Uniti 2 / Unitiserve issues

If it’s using freedb it usually means that