NAS attached to Naim DAC by USB?

You are all partially correct in your comments but it is just how my distributed audio kit evolved that makes a certain further evolution of most interest to me.

I don't know what you want to call it, be it a basic PC, a NAS or a bastardised SAN but what I have is this.



It contains 4 TB of disk space and acts a store for Music, photos and Video and does automated backups of my other PC's over the network. It has Server software on it to run this, including a DNLA media server and a UPnP music "player/control" as Andy labels it. The "remote" sits on my ipod touch.

I have a couple of laptops that can be turned into networked UPnP 'renderers' or if you prefer 'media players' with a very sinmple piece of software so that I can supply music to the bedroom and office systems and use either SPDIF out or go thru' the DAC's in the PC's.

For my main Naim HiFi system the easiest route forward is to invest in a high quality networked DAC since all these other functions are already in place.

If I was starting from zero then maybe some of Naim's boxes would be a better VFM investment.

BTW I listen predominantly to vinyl. My CDP has started to gather cobwebs and bringing the main system into my distributed media fold is where I am coming from here.

regards
Geoff

You have a traditional nas. Stick it on a router and get a streaming device.

This is what you have been asking for just in a really weird way.

quote:

Originally posted by Geoff P:
For my main Naim HiFi system the easiest route forward is to invest in a high quality networked DAC since all these other functions are already in place.

You have a Windows Home Serve (WHS) it's as simple as that! Pretty much a Microsoft's NAS software.

Geoff ... there is not such thing as a "networked DAC" (to my mind) ... there is a streamer (usually utilising UPnP AV) which contains a high quality DAC stage.

I would agree with (I think Nero) that your requirements are met by a Linn DS or possibly the PS Audio PWD + Bridge. Alternatively if you want to use a Naim DAC, the PS Audio "Digital Lens" with Bridge (UPnP Streamer with SPDIF output) may suit you though as (IIRC) this will also take SPDIF type inputs through their de-jitter technology so you may not like it as it's not the single function device you're looking for.

Your third option would be if you could run something like J.River Media Center or Foobar on your WHS and run a digital cable from that to a DAC - but thats more complicated to do and requires your WHS box next to the DAC. Other options are things like the Squeezebox but you don't seam keen on them either.

Eloise

See a NAS is just a hard drive with the ability to be directly networked instead of hooked into a PC.

A USB pen / hard drive is a hard disk that boots using USB protocols and present's itself in an agreed file format.

The NAS has a USB2.0 port - unless the NAS is using some odd proprietary OS then why can't a DAC just seen it as a large USB drive?

quote:

You have a traditional nas. Stick it on a router and get a streaming device.]

Gary thats obvious. It just so happens I fancy the streamer and DAC being in one box

quote:

This is what you have been asking for just in a really weird way.

At the start of the thread I didn't feel the need to explain it all in boring detail. As the replies came in this boring detail became necessary. Nothing weird about that thank you.

quote:

I would agree with (I think Nero) that your requirements are met by a Linn DS or possibly the PS Audio PWD + Bridge

Eloise & Nero

Thanks for the suggestions. I mentioned that I am checking out both the Linn and the PS Audio earlier in the thread. They look closest to the solution I am looking for.

Geoff

Yes, I'm sorry I didn't read closely enough. The PS Audio solution looks promising, but I've always worried about support in the UK. IIRC Howard Popeck used to sell it, but no longer I think
The Bridge is out at beta test ATM, so we will see how it goes

quote:

Originally posted by Holty:
See a NAS is just a hard drive with the ability to be directly networked instead of hooked into a PC.

A USB pen / hard drive is a hard disk that boots using USB protocols and present's itself in an agreed file format.

The NAS has a USB2.0 port - unless the NAS is using some odd proprietary OS then why can't a DAC just seen it as a large USB drive?

That makes the NAS a DAS (Direct Attached Storage). The Naim DAC could in theory read WAV files from a USB DAS (I've not tried it so can't say if would work - I don't think it would); however there is no software for the DAC to allow you to easily navigate the tracks; so it would be like a CD with 1000s of tracks and just next and prev buttons.

The SB Touch would be an option or a MacBook - I like the idea of a DAS. As I haven't got CAT5/6 cable around my house then a NAS in the loft does not appeal to me.

quote:

Originally posted by Geoff P:
... the Linn and the PS Audio earlier in the thread. They look closest to the solution I am looking for.

