Unitiserve close call

Good to hear you got away with it - this time! I just use a single drive Synology DS115 with WD Red drive, and I don’t see any reason to run more that one drive if the only purpose is to back up the US. I run Minimserver on mine, so if the US were to die, I could still play music straight from the backup files rather than waiting for a repair job. I’m sure a QNAP would be good as well, or maybe Netgear ReadyNAS. 

If it helps, I have a Qnap TS253A. It’s a very good nas, but then I use it to serve the music and don’t use it solely as a back up. I back up the Qnap to USB drives that can be connected to the front as required. You just press a button to do the backup. 

Depends where you intend to keep the NAS. If hidden away any from QNAP will do the job. If exposed, you may like the look of their ‘Silent NAS’ range.

I'm another Synology DS115 user.  It's worked perfectly and silently for several years now, replacing the previous Linksys with started to have problems.  (I did have a QNAP as a general back-up device and network server as well, and that catastrophically failed and I was unable to recover it).

Like Chrissu, says, you can play directly from the back-up - in fact I set up my Synology as a media server with all my non-Unitiserve music on it too, and use Media Monkey on my PC to play into my DAC as an alternative to the Unitiserve.

+1 QNAP

There are two types of people in the world

Those who have lost data and learned from the experience.

Those who havent... yet...

Not sure how big your collection is, but I have couple of portable 1tb USB hard drives that I plug into my Vortexbox (a Linux US essentially for a 1/5th the price) to backup. Should probably get a third and keep it in the car or a friends. You were very lucky - I’ve had a number of hard drives go, even still under warranty. A really good way to back up also that I use for my photography is a bare drive dock. Just keep the drive in a plastic drive case, and shove it in the dock whenever you need it. I think they start at around $30 and then go up from there. If it’s not a daily user then just go inexpensive. 

jon honeyball posted:

There are two types of people in the world

Those who have lost data and learned from the experience.

Those who havent... yet...

Isn't that 10 types of people:  They are binary devices after all!

3 votes for QNAP: I assume that this is not just coincidence ? I’d love to know more about why you chose QNAP over other makes? Apologies if this has been discussed before, if so, please just let me know the thread.

I have 2x Netgear, one simply a backup for the other. 

People arent binary. 

They are barely logical

Another single disk Synology user (DS112j)...  And that does fine.

It's actually the 2nd line backup to my PC as well, and the PC's main SSD is the backup for my music collection on the NAS - each backs up the other!

Both of these are then backed up onto external SSDs that I keep in the car as an of-site backup.

I chose QNAP because my dealer recommended it, plus it can run Asset server on it, which plays nicely with my Naim equipment.

In another system I use a Synology NAS with Minim server installed. I personally prefer the way Asset presents my music library.

Solely for backup duties, I use a few cheap WD MyBook NAS drives which have worked well for me and not failed yet, in over 4 years service.
When I tried using the WD MyBook NAS drive for music storage, the in-built music server did not play nicely with my Naim equipment, displaying albums and artists in a somewhat erratic nature compared to both eh QNAP and Synology NAS drives.

For the NAS I use a Synology DiskStation 8TB DS716+II 2-Bay NAS Server Kit (2 x 4TB). It also has the capability to add two additional drives if storage capacity needs to be increased. It sits in another room downstairs on the hard wired network accessible through the NAIM app. The software and hardware was easy to in set up for use. I use the dBpoweramp software on a MAC Desktop to burn both CDs and DVDs with a Apple USB SuperDrive.

QNAP - I have a QNAP - and a Synology - both works fine, - but the minute I use them away from my HDX - like on a Uniti or a streamer, the Synology index some albums "wrong" - like on Pink Floyds "The Wall" - the Synology list the tracks in alfebetic order rather than by track number etc....I guess it's down to the UPnP client installed - which You can change on the QNAP, but NOT on the Synology - Phil Harris on supprt@naimaudio.com can advise much more on these issues - he IS the master on these issues

Thank you everyone for your thoughtful and useful replies. As a neophyte to the world of the NAS it is very helpful. I can see that owning a NAS is going to open a lot of other possibilities such as using Asset servers, something I am ignorant about.

