UnitiQute - Supply it with music from a MiniMac or NAS?

Thanks Nick.  It does seem that there is no 'perfect' way to do this.  Would the ultimate method be using the unitiserve or the like?

I have always thought there is much to like about the Uniti Serve; but, in the end, it has the same problem as a NAS does:  it is a computer with an unfamiliar operating system, simple and dedicated though it may be.  If you have a local dealer who will support the Uniti Serve well, I think it is luxurious option.  

If you have experience with Apples, or friends who do, and an Apple store nearby, the support available can really improve the ownership experience.  These days, I think familiarity and support trump most other trade-offs among the available platforms.  Without good support, stay with what you know.

I do run a Synology NAS, and like it alright.  I only have to log into it to update it a couple of times a year; but that means I usually have a few moments of head-scratching trying to remember how to log into it to do so.  Simple after I figure it out, but some people would find it a disqualifier.

The NAS has come in handy, as my principle Mac music server, a four-year-old Pro with four hard drives in it, has started to fail.  The Mac has been an amazing performer, considering its age; but it did not like the transition from Mavericks to Yosemite plus the addition of Norton Antivirus.  I have been working for a week to get it running right from a clean install -- it takes time is all.

I do love the benefits of playing music using computers, but being prepared for the inevitable challenges with alternatives in place helps reduce the aggravation when something needs a tweak.  Simplicity is elusive, it turns out.

Nick

Thanks again Nick.

Really I want something that just works and doesn't require a load of faffing around.  I don't have much patience and like equipment to work without the need to update it all the time and muck about changing the settings etc.  Hence the simplicity of a classic hifi set up being optimal, but I am trying to make the move to a one box system to downsize, hence the UnitiQute, however, I am trying to avoid the 'ball ache' that comes with such a change!   I am sure it will be a learning curve and I don't mind that, but I would like reliability and ease of use.  I am familiar with macs hence why I was considering one, and it could also be used as a computer if needs be, via the smart TV.

Basic Mac Mini plus a big cheap USB hard drive is a very flexible choice, if you already know Macs.  Connect it to the UQ2 via optical cable (mini-Toslink to Toslink), and to the TV via HDMI.  Nice!

Nick

Cool thanks.  And then the unitiqute will be able to just play music that I have ripped to itunes that way, and I can control it all from the Nstream app on an ipad?

I think I am still confused ha!

So UpNP software needs to be installed on the Mac or NAS before one can use the Nstream app to access / play it?

Lewis,

I have been where you are right now. And as a Mac geek, it was a lot of pain and frustration before I was set up but once you figure everything out it will work just fine.

Too bad Steve Jobs did not have a Naim system, otherwise it would probably have been a push one button experience which it isn´t today...

My conclusions and setup (and there are probably as many ways of doing this as we are embers but as I know this is working for me with a Mac maybe it is a good start also for you)

I started with a wireless setup but had issues and now when using ethernet cable and a switch all works 100%. (knock on wood)

You can store music on your Mac or on a NAS (NAS makes more sense as your Mac otherwise always must be running). 

Your Mac does NOT have a UPnP server so you need to download Minimserver or Twonky or similar if you decide to use your computer as storage. Once installed and up and running the UQ will find the server and then your are ready to listen to your music.

The NAS normally have some kind of UPnP software running so all you need to to is to put your music in a Music or Media folder. (I have a Netgear ReadyNAS, far from the best BUT it actually works fine for me using the built in UPnP software) Once you make sure that the UPnP server software on the NAS is running it will show up on your UQ and you are ready to go.

I rip my music using XLD and the Macs CD drive (not optimal but works) and save as FLAC. 

As said, took a while to figure everything out (with help from members of the forum) but once setup it just works.

Good luck!

...can I suggest Asset UPnP from www.dbpoweramp.com as a UPnP server to take a look at - there's been an OSX version since early this year and it does seem to work well.

Cheers

Phil

The Asset UpnP server is brilliant and allows transcoding of flac to wav which Naim seem to prefer. I think linking the Mac mini through optical to the Unitiqute limits the resolution of the music files you can play.

Asset is available for Mac, Windows and Linux and there is a Qnap (i think) install.