Geoff

Geoff - I think they are ... Naim doesn't make a UnitiQute sans amplifier, but I'd still listen to it if I were you in case you agree with me that it sounds better than the Linn DS. If it does then true you get an amp you don't need, but it still sounds better and is cheaper than the Accurate DS. If you simply prefer the Linn and why not some folk do prefer its clinical sound ( only joking) then you know the UnitiQute is not for you. My only reservation is that it uses Windoze and I do not like to use Windoze if I can avoid it - I wish it used free-world software based on Linux (which the Linn does) or TripOS (which nothing ever does 'cept my Amiga).

No idea what Paul & Stan's box sounds like.

quote:

Originally posted by Holty:
See a NAS is just a hard drive with the ability to be directly networked instead of hooked into a PC.

A USB pen / hard drive is a hard disk that boots using USB protocols and present's itself in an agreed file format.

The NAS has a USB2.0 port - unless the NAS is using some odd proprietary OS then why can't a DAC just seen it as a large USB drive?

Hi Holty -

My Buffalo Linkstation NAS also has a USB port, but it is primarily for adding incremental USB storage for it to serve up to the network, and not for connecting directly to a PC.

Hook

I think that's it. Hooking a NAS up via USB is probably like trying to hook 2 computers together with same.

quote:

Originally posted by ROTF:
No idea what Paul & Stan's box sounds like.

A friend of mine in the US is on the beta list for the bridge - I'm looking forward to his feedback. He's a big fan...

The Acer has a USB port for instant backup of a USB drive. In other words 'in' not 'out'.

ROTF thks for the commets I will see what is possible to get to hear where I am.

Nero. PS Audio is sold locally by a solid HiFi business pretty close to me so I am hoping to hear a DAC with the br4idge. PS Audio visited this neck of the woods recently specifically to demo and publisize these component, unfortunately I missed it.

regards
Geoff

quote:

Originally posted by Geoff P:
PS Audio is sold locally by a solid HiFi business pretty close to me so I am hoping to hear a DAC with the br4idge. PS Audio visited this neck of the woods recently specifically to demo and publisize these component, unfortunately I missed it.

If you do get a chance, I'd be very interested in what you think. I think Paul came over to the Bristol Show, but I didn't get down there

Sorry to the OP - this is way OT, I'll shut up now

quote:

Originally posted by ROTF:

quote:

Originally posted by Holty:
See a NAS is just a hard drive with the ability to be directly networked instead of hooked into a PC.

A USB pen / hard drive is a hard disk that boots using USB protocols and present's itself in an agreed file format.

The NAS has a USB2.0 port - unless the NAS is using some odd proprietary OS then why can't a DAC just seen it as a large USB drive?

That makes the NAS a DAS (Direct Attached Storage). The Naim DAC could in theory read WAV files from a USB DAS (I've not tried it so can't say if would work - I don't think it would); however there is no software for the DAC to allow you to easily navigate the tracks; so it would be like a CD with 1000s of tracks and just next and prev buttons.

The SB Touch would be an option or a MacBook - I like the idea of a DAS. As I haven't got CAT5/6 cable around my house then a NAS in the loft does not appeal to me.

A Mac Mini is essentially as DAS with a front end client. This Buffalo NAS has a front end client via web browser so you could use it on your Ipad, iphone, pc, mac etc.. i think i'll try one out and report back as to the sucess?!

quote:

Originally posted by ROTF:

quote:

Originally posted by Geoff P:
... the Linn and the PS Audio earlier in the thread. They look closest to the solution I am looking for.

Geoff

Geoff - I think they are ... Naim doesn't make a UnitiQute sans amplifier, but I'd still listen to it if I were you in case you agree with me that it sounds better than the Linn DS. If it does then true you get an amp you don't need, but it still sounds better and is cheaper than the Accurate DS. If you simply prefer the Linn and why not some folk do prefer its clinical sound ( only joking) then you know the UnitiQute is not for you. My only reservation is that it uses Windoze and I do not like to use Windoze if I can avoid it - I wish it used free-world software based on Linux (which the Linn does) or TripOS (which nothing ever does 'cept my Amiga).

No idea what Paul & Stan's box sounds like.

rumours that the cambridge audio unit will be on market £400 , no unnessary power amp fm radio etc

quote:

rumours that the cambridge audio unit will be on market £400

not a brand I'd use without a thorough audition - I had an excellent Cambridge P60 made in the UK during the 70s; however all the new range of CA products I've heard have been poor (lifeless and dull) - the DAC Magic is the obvious example: listened to one and thought audio direct from the computer was preferable (the new one, not the old one from the 80s/90s which I remember as being quite good). However, that said their new BluRay player looks interesting so perhaps there is hope ....