Latest Opinion on the Best NAS Drives
Posted by: nigelb on 11 August 2015
I have been meaning to get a NAS drive for some time now purely as a file backup device for my Unitiserve. The Unitiserve has broken down twice now and I really must get a back up system. It is not a question of if a server will fail terminally, but when.
So I would really appreciate views on the best (simplest, most reliable, best UPnP software) NAS drive as a backup for music files. I know this topic has been covered in the past but many NAS drives have previiosly proved problematic and technology moves on.
If you are using NDX I suggest you try it with a software based uPnP server like Minim or Asset running on whatever NAS you get. It is likely to make the US seem unreasonably expensive and it might sound better. This was how we came to part with our HDX.
Many thanks Harry - very helpful. Do you have any recommendations for make of NAS? Synology and QNAP seem to be the makes most often quoted.
Cheers
Nigel
Firstly thank you to all who have replied - it is very helpful. I clearly need to do some thinking and some research.
Chris - yes I primarily need the NAS as file back up device but if my Unitiserve konks out (a technical term) again I might be tempted to ditch it and use the NAS as a server. I thought you simply installed appropriate software on to the NAS and it would function as a server. I realise I won't necessarily be able to rip CD's (one of the main reasons for getting the Unitserve originally) but I have little need to rip CD's now as I download most of my music these days. I am using an NDX as my streamer (or renderer I think the correct term is). Are my assumptions here correct? If not please advise what I need to use a NAS as a server.
Nigel, this is how I got started too. I bought a UnitiServe, and then realized I need a nas to back it up. Once I figured out how to get the backups working (the hardest part), I slowly figured out how to get various UPnP servers running on it, and how to use it as a server itself w/o the UnitiServe. When the uServe was out for a repair, I still could serve up my music. And like you, I RARELY rip a cd now-a-days.
I think you're on the right track with wanting a nas that will double as a good music server. The current Synology and QNAP soho nas's will do this. I would stay away from the very bottom of the product lines however, as some extra processor power and ram (512meg is probably enough; 1 gig is probably better) will make it all that more responsive.
Bart - thanks for this, very helpful. May I ask which UPnP server software packages you found to be the most simple/reliable when installed on a NAS to allow it to function as a server and which make of NAS (Synology or QNAP) this software works best with if you have this detail? Excuse my ignorance but what does soho stand for?
Sorry to bug you but you seem to have already gone down the path I will be treading and it is not possible to try NAS's before you buy as far as I am aware.
Cheers
Nigel
Nigel, I find Synology and QNAP to be equally OK. I've used both Asset and MinimServer and find them both equally OK too. Each has its little nits, but none really stands above the other for me. And both are actively being updated / further developed; features get added over time.
SOHO is an acronym for 'small office / home office.' It's a label most nas suppliers use.
I have two QNAPs (410 and 470) which have been faultless in operation although I have lost 3 HDDs in about 6 years which AFAIK isn't the fault of the NAS. One just went pop, one was DOA and the third ailing disc is being deep scanned at the moment. I doubt it will make it. It's a WD Red so I'll get a free replacement because it only went in last year. I'm sure that any decent quality NAS will do the business and most of us tend to be brand loyal if we have a make which is hassle free.
We got our HDX when no dedicated streamers were in the Naim family. Loved it. Used it for many years and couldn't fault it, although I was happy to admit that it was comparatively expensive for what it was, although good value IMO for how it sounded. When we went with the NDS it seemed logical to keep the HDX for ripping, serving, etc. and because our NDS had to go back to base, the HDX came into its own as a second/backup source. It didn't sound as good as the NDS but it wasn't shabby and infinitely preferable to silence.
Then our HDX got sick and had to return to Naim. I installed Minimserver on the QNAP TS-410 as a contingency and was suprised how easy it was to install and set up. Sure the visual presentation of HDX ripped WAVs looked ugly when delivered to the streaming app from Minimserver but we were both struck, immediately and not insignificantly, by how much better the music sounded without the HDX in the chain. A veil had lifted. There are many factors involved not least of which is the ears of the beholder, but it is an easy and cheap thing to try for a day. You can't break anything and can revert immediately.
Firstly thank you to all who have replied - it is very helpful. I clearly need to do some thinking and some research.
