UPnP Server Recommendation

Posted by: The Meerkat on 29 June 2013

I am pulling my hair out (What's left of it!) with the Twonky UpnP server, that is built into my Qnap NAS. I have just bought the ND5 XS and am running it with my Supernait, I'm quite happy with the sound.

Originally, I had the UnitiServe SSD, and used that as the UPnp server. Yes, I know, why did I get rid? Perhaps I shouldn't have, if I'd known the problems with Twonky...Missing metadata, wrong metadata, track listing all over the place and missing albums!

I have read so many threads about Twonky tree change, tags & tagging, but I think one has to know what they're doing, to carry this out correctly, and I'm not very good that kind of thing. Also, and more importantly, I am a Mac user, which totally limits the type of software that I'm able install on my iMac, so I can't have dbpoweramp.

I have looked at a few options...A new Asset NAS server, but it's double the price of a Qnap (£450). A small form factor, low power PC with Asset UPnP server installed. The later was a suggestion by Phil Harris (Naim Support) on a previous thread.

I am the proud owner of some fantastic Naim HiFi. But the Twonky UpnP server is stopping the ND5 XS from doing it's job.

Please can someone suggest a much better alternative to Twonky.

Many thanks

Posted on: 30 June 2013 by RaceTripper

Originally Posted by ragman:

Every Software has the potential to make the system less stable and could be a "door" for attaks.

So what? That's true for desktop systems too. An NAS is just another computer. It's only different from a desktop in what it runs on top of the kernel OS (i.e. the UI). Instead of a window type of UI it provides a web interface to services it offers. I have no problem running software on it. I even enable ssh on it so I can remote shell to it from my Mac. If you use a NAS only for file storage, it really is underutilized in terms of capabilities.

Posted on: 30 June 2013 by Jumping Jack

On Mac you can use XLD (X Lossless Decoder)...

Posted on: 30 June 2013 by The Meerkat

Jack

What about...The 1.7 upgrade to HD players and servers is due in the next few weeks. There will be an option to convert all the ripped WAV files to FLAC. If I did this, would other UPnP servers then be able to read the files correctly?

Posted on: 30 June 2013 by Jack

I don't know, in theory yes but it depends what's included in the upgrade. You might be best to contact Naim direct and ask them what options are open to you.

I think this should have been explained to you better and consequently your dealer might be accommodating if you wanted to go the nDac route?

Posted on: 30 June 2013 by The Meerkat

Cheers Jack, will call Phil Harris in the morning, and also speak to the dealer.

Posted on: 30 June 2013 by Prubast

David,

Hope you are well mate (apart from from the UPnP issues) Don't suppose you can get the the US back and keep the the new streamer?

As you know I wouldn't be without mine! in tadem with any Naim streamer they really save some fafff.

Best of luck old boy, keep the hair let us all know when things are resolved.

Posted on: 01 July 2013 by The Meerkat

Hi there Prubast

Nice to hear from you! Not seen you on the forum for a while...

After my long chat with Phil Harris this morning, I have decided to keep the UnitiServe...and buy a nDAC!!! I really am bloody skint now!

Cheers mate!

Posted on: 01 July 2013 by The Meerkat

A big thank you to all that gave their kind advice to my post.

I have decided to Keep the UnitiServe, and exchange the ND5 XS with an nDAC

Posted on: 01 July 2013 by engjoo

Apart from the fact that it doesn't transcode to WAV, I have no complains of the upnp media server provided by Synology.

Posted on: 01 July 2013 by Prubast

Originally Posted by The Meerkat:

Hi there Prubast

Nice to hear from you! Not seen you on the forum for a while...

After my long chat with Phil Harris this morning, I have decided to keep the UnitiServe...and buy a nDAC!!! I really am bloody skint now!

Cheers mate!

No 555PS for the NaimDAC then I take it?

Posted on: 03 July 2013 by The Meerkat

Not unless you want buy it for me!!