Your replies indicate that QNAP and Synology seem to be the "go to" brands.

Your replies have also helped me to refine what I want I would like in a NAS which that it should be:

1. Not too expensive

2. A QNAP, as that is what the local dealer advised me to get, although, really, Synology seems to be every bit as good.

3. Primarily for back- up. 

4. I am happy with the Naim app so at this stage I do not need any other softwear to pick music tracks to play. So I don't need a super delux NAS for this purpose.

5. It needs to be quiet as it will sit beside my Unitiserve, Muso and TV in the lounge, but I cannot afford right now( long story, Blimey!) to buy a silent NAS. So the fan on the cheaper NAS needs to be quiet

So having thought about all the above, I have bought a QNAP TS-228 ($269NZ) and 2x WD Red 2 TB hard drives. The nice man at the computer shop said it was quiet, so I'll see how it goes.

Thanks very much for your shared experiences.

BTW When the Unitiserve dies I will then get a Core and by then its softwear  should be very slick.

Kiwi cat posted:

BTW When the Unitiserve dies I will then get a Core and by then its softwear  should be very slick. 

That begs the question - why ???   You now have a 2 bay NAS,  why do you need a Core?   Do you intend to keep on buying & ripping CD's or have you moved on to downloading music?   Why not build the new backup NAS as a ready to go primary NAS as & when the UnitiServe moves on,  or even do it now.

I do not download music as HD tracks is expensive and we do not have quobuz here. Once I get familiar with the the NAS maybe I will download reasonably priced music. The important thing for me is to be able to select music via the Naim app on my iPhone and iPad . I do not want a PC on my lap when selecting  music. I mean, I really am ignorant re bypassing the Unitiserve and using a NAS instead. I just want to have a simple tablet based operating system. Also CDs are cheap and I am fine with that level of resolution. Heck, most of my listening is on Tidal, which I find great. I guess I have a steep learning curve coming up!

Stenberg posted:

.................. the Synology index some albums "wrong" - like on Pink Floyds "The Wall" - the Synology list the tracks in alfebetic order rather than by track number etc....I guess it's down to the UPnP client installed - which You can change on the QNAP, but NOT on the Synology.

What UPnP media server are you using ???   My Synology & their Media Server software show 'The Wall' correctly.  Did you load it from a CD rip, have you go it loaded as two disc's or have you amalgamated it as one disc,  in that case you need to edit the track numbers.  It sounds like you need to do that anyway.  

You can change UPnP software with Synology,  its pre-installed package includes their own Media Server software (which I use) & the 3rd party Minimserver together with its required Java package.       The other popular media serve software is Asset & unfortunately Synology do not support it;   although it can be installed (I've done it)  its a bit of a fiddle.

Kiwi cat posted:

I do not download music as HD tracks is expensive and we do not have quobuz here. Once I get familiar with the the NAS maybe I will download reasonably priced music. The important thing for me is to be able to select music via the Naim app on my iPhone and iPad . I do not want a PC on my lap when selecting  music. I mean, I really am ignorant re bypassing the Unitiserve and using a NAS instead. I just want to have a simple tablet based operating system. Also CDs are cheap and I am fine with that level of resolution. Heck, most of my listening is on Tidal, which I find great. I guess I have a steep learning curve coming up!

You don’t need a Naim server to use the Naim app to control a Naim streamer. The app will allow you to browse and play from other servers. For backup, that’s not strictly relevant, but if you are without your Unitiserve, either temporarily because it dies, or if you sell it, you have a choice of server packages which you can run on a Synology or QNAP NAS. Use of the Naim app and Tidal will not be changed, although your ripping process will. 

