Storing CDs/digital content on UnitiServe without digital audio input

You could just buy a cheap DAC and an SPDIF cable to tide you over until you get a streamer. You would then control it with the N-Serve app, rather than the Naim app that the streamers use.

I've never tried putting the unitiserve through the telly. I think thats an option to view content. Perhaps the simple dac in the tv can replay.

From the Composite or S Video outputs if you have a suitable cable and digital screen.

+1 for a cheap DAC - the UnitiServ can be directly connected to this and then the DAC can go into the 282. As mentioned, ripping, tagging and playing can then be managed by the IOS NServ app - all done.

Allan

The only way you can hear the content of your UnitiServe is via a network or its local digital out.

Whilst we are at it - I steongly recommend you also set up a NAS and start backing up your ripped CDs. Safe working assumption is that each hard drive will fail at some point, so it's wise to start now.

CXF04 posted:

My kit includes NAP300-DR, CDS3-DR, ...

What is a CDS3-DR ?

Assuming that you already have the UnitiServe, just connect it to your network. Install the n-Serve app and you'll be able to follow the progress of your rips and see what you have on the server itself or your NAS, depending on your setup.

Why on earth would you want to start ripping cd's, to a very expensive and now out-dated server, with no ability to play them?

Other than that. . . . I totally support this.  

Presumably so that all CDs are ripped and ready to play when the streamer is added?

might be worth considering the new Uniti Core instead. That would open the door to feeding a rendered digital audio stream from the Core direct into a DAC, with some particularly good DACs around to choose from, though the sound quality of Core in that function is unproven as yet. Other alternatives include things like Melco - these have a particular advantage of not having to stream the music across a network, avoiding any risk of the problems that seems to cause some people. Or just rip on a computer and store on any hard disk for the time being if the sole intent at the moment is just to go through the ripping process.

Whatever you do, pay attention to getting the metadata right from the start, as it is a real pain to try to fix issues when you have many 100s or 1000s done - don't assume it is correct on the CD, but check! Classical music can be particularly troublesome, where for example different recordings of the same piece might be tagged symphonic, concerto, orchestral or classical, and composers, conductor, orchestra or soloist might be have variable artist assignments. 

And as already suggested, at least before disposing of any CDs, ensure you have backup copies! 

He can play the ripped files using a UnitiServe directly to a dac as well.  But yes, If one is going to buy a very expensive server instead of a perfectly suitable nas, then get a Core not a UnitiServe.  

He mentioned a "12 to 18 months" wait.  This seems a bit odd.  Does the OP really not want to get ANY digital media player for that long?  Elaboration is needed.  If it's a matter of funds, yes he can enter the digital replay world sooner and spend less than an NDS.  Exactly what his plans are remain obtuse.  As literally described, they don't make sense (starting to rip cd's 12-18 months ahead of being able to play them back).

Unless of course there are sooooo many CDs that it will take 12 months to rip them all...

If you have a year to do it, why not just buy a good nas now and rip to that? You'll need one anyway as a backup. With the right software on your computer you can listen to the music if you wish. 

Hungryhalibut posted:

If you have a year to do it, why not just buy a good nas now and rip to that? You'll need one anyway as a backup. With the right software on your computer you can listen to the music if you wish. 

+1 

If the goal is to check the rips it is possible to view and play the files from a pc/mac and check the rips that way. But But in my 4½ year with my ns01, all files that has been written to the internal disk has always been playable.

I would agree go for the nas and rip filew  on a pc or mac and copy the ripped files to the nas. In 18 months there will most likely be new options in the Naim streaming  world, and with files on the nas, you  do not need a server.

Claus

Claus-Thoegersen posted:

If the goal is to check the rips it is possible to view and play the files from a pc/mac and check the rips that way. But But in my 4½ year with my ns01, all files that has been written to the internal disk has always been playable.

I would agree go for the nas and rip filew  on a pc or mac and copy the ripped files to the nas. In 18 months there will most likely be new options in the Naim streaming  world, and with files on the nas, you  do not need a server.

Claus

I would state it slightly differently - the nas IS the server.  It's a $300 server not a $2000 server.

Rip your CD's on your PC, back them up on two USB drives, keep one off the your premises, and purchase a dedicated NAS drive.. Unitiserve is nice, but is it needed? I have a NAS drive backup, a vortexbox PC as well as my two USB drives. Use the money saved to buy a better quality Naim streaming device.

djh1697 posted:

 Unitiserve is nice, but is it needed? I have a NAS drive backup, a vortexbox PC as well as my two USB drives. Use the money saved to buy a better quality Naim streaming device.

A source not streaming across network has advantages (though whether the US maximises that is another matter). And the OP has designs on Naim's top streamer already, and the DAC challengers that I have in mind that could take the rendered stream from a device of exemplary quality, such as Melco or possibly Core, cost similar and less.

Thank you for your thoughtful responses.

Based on feedback may I conclude UnitiServe may be superfluous, not exceptional and Naim's product description to contrary, does not offer advantages in ripping and storing CDs over other products that are less expensive and will also not be discontinued in near-term.

At moment I have little or no need for streaming, my CDs more than satisfy my available time  and listening needs. Based on comments it appears to some that at this time NDS is not thoughtful investment and I would be better served by upgrading my system with other Naim gear.

As before all thoughts are welcome and will be considered.         

I'm confused by the NDS comment above. 

But if CD playback is all that is expected than system upgrades are the ones to focus on. 

Based on preceding remarks & others elsewhere on Forum it's been repeatedly suggested NDS needed major upgrade or  500 level replacement. 

CXF04 posted:

Based on preceding remarks & others elsewhere on Forum it's been repeatedly suggested NDS needed major upgrade or  500 level replacement. 

Major upgrade? Now I'm properly confused.

It needs an external power supply to function - those are XP5XS, XPS or 555PS. It's one of the best if not the best network player on the market.

I guess this is a reference to the other DACs frequently mentioned on these forums as 'Naim beaters', though I am unaware of direct comparisons between them and full-blown NDS,

Innocent Bystander posted:

I guess this is a reference to the other DACs frequently mentioned on these forums as 'Naim beaters', though I am unaware of direct comparisons between them and full-blown NDS,

I see... 

Bart posted:

Why on earth would you want to start ripping cd's, to a very expensive and now out-dated server, with no ability to play them?

Other than that. . . . I totally support this.  

I quite like my very expensive out-dated server thank you very much. At my age some might regard me as outdated!

Ravenswood10 posted:

Bart posted:

Why on earth would you want to start ripping cd's, to a very expensive and now out-dated server, with no ability to play them?

Other than that. . . . I totally support this.  

I quite like my very expensive out-dated server thank you very much. At my age some might regard me as outdated!

You own it already, and get along with it, so that's cool  For someone starting out, I encourage them to learn about and think about a nas as a much lower cost and more reliable alternative.