Unitiqute questions

I have a readynas NV (which I think is like the Duo but with more drive slots). The readynas comes with a UPNP server built in, so all you need to do is store FLAC files in the media directory and the server should find them. I use Exact Audio Copy on PC to rip CD's into FLAC.

I have since installed Twonky media on my ReadyNas. If you do a search for Twonky and ReadyNas on Google, you should be able to find the link to the ReadyNas forum that has the downloads.

Although it is a pain when I have a new CD to have to rip it, download it to the NAS, then force the media server to search for new files all before I can play the CD, the quality is brilliant and to have your entire CD collection available at your fingertips is really nice.

If you don't already own a NAS, it is possible to store flac files on a computer and run a UPNP server such as Assett or Foobar, both of which are free.

As for speakers I'm using some Naim IBL's. I'm very happy with the qute and the speakers

I use an old Apple PowerMac and a MF V-Link to connect it to my UQ's S/PDIF input. I think it sounds excellent even through some small KEF speakers that sit either side of my computer screen. If I had more space then I'd use Naim nSats or possibly little Totem speakers which sounded great to me.

I don't use UPnP, but you could - hopefully Naim will offer Airplay as an option soon.

The Naim US is very good, but wasn't quite what I needed.  

All the best Guy

Thanks for all the answers. I have a ReadyNAS Duo already. I don't want to have a computer on when I listen to the music. I've got all my CDs ripped as wav files. Can I just put them on my ReadyNAS and point the UQ at it or does it need other software on the NAS?

Richard, yes, according to the ReadyNAS specifications, it provides DLNA/UPNP support and so should be accessible by a Qute as a source of music.  Hardware-wise you are fine.

The choice of WAV may be a problem however as it does not really support tags and so the NAS is unlikely to be able to catalogue your music successfully.  Can you convert or re-rip to FLAC?

If the ReadyNAS due is like my ReadyNAS NV, there is an application called Ready DLNA, which is accessable from the streaing services tab in Front view. Just tick the box to set it running, and make sure it is looking at the directories that you music is in.

You may have issues with tagging using Wav files. I've never used Wav, but I'm not sure you can embed tags as easily as with Flac files.

I've been ripping my CDs as WAV using MAX, but have been generating the .cue files as well. Can something like ReadyNAS use those for cataloging?

Right now I just have a 4 TB RAID attached to my MacBook Pro and using EyeConnect. I'm planning to get a Mac Mini to use as a media server, but would consider a NAS if I can find one that plays nicely with Apple stuff (like my Airport Extreme/Time Capsule).

I have a QNAP NAS TS-110, which has Time Machine support and works well with my Mac. Reasonable price, reliable, and with regular firmware and software updates. A huge range of networking options which I'm still trying to get my head around, plus you can plug in 3 external usb drives, e-sata, and add another QNAS as a virtual drive to your existing drive (to increase the disk size without having to disturb your files).

Plus good back up software. The only thing I'd probably change is to get a 2 disk box, for mirroring & data safety, and perhaps a slightly (newer) faster model. It also has Twonky Media server built in...