is perhaps the best way.

So my key questions are:

  1. Is streaming worth the emotional investment and can I be confident that I will get a system set-up and maintained without too much blood, sweat and tears and
  2. Do you have any comments on what I am proposing to buy?
Posted on: 15 April 2016 by Innocent Bystander

Before upgrading to present setup (mentioned above), I initially had a NAS connected through Switch to ND5XS, remainder of network connected via same switch, and internet hyb/wireless router in another room. Bog standard coputer Cat5e cable between NAS, Switch and ND5, 1m and 2m respectively. No problems. No evident change when I replaced NAS with a Mac Mini acting as NAS (other than the pleasant end to direct acoustic noise pollution!) but now ND5XS replaced with Audirvana on the MM/Gustard/Hugo there is no network in line.

Posted on: 15 April 2016 by Mike-B

Good advise Adam,  but I would not be so concerned with modern SMPS's as they are a lot quieter,  but it is reduced noise,  not no noise.    Also don't forget in UK we are cursed with ring main circuits & this results in TV's, PVR's, BRP, games boxes & all the other stuff - ALL powered by internal or wall wart SMPS - & all on the same circuit as the hifi.

Posted on: 15 April 2016 by Simon-in-Suffolk
Adam Zielinski posted:
nyron59 posted:
Mike-B posted:

The easy way out is to not use screened (STP) ethernet, its not needed in domestic environments & getting it wrong with unwanted extra earths & other things can make things worse.   I will add that STP done right,  is 100% OK

I'm not sure if I'm following the technicalities of the last couple of posts around this. My site location for the router and the streamer are going to be adjacent to one another. Same mains supply. Is this going to be a significant problem?  I was simply intending to use Cat 5 cable.

One source of a potential 'problem' may be a switch-mode power supply, that usually comes with consumer electronics like routers and NAS. They tend to be quite 'noisy' and can 'polute' the mains.

If at all possible, it is advisable to plug them to a separate mains spur that Naim.

I agree with this - although SMPS can be well made they will by the way they have to work always  introduce noise into the mains and might also radiate noise through the air from the connected wires - often why you see ferrite beads on connecting wires to mitigate this - or at least ensure the radiation fits within EMC limits. The HF noise in the mains will typically attenuate over a short distance and so I find its best to keep a good physical separation between SMPS and the sensitive devices  - and our Naim equipment - as is other equipment  - sensitive to noisey mains and nearby noisey appliances. To be fair the effect is subtle but certainly to me real -  RF pollution to me often makes audio sound drier and sometimes sharper.

Simon

Posted on: 15 April 2016 by nyron59

Thanks. I understand now. This is a real education for me.

Posted on: 17 April 2016 by Huge

+1

In my case the effect of RFI that I detect is a rise in background clutter, masking delicate elements of the music.  For myself and my system, I've found that a very liberal use of ferrites has largely eliminated the problem.

Posted on: 17 April 2016 by Bart
Huge posted:

+1

In my case the effect of RFI that I detect is a rise in background clutter, masking delicate elements of the music.  For myself and my system, I've found that a very liberal use of ferrites has largely eliminated the problem.

Have you posted photos of your cables? I'm imagining them littered with those little ferrite clamp things.

Posted on: 17 April 2016 by Huge

Guilty as charged, 35 of them on a quick count, including the 'fridge (but not the kitchen sink...  but now you come to mention it...  !)

Timeo technocratos et donae ferentes.