Kiwi cat posted:

I do not download music as HD tracks is expensive and we do not have quobuz here. Once I get familiar with the the NAS maybe I will download reasonably priced music. The important thing for me is to be able to select music via the Naim app on my iPhone and iPad . I do not want a PC on my lap when selecting  music. I mean, I really am ignorant re bypassing the Unitiserve and using a NAS instead. I just want to have a simple tablet based operating system. Also CDs are cheap and I am fine with that level of resolution. Heck, most of my listening is on Tidal, which I find great. I guess I have a steep learning curve coming up!

The new NAS should include DLNA/UPnP software - or you buy it to install -  & the NAS & your music selection is controlled by the Naim "Naim" app(s), both iOS & Android versions are available.    I use an iPad normally,  also use my Android phone. 

Don't give up on downloads,  I bought a Sinatra 24/192 WAV for £6.00(GBP) a few months ago,  the CD (16/44) was priced at £9.99 from the big river www.   Yes prices vary & tend to be more expensive & although some (like Qobuz) are not 'available'  I am able to get connected & use my PayPal when overseas.

Good choice [@mention:37750161766213550].

I also use a ‘quiet’ version of QNAP NAS - in my case it had to go on a shelf in a network rack. So horizontal orientation was the meain decisive factor.

As to UnitiServe and Core vs NAS. I use my NAS as a repository for music, but prefer using UnitiServe as a UPnP sever / ripper. Just like the convenience. So when my UnitiServe dies (it has died 5 times in the past, but was replaced under warrantly) I will certianly buy a new Core.

CD rips vs Downloads - it’s worth exploring both. You will need to create a separate folder for downloads - if you are not sure how to, please drop me a line (email is in my profile) and I will send you detailed instructions on setting up a QNAP with UnitiServe and preparing it for downloads.

Kiwi cat posted:

I do not download music as HD tracks is expensive and we do not have quobuz here. Once I get familiar with the the NAS maybe I will download reasonably priced music. The important thing for me is to be able to select music via the Naim app on my iPhone and iPad . I do not want a PC on my lap when selecting  music. I mean, I really am ignorant re bypassing the Unitiserve and using a NAS instead. I just want to have a simple tablet based operating system. Also CDs are cheap and I am fine with that level of resolution. Heck, most of my listening is on Tidal, which I find great. I guess I have a steep learning curve coming up!

If you load the Hola! VPN on your computer you can access Qobuz as if you are in France, the U.K. or wherever you get the best price. I’ve used it to download from High Res Audio using a computer in Germany, while here in the U.K.  You pay with your PayPal in the usual way. You’ll need a bit of German or French to understand what is going on, but it works really well, and is easy to use. 

I routinely use Hola to browse from around the world when I'm looking for a download,  (yes I'm a tight ol' skinflint)  Very useful savings can be had particularly with HDTracks comparing UK & USA  (HDT UK is not at the races most of the time).   Also when on HighResAudio in 'Germany' & with your UK account open,  you can still select & use Englisch,  & the Euro price is a few clicks better than GBP.

Kiwi cat posted:

5. It needs to be quiet as it will sit beside my Unitiserve, Muso and TV in the lounge, but I cannot afford right now( long story, Blimey!) to buy a silent NAS. So the fan on the cheaper NAS needs to be quiet

Do you really need to put it there? As long as it has a connection to your network it will work in any location. Having said that, the Unitiserve automatic backup is set by default to happen overnight, so a noisy NAS could be turned off when you’re using the room. 

I'm confused.  You are fixing the UnitiServe, getting it out of the sun AND getting a NAS for backup?  Or you are dropping the UnitiServe, getting a NAS and using it to serve up your music?

if you are fixing the UnitiServe then any NAS will do for backup.  Mirror drives is a good idea also, that gives you a little redundancy on your backup.

if you are replacing your UnitiServe then you should consider what Upnp software you want to run to serve up your information.  Personally I like Minimserver, which I believe is available on QNAP or Synology.