UnitiServe

Via digital your Unitiserve would be the player and the Uniti would act as a DAC/Pre/Power - so you would get no meta data through to the Uniti this way.

I hear what you are saying regarding UPnP - but if you want to choose your album via the Uniti this is the only way - otherwise you need to consider controlling what is playing via the 'serve.

quote:

I'm looking at the UnitiServe to connect directly to my Uniti via digital input.
(I could go UPnP but am not confident I won't get drop-outs)
Two questions:
1) How, exactly, does the UnitiServe display album names via the Uniti. What database is it pulling them from. And what happens if it doesn't recognise them?

It will only send this information to the Uniti if connected to it with Ethernet cable, or wirelessly through a router. If you do neither of these and connect only via the BNC digital output, then you will need to plug in a mouse and monitor (or touchscreen) into the Serve to control it, display album names and manage your music. It has a limited internal database, but for most ripping, you really must connect it to the net where it will automatically interrogate the All Music Guide Database. If your disc is not found there, you can manually enter the information through the Serve's interface.

As Eloise has mentioned in the 'UnitiServe & UnitiQute without network' thread, your are defeating one of the most useful functionalities of the Serve if you don't connect it to the internet.

quote:

2) Would I be better taking a different route? Would there be an alternative I could go for. Excuse me for being thick but I want to spend £2,000 the right way!!!

There are many alternatives, have a look through this section of the forum and sites such as Computer Audiophile. The Naim solution is a very attractive one if you would rather not spend the time building your own server. I rip discs to the Serve during the week while connected to the net, then bring it to the weekend house (no internet) and connect it to the Naim DAC through the BNC dig out. Control is then via a monitor and mouse, and soon a touchscreen.

Jan

What is the web front end like on the Serve?

Tog

Same as the HDX - you can create playlists, rename music, manage network storage, etc.

Why not consider a Mac Mini, Hiface and iPad? Very simple to set-up and a dream to use with the new "remote" app for the iPad.

quote:

Originally posted by Tog:
What is the web front end like on the Serve?

Tog

Like David said, and the same as you would see if you plug a monitor into the Serve. Here's a link previously posted by Develyn
http://www.flickr.com/photos/1...624623494755/detail/

Jan

Many thanks for all the advice. I'm back to thinking again. I had wanted to stick to Naim but that might seem a bit impractical now.
My basic requirements were for a storage device to RIP and label CDs and then be connected to the Uniti directly without UPnP.
I'm computer literate but really don't want to go down the route of using my laptop/Mac desktop to control my hi-fi.

Thanks for all the advice.

quote:

Originally posted by Jon Myles:
(I could go UPnP but am not confident I won't get drop-outs)

Not using UPnP (as I said elsewhere) does miss a big chunk of the selling point of the Naim Uniti.

Drop outs with UPnP usually occur when trying to use Wireless networking - via Cat5e / Cat6 cabling and a good hub/switch/router most people find it reliable (I believe). Can you not get a dealer to loan you a UnitiServe. You could also download Asset UPnP server and try that on a PC - if this works for you then a RipNAS device (or do-it-yourself) comes in as alternatives to the UnitiServe.

Eloise

Jon
I can confirm Eloise is correct in believing the set-up as described is sound. I installed a Qute just over 3 weeks ago and it has been streaming for at least 10hrs a day; longer some days, since then. I have just looked at the port statistics on my switch and it shows there hasn't been a single issue, no collisions or re-sends and the NAS log backs this.
So if you can connect by cable in my experience there is no need to be concerned about drop-outs, and everything to be gained in usability.

Regards
Peter

Surely if you're going to connect a UnitiServe to a Uniti via an S/PDIF cable then it's just as easy to connect them via an ethernet cable to a small switch (and the switch to a router for lookups etc.)?

In that way you get the full functionality of Uniti/UnitiQute including teh easy browsing of your music library from the Uniti/UnitiQute (and control via the iPhone app if you wish).

Your dealer should be able to advise you but you will not get any streaming issues on a wired network unless something is *SERIOUSLY* amiss and you should not get any issues when using a Uniti/UnitiQute on a wireless network (however wireless networks are very much ate the mercy of local conditions such as building construction and presence of other wireless networks in the area).

Cheers

Phil