Chris - yes I primarily need the NAS as file back up device but if my Unitiserve konks out (a technical term) again I might be tempted to ditch it and use the NAS as a server. I thought you simply installed appropriate software on to the NAS and it would function as a server. I realise I won't necessarily be able to rip CD's (one of the main reasons for getting the Unitserve originally) but I have little need to rip CD's now as I download most of my music these days. I am using an NDX as my streamer (or renderer I think the correct term is). Are my assumptions here correct? If not please advise what I need to use a NAS as a server.
Nigel, this is how I got started too. I bought a UnitiServe, and then realized I need a nas to back it up. Once I figured out how to get the backups working (the hardest part), I slowly figured out how to get various UPnP servers running on it, and how to use it as a server itself w/o the UnitiServe. When the uServe was out for a repair, I still could serve up my music. And like you, I RARELY rip a cd now-a-days.
I think you're on the right track with wanting a nas that will double as a good music server. The current Synology and QNAP soho nas's will do this. I would stay away from the very bottom of the product lines however, as some extra processor power and ram (512meg is probably enough; 1 gig is probably better) will make it all that more responsive.
Bart - thanks for this, very helpful. May I ask which UPnP server software packages you found to be the most simple/reliable when installed on a NAS to allow it to function as a server and which make of NAS (Synology or QNAP) this software works best with if you have this detail? Excuse my ignorance but what does soho stand for?
Sorry to bug you but you seem to have already gone down the path I will be treading and it is not possible to try NAS's before you buy as far as I am aware.
Cheers
Nigel
Nigel, I find Synology and QNAP to be equally OK. I've used both Asset and MinimServer and find them both equally OK too. Each has its little nits, but none really stands above the other for me. And both are actively being updated / further developed; features get added over time.
SOHO is an acronym for 'small office / home office.' It's a label most nas suppliers use.
Many thanks Bart - very informative. I have in fact used Minimserver on my iMac primarily to be able to play DSD flies and it does seem simple to use. Yes, I took the time and trouble to update the NDX to 4.3 software only to find that the Unitiserve doesn't support DSD. I should have thought of that really but I find 4.3 software has given a nice boost to the NDX performance. Anyway, I digress
Again thanks for your input.
Nigel
I have two QNAPs (410 and 470) which have been faultless in operation although I have lost 3 HDDs in about 6 years which AFAIK isn't the fault of the NAS. One just went pop, one was DOA and the third ailing disc is being deep scanned at the moment. I doubt it will make it. It's a WD Red so I'll get a free replacement because it only went in last year. I'm sure that any decent quality NAS will do the business and most of us tend to be brand loyal if we have a make which is hassle free.
We got our HDX when no dedicated streamers were in the Naim family. Loved it. Used it for many years and couldn't fault it, although I was happy to admit that it was comparatively expensive for what it was, although good value IMO for how it sounded. When we went with the NDS it seemed logical to keep the HDX for ripping, serving, etc. and because our NDS had to go back to base, the HDX came into its own as a second/backup source. It didn't sound as good as the NDS but it wasn't shabby and infinitely preferable to silence.
Then our HDX got sick and had to return to Naim. I installed Minimserver on the QNAP TS-410 as a contingency and was suprised how easy it was to install and set up. Sure the visual presentation of HDX ripped WAVs looked ugly when delivered to the streaming app from Minimserver but we were both struck, immediately and not insignificantly, by how much better the music sounded without the HDX in the chain. A veil had lifted. There are many factors involved not least of which is the ears of the beholder, but it is an easy and cheap thing to try for a day. You can't break anything and can revert immediately.
Thanks Harry - lots on here have mentioned QNAP (and Synology), Minimserver and WD Reds so there seems to be some consensus but I realise others will be loyal to manufacturers they are familiar with and have proven reliable.
Really appreciate your help.
Nigel
QNap HS-251 with mirrored WD Red 6TB drives here, very happy and just started running Asset as I resign myself to uServe's failings. I have a second larger QNap I bought after the HS which is on general stoarge duties and runs Plex and just as happy with that.
QNap HS-251 with mirrored WD Red 6TB drives here, very happy and just started running Asset as I resign myself to uServe's failings. I have a second larger QNap I bought after the HS which is on general stoarge duties and runs Plex and just as happy with that.
