New to NDX and networking

Posted by: pz on 14 January 2012

I know it is a stupid question but I would like it to be answered:

Could I connect NDX to NAS "directly" by ethernet cable (without PC and

internet access) ?

Will NDX playback the music files (FLAC) tose are on NAS driver in this case ?

In general, which is the best way to feed NDX to get the best sound ?

(Upnp server ..or ..USB device... or...and ?)

Thx.

Posted on: 14 January 2012 by rich46

small portable usb HDsounds as good as it gets untill you down load 192k music hd tracks

Posted on: 14 January 2012 by Iver van de Zand

Hi Pz, you deinately cn use the NDX to play music stored on the Nas, without having a pc running or internet access. To do so, the Nas needs to run upnp software like dbAsset or Twonkey. Does your Nas running this software ? There are a lot of threads onthis forum discussing the various upnp sofware thpes, their advantages and disadvantages.

My personal experience is that music stored on a Nas and accesses via ethernet gives superb results and siperb comfort of use. With your NDX you can use the Naim iPad/iphone app to control your music

Posted on: 14 January 2012 by aysil

without PC and internet, yes; but not "direct" ethernet cable: a router in btw is necessary.

Posted on: 14 January 2012 by HuwJ

I find I get the best results from 32Gb USB drives. I load one with a pile of tracks and call it various. Then I just let it play randomly, as if it was a playlist. I have another with my current favourite albums on it and play those depending on mood. I just bought a third stick to load up! I connect to my PC with JRiver if I'm not sure what I want to hear - I use FLAC and find it works pretty well as a upnp server.

Regards
Huw

Posted on: 14 January 2012 by pz

Thanks for every post Guys.

If I understand well a router is mandatory to link NDX and NAS together

even if they are the only elements of the "network". Is that true ?

If yes I have to buy one.

When do I get the best sound from NDX ?

a. from UPnP server (PC or NAS with proper software)

b. from USB HDD

c. from USB memory sticks

What do you think ?

Best regards,

Posted on: 15 January 2012 by Simon-in-Suffolk

Hi, I think only you can determine that by trying, as it is a personal matter. For me a) gives me the best sound and flexibility with my NDX.
Simon

Posted on: 15 January 2012 by pz

Dear Simon,

Thx for your help.

Is a router mandatory then ?

I have a laptop running XP operating system. What UPnP

software should be installed ?

NDX+XPS2 -> DAC -> preamp OR NDX -> DAC+XPS2 -> preamp ?

Posted on: 15 January 2012 by Nigel

Hi PZ

Just to clarify it is possible to connect the NAS and NDX together directly via Ethernet; providing the NAS is running an UPnP server. To do this you would need a “cross-over” Ethernet cable, after which you would then configure the NAS and NDX with a static IP address configuration. The downside of this is that your iPad/iPod/nStream etc would not be able to communicate with the NDX nor have internet access; in this situation you would need to use the front panel / remote control to control the NDX. I’ve been running this exact configuration on and off now for around 3 months playing FLAC files. If you were not bothered about internet access, but required iPad/iPod/nStream use then you would need to introduce some form of wireless router/hub and you would no longer need the cross-over cable. My NAS is a QNAP running Twonkey UPnP software.

With regards to the best method to feed the NDX I agree with Simon in that it’s down to personal choice to be honest; I’ve tried many of these options. I’ve opted for NAS/UPNP also for convenience and ease of use.

I hope this helps.

Nigel

Posted on: 15 January 2012 by garyi

Pz, you sure you dont have a router, how are you communicating with us?

Posted on: 15 January 2012 by Simon-in-Suffolk

PZ, a router is not mandatory, but clearly if you want to connect your LAN to the Internet you will need one.
The essential item is a switch (or hub, but best steer clear of these). This connects your NDX, upnp server, NAS and ripper together on the same network. You will need a wireless access point that supports muticast if you want to use Nstream, or use NDX wirelessly ( as with hubs, I would stear clear).
Consumer Internet routers often have wireless AP and switches built in, but the variation in quality is shocking and I think causes much of the fustration with home networks and streaming. Hence why I recommend separate switch and AP connected to the router. The Apple Airport Express is a great little wireless AP, supports multicast and can act as a mini DHCP server (assign addresses to hosts on your network) if you should need it.
There are many upnp servers, from Naim and third parties. Each has a particular benefit or disadvantage and columns have been devoted to this on the forum. I use Asset.
Simon

Posted on: 15 January 2012 by pz

Absolutely Nigel!

Thank you very much.

It seems to be that I will buy a router and will use NDX

and a NAS (Synology ?) and/or my laptop wired by some CAT5E cables.

I feel it is more flexible. What PC software is right for this purpose ?

Simon, thank you for your always helpful posts.

Garyi, I have internet access of course but my hifi is in the basement

and a wifi router does not "see" the components in thebasement.

Best regards,

Posted on: 15 January 2012 by pz

Dear Nigel,

Please confirm that if you could this combination will work:

NDX directly linked to laptop by 'cross-over' ethernet cable

if asset UPnP server is running on the laptop.

So music files stored on the laptop can be played by NDX.

Thank you.

Posted on: 15 January 2012 by Nigel

Hi PZ

Yes that would work. I’ve used the exact PC configuration on my production network (no cross-over cable) when testing UPnP servers. Remember however, that you would not be able to use iPad/nStream as there would be no wireless connectivity so you would be using the remote and front panel.

Regards

Nigel

Posted on: 15 January 2012 by pz

Thanks Nigel.

It will be the first variant to try it out.

No need to buy a switch, less active

network appliance. Anyway, I do not

have Ipod/ipad at the moment.

Thanks again.

Posted on: 15 January 2012 by Jack

Sounds like you have enough info to get going - dont forget you will need Internet access for the NDX to use the iRadio function - Radio Paradise sounds very nice via NDX

Maybe a subsequent step for you once you get going