Weird NDX Issue

Posted by: Jack on 01 December 2011

I seem to have a very strange issue with the NDX and wondered if any other members have experienced anything similar?

The issue relates to playback of hi-res FLAC files, specifically 96/24 files. I don't think this has anything to do with the server but just to be clear I'm using Asset as the server although the files are stored on QNAP. Most of my collection is ripped in WAV but I do have some FLAC files (uncompressed FLAC). The metadata and the artwork is stored in the file itself.

When streaming using UPNP then the song will start to play but I'll get the message "connecting...please wait' then eventually it will change to 'please wait.....input initialising'. It's not consistent in when this happens in the song but it happens every time.

What's really strange here is that the same file ripped as WAV plays absolutely fine, still with the metadata and artwork stored in the file itself.

All standard resolution FLAC files play perfectly well. I have the latest NDX i.e. the one with the new board.

So tried playing back same files via USB...similar in that I get very small interuptions in the song when playing back via FLAC (although no 'please wait' messages) and again no problems using WAV.

Anyone else had any problems, or could anyone try this if possible, please?

Cheers

Jack

Posted on: 01 December 2011 by Simon-in-Suffolk

Hi Jack, not seen that before, but perhaps there is something strange in the FLAC encoding. Have tried recreating the FLAC file and see if the problem goes? Also there is a new software version for the NDX due imminently that updates several modules including the streamer boards and so that might also eliminate the issue if it is NDX related.
Simon

Posted on: 02 December 2011 by Jack

Simon, thanks I have converted to wav and then back again to flac and got the same problem. Its not a major issue given I'm using Asset as I will just convert them to wav, most of my ripped music is wav anyway.However, if its a bug with the NDX then will flag with Naim, sounds like I should wait for the new software.

Cheers

Posted on: 02 December 2011 by roo

I believe the "please wait.....input initialising" is the software restarting after a crash. You should send your files to Naim so that they can try to reproduce the failure. Have you tried a different USB stick when playing the files back? Some memory sticks may not be able to deliver the data consistently enough so it's worth trying a few different ones.

Posted on: 04 December 2011 by Nigel

Hi Jack

Yes, I have a very similar issue. The configuration is:

NDX new board configuration with DAB module
Cat5 Ethernet on all devices
NDX and NAS devices are using static IP addressing
QNAP 509 with twoney latest firmware
Asset on VM using share off nas
Asset on dedicated PC local files
Dlink 24 port gigabit switch
NDX switch port configured as auto / auto (anything else the NDX port logs many errors)
QNAP negotiating to 1GB/full

When the NDX is initialised the system works fine with all files cd, 96/24 and 192 (all my library is in flac format). After two days the buffering slows down to a point where when playing hi-res music the buffer decreases to 0, music stops and buffering recommences. After which music starts playing again, this happen on all UPnP servers.

To fix the problem immediately, all I do is unplug the ethernet cable and reconnect. After which it will be ok for another two days!

I've been working with Naim directly to try and isolate the issue. At the moment R&D are not accepting there is a problem so I'm pleased you've posted your issues. Maybe this will wake them up as it’s nearly bye bye to the NDX for me!

UPDATE !! - Whilst writing this post, I’ve been informed that my issue at least (I did mention this post) has been escalated to the software manager, who is investigating this evening. Hopefully, we can all get a satisfactory resolution.

Posted on: 04 December 2011 by Jack

Nick

Sorry to hear you are having problems.....the FLAC issue I have can be easily re-produced in my environment. I haven't raised a support call with Naim as I understand from others that a new update for the NDX is imminent.....I will try again with the new software when available.

I realise it takes two days for your problem to occur but have you tried converting any of your music to WAV to see if you have the same problem?

Posted on: 04 December 2011 by Nigel

Hi Jack

Thanks will convert to WAV and give it a go. This will probably be tomorrow now the Mrs has told me to wrap some presents!

My NDX is running software version 3.09.00 which did not fix the issue. I'm not sure if this is publically available yet.

Many thanks for your help.

Regards

Nigel

Posted on: 04 December 2011 by Jack

Nigel,

I'm on version 3.06 so several behind you.......might be also worth trying the NDX direct to the QNAP with Twonkey running i.e. no switch and no other kit. The QNAP or the NDX would have to be able to sense the absence of the switch for this to work or you would need to insert a cross cable between the two. Not suggesting its a network issue but at least you can rule out the network this way and also you could try the different UPnP servers also.

Posted on: 06 December 2011 by Phil Harris

Originally Posted by Jack:

Jack,

Can you contact me directly (phil.harris@naimnet.com) and we can get that file sent over here - would be sensible to try to see if we can recreate your issue here on that file rather than waiting for the next software release which may or may not "fix" it as obviously we don't know what your specific issue is...

Cheers

Phil

Posted on: 06 December 2011 by Jack

Will do

Posted on: 13 December 2011 by Nigel

Hi Jack

Took your advanced and managed to track down a cross-over cable. I used this between the QNAP and the NDX. I then tested this for three days with no problems at all. However, this was not using the iPad/n-Stream as there was no wireless connectivity. Back on the production network the problem appears again. So I’ve swapped out the switch to another make to see if this fixes anything; after which I think I’m heading down the WireShark road.

Nigel

Posted on: 13 December 2011 by Jack

Nigel......which model of the D-Link do you have?

Is it possible to switch off functions like advance flow control etc ec. Also you didn't mention where your broadband/WLAN router fits in...is that just connected to the D-Link (what type is it?) What type of switch have you moved over to?

Does sound like a possible network issue, hope the new switch fixes it for you1

Posted on: 14 December 2011 by garyi

Is asset on the qnap or on a pc?

Why not use qnaps built in upnp server, take some crap out of the equation?

Posted on: 15 December 2011 by roo

The built in version of Twonky has been upgraded to 6.0.34 (IIRC) in the latest firmware release for the QNAP nas family. I'm using that version on my NAS and it's working well with my NDX.

Posted on: 15 December 2011 by sckwan

I had similar problems as well. I noticed that when I tried to play certain Chinese or Cantonese track (wave 16/44 format), my NDX will display the following message

'please wait.....input initialising'

And my N-stream will display the following message "Streamer not responding". And when I select setup on my N-stream, it will display "No device found" under the Select device option.

Posted on: 15 December 2011 by Nigel

Hi Jack

The Dlink switch has been replaced with a NetGear GS724T (latest firmware etc.). A failure has happened after the switch replacement, proving the Dlink was not at fault. Further investigation using WireShark has shown that the Squeezebox Touch was communicating with the NDX! This has now been unplugged to see if this was the route cause. Failing that debug traces will be taken and sent to Naim support. The problem you have mentioned “Connecting …Please wait” I have had also where it’s required a reboot of the NDX to fix the freeze. Do you have some form of slim device on your network by any chance?

Regards

Nigel

Posted on: 16 December 2011 by Jack

Nigel

Some of these issues can take quite a while to resolve unfortunately. I don't have any slim devices on my network at present although have used in the past. Phil (Naim) now has a copy of the hi-res files to play with. Incidentally tried the same music on another NDX via USB and same issue....could of course be my USB stick but I doubt it.

Anyway good luck with your issue, keep us posted!