Shame that the Unitiserve is starting to let some of us down. Just shows that Naim are great at making Hifi, bit not so experienced at making computers. This is probably a bit unfair as we all know that computers are a bit flakey especially if you don't shut them down properly and I suspect that many of the problems with the Unitiserve are partly the result of not shutting them down properly. In my area the electricity supply is problematic and we often get power outages, often at night so it is not noticed. I know it has happened because my electronic clocks are flashing the next morning. This must cause havoc with the delicate electronics of the Unitiserve. Can't help feeling however that the Unitiseve should be a bit more bullet proof.
Thanks for your NAS recommendations which mirror several others - much appreciated.
If you have used MinimServer then you'll find a VortexBox a doddle to use, it rips as well. You can get a very quiet or silent one. It'll come pre-configured for your Naim streamer.
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Manufactured in the United Kingdom with up to 6TB of storage
Thanks Wat - very interesting. I will check this out. Have used the VortexBox?
Guys...Everyone mentions Asset and Minim, but I use Plex Media Server on my Qnap!
I have a WD Red arriving tomorrow, to replace the Seagate Barracuda which failed at the weekend. (Thankfully I had it backed up in two separate locations). So loads of file swapping for the next few days! 
Guys...Everyone mentions Asset and Minim, but I use Plex Media Server on my Qnap!
We have a some Plex users - never heard anyone say bad things & one guy in particular thought it could knit bee's knee warmers. It is primarily a video UPnP, but if you like it, great.
I have tried Plex Media based on some comments on this forum, it worked well enough, but it was a bit fussy and relatively demanding on resources for an audio server, at least when I tried it, so I gave it a miss in the end. I now run both the lightweight Asset and MinimServer on two RPi's
Simon
I use PLEX for movies. I've the server installed on my iMac, QNAP NAS, Macbook Pro, & the player on the Amazon FIRE TVs, plus the App. on iPad & iPhone. It certainly looks very nice and generally works well but they keep upgrading it & then you find something no longer works until you've done all the updates.
One question I hope you can help me with. I use an iMac as my home and office computer and to download all my music with. I know Minimserver has a Mac version of their UPnP software and it is fine on the iMac. I was wondering if others have encountered any problems with software preloaded on NAS devices or getting third party UPnP software installed on a NAS device when using a Mac. I have Yosemite OS on my Mac.
I must say I have been blown away by the volume and detail of your advice to my OP. Thank you all so much - I now have much more information with which to make an informed decision about a NAS.
On another thread about the NAP 250 DR I signed off my posts with a little ditty (much to the annoyance of some I'm sure), mostly about the perils of buying gear without a proper comparative demo . Well, undeterred I have been working on my most ambitious project to date and as a thank you I thought you might like to hear it.
If shiny new gear,
causes angst between eye and ear,
put off your purchase 'till next year.
If you but it now,
you may end up with furrowed brow.
Let your ears do the talking (?),
they may tell you to keep walking.
So make sure it makes great sounds,
before parting with your pounds.
Be honest ?
(Eric Morecombe)
Of course it is entirely possible I have way too much time on my hands at the moment!
Most of these NASes can install software from 'packages' directly from its own interface to the web, or you can download the package and point the nas at that package. Its not the other way round, i.e. you don't run an installer from the mac.
On that basis it should work just fine.
I have an HP Proliant running in the garage with OpenMediaVault (open source NAS software, free) It has five drive bays, 8 gigs of ram and can transcode nicely on the fly so if a very capable machine for peanuts.
Nigel, Minimserver's extensive website has detailed instructions on how to install it on a variety of nas's. Don't fret it; it's not as complicated as it seems from this distance.
NigelB - My woes with the uServe are entirely software related. As a platform its exactly what I wanted it to be. Rock solid no hassle. But the lack of certain software features is interupting my enjoyment of music, whihc is the very reason I bought it.
Specifically, lack of support of the album artist tag and not tagging the WAVs files are my biggest grips.
I've just bought a HiDef Sony Walkman and found myself in a bizarre scenario of copying the RIPs to a new folder, then running a series aof Tag and Rename tasks to get metadata and album art in them. I came to my senses and am most of the through converting the store to FLAC.
I understand where Naim started from, what say ten years ago, but that is an inexcusable period of time not to fundamentally update the product. How often do the likes of Asset, Minim or Plex get updated, quarterly say, and with a major refresh every three to five years?
