NAS / HD setup, what to buy?

@manicm
I can only speak of mp3 and WAV. Don't have other file formats. Regarding the built-in iTunes server the manuals says it supports mp3, wav, aac. I do not know what else can be streamed besides iTunes.
Only issue with the LaCie so far: I had no success with built-in backup or copy. Since Sunday evening ChronoSync (I'm on a MAC) is copying via WiFi. About 75% of my 130GB Library landed on the NAS already crossed the river.
Gottfried

Gottfried
I am doing exactly the same as you . Have an issue with the wireless access sensitivity (for file maintenance) due to distance. Have you tried wireless client mode to see if you can run iRadio with ethernet in? Ian

quote:

Originally posted by Tog:
@ Phil

How do you find WHS - in terms of it working with Naim kit?

Tog

My WHS box has SAMBA shares for CDs, DVDs and Blu-Rays - my HDX has no problems at all with accessing the CDs share on the WHS box and the UPnP server in the HDX provides that data to my NDX and UnitiQute.

All works absolutely seamlessly. (As it should.)

Phil

Ian,
I'm not sure that I understand your question. My configuration of the LaCie ist Wireless Client. Ethernet is used for streaming music form the LaCie to the Qute, iRadio is streamed to the Qute using its own WiFi. The music collection on the LaCie is synchronized with my Mac using the LaCie's WiFi integration into my WLAN. I never tried anything else. It's working fine for me. The distance from the LaCie and the Qute to the router is about 6 meters (it's sitting on a wardrobe in the corridor).
Gottfried

Thanks Gottfried, I have been struggling with wireless client config, too many options amongst other things :~). At the moment I using it in wireless access point mode, which means it is on a different network, hence no iRadio, of course I can remove the ethernet and reboot the Qute. Anyway, I am going to listen to some music for a few days and have another go at the config later, probably too impatient:~)
For, the wider audience, I am playing a 24 bit FLAC off the LaCie nas (by ethernet) and it is performing very well. Best yet. I have had the Qute about a month and very pleased all round with this venture into higher res digital.
Regards
Ian

Why don't you just bridge it? A wireless access point does not mean it has to be on a different network.

quote:

Ethernet is used for streaming music form the LaCie to the Qute, iRadio is streamed to the Qute using its own WiFi.

Hi,
after posting this I was plagued by doubt whether this really worked the way I supposed.
I watched the yellow lights of the Ethernet ports and they really seldom showed any activity. So I did some experimenting.
1. While playing music from the LaCie I removed the Qute's WiFi antenna: Streaming buffer went down to zero, music stopped playing, buffer was filled again, music started to play.
2. (Original set-up restored) Unplugged Ethernet from Qute: Nothing happened at all.

Conclusion: While Qute connecte via Wifi with WLAN and via Ethernet with LaCie only WiFi is used.
New set-up: Qute does no longer use WiFi. Now music streams via Ethernet from LaCi and web connection is via the LaCi. Side effect: LaCie can connect with 802.11b/g/n, Qute only 802.11b/g.

Gottfried

Hello Gottfried

Reading your post I am a little unsure. You do realise that the Qute can only use the Ethernet connection OR the WiFi connection at any one time; not both together.

Which one it uses depends on it's state when switched on. If a valid Ethernet cable connection is installed it will use Ethernet without a cable it will use WiFi.

Your post seems to imply that you thought it could use both at the same time. Apologies if I am mistaken about this but better to be sure you know.

Regards
Peter

I've been using Carbonite to remotely back up files on our laptops and pcs; near enough instant remote backup and versioning. Zero management or hardware. Easy to retrieve stuff. Extremely good value. There's another similar product called livedrive that is quite tempting too - they claim you can stream from their remote backup to your iPhone!

Peter,
that's exactly what I found out today. Therefore the Qute's WiFi is off now. As the antenna is removed it is a visual enhancement too
Gottfried

I have my wireless client working now (LaCie didn't like spaces in the SSID name, didn't bother anything else, including the Qute).
I can concur with Gottfried, with iRadio, data is now going thro the ethernet between LaCie & Qute. I also have removed the wireless antenna!
Great stuff, Ian

Great guy's, wired is always preferable IMO............Peter

Hi guys! Can somebody explain why Naim, Peter and others claim "wired is always preferably"?

As far as I think data transport is 100% identical for wired or wireless - either it arrives, or it does not. No jitter, loss or modification of single data packets or whatsoever. And thus, resulting audio quality is same based on these criteria only.

For wireless you even have CRC checksum (which you don't have if wired).

Only exception would be low signal if your wireless client is too far away from router or some significant interference occurs. But in these case you'd really hear a really strong drop in your music play (and would simply need to fix your WLAN, if possible).


Curious on your thoughts. Thanks!

All ethernet packets (wired and wireless) use CRC. Packets can arrive but may be corrupt, particularly as collisions are possible because two stations can start transmitting at the same time.

Wired connections are generally considered to be more reliable, though ethernet was originally conceived as a wireless technology.

Yes, but if "corrupt" then this would be due to network issue (which can be fixed) and sound would drastically change (harsh dropouts not subtle sound changes), right?

quote:

Originally posted by M_B:
Yes, but if "corrupt" then this would be due to network issue (which can be fixed) and sound would drastically change (harsh dropouts not subtle sound changes), right?

No, some collisions are inevitable, the packets should be retransmitted and assuming normal network operation should not cause any sound loss because of buffering at the receiver end.