The bigger problem, where I found myself, is if its not going to be Naim end to end, perhaps I'll start looking at other vendors for the Hi-Fi bits. I've parked an upgrade at the moment whilst I ponder this, but think I'll make a decision in the next month or two so I have the new kit by Christmas.
NigelB - My woes with the uServe are entirely software related. As a platform its exactly what I wanted it to be. Rock solid no hassle. But the lack of certain software features is interupting my enjoyment of music, whihc is the very reason I bought it.
Specifically, lack of support of the album artist tag and not tagging the WAVs files are my biggest grips.
I've just bought a HiDef Sony Walkman and found myself in a bizarre scenario of copying the RIPs to a new folder, then running a series aof Tag and Rename tasks to get metadata and album art in them. I came to my senses and am most of the through converting the store to FLAC.
I understand where Naim started from, what say ten years ago, but that is an inexcusable period of time not to fundamentally update the product. How often do the likes of Asset, Minim or Plex get updated, quarterly say, and with a major refresh every three to five years?
The bigger problem, where I found myself, is if its not going to be Naim end to end, perhaps I'll start looking at other vendors for the Hi-Fi bits. I've parked an upgrade at the moment whilst I ponder this, but think I'll make a decision in the next month or two so I have the new kit by Christmas.
I know we are a bit off topic but I agree with you about the uServe's lack of artist and album display. My other issue is the lack of Metadata with WAV files - particularly as Naim recommend WAV as the best sounding format but maybe this is an issue with the WAV format rather that Naim's software.
My biggest gripe however with the uServe is that it is a little susceptible to failure. I had the dreaded blinking Naim logo issue where you can't boot the thing up. The first time it happened it went back to Naim and was repaired in 4 weeks and there was a charge - fair enough, it was just out of warranty. Then blow me down the same problem reoccurred 6 months later and Naim tried to charge me again until my Naim dealer stepped in. I have also read of several other uServe owners enduring the same/similar breakdown issues. I have heard from my dealer however that Naim now believe they have this problem licked - time will tell. This is why I am now considering getting a NAS device to do both back-up and server duties as I am not sure I can trust the uServe long term.
Naim do not appear to be supporting the uServe any more as there have been no recent firmware updates to my knowledge. I would be happy to be corrected if this is not true. Maybe they have realised they should stick to Hifi and let others build computers. I should be fair and say that I have nothing but praise for all their other products and I have found them to be utterly reliable as I have moved up the Naim hierarchy.
I achieved on Mac with a QNAP TS serie. Great machine, incredibly stable. Twonky installed works very well. If you have a high-end system, then after minim server, there is Asset which took my favor. It also has the ability to upsample all files to 24 bit in waves - it improve definitely the sound and there is a tru support with a forum online.
Cheers
WAV files are not difficult to tag. They can be but with the right software they tag good and stay tagged. The Naim way of tagging WAVs is a bit silly IMO. I had to retag all my HDX ripped albums when I moved on. It wasn't difficult. Just time consuming. There were many howlers in the tagging in any case. I welcomed the opportunity to do it properly in a way which suited my logic. That's another thing about processing the files yourself, you have full control. Some of the gibberish which gets sent back by online databases seems willfully inaccurate to me - at times.
For the hard drives, here's some reliability statistics from a database centre that had over 44,000 hard drives spinning away 24 hours a day.
https://www.backblaze.com/blog/best-hard-drive/
HGST Deskstars have the lowest failure rates.
+1 for QNAP HS-251. Recently bought the version with 2Gb of RAM plus Samsung SSD 850 Pro 1Tb drives, which come with a 10 year warranty. The original idea was for the NAS to perform backup duties for my UnitiServe but now that I've installed Asset on it, it is happily playing my music. Runs as cool as a cucumber compared to the US and, with SSDs and no fans, is completely silent.
The US is great for efficiently ripping CDs, although not without its limitations for editing metadata. Based on the experience of others on this forum, I have concerns too about the long-term reliability of the US so, now that I've ripped all my CDs, the US is likely to become redundant and be replaced by a 2nd NAS for backup.
A vote for the Synology DS 214Play here, with a pair of mirrored Seagate Enterprise drives. Use Minimserver to search and stream- all pretty effortless.
I'm sure the other NAS companies have software for video as well, but if that may be a consideration for you, DS Video is a pretty handy app for watching your NAS-stored movies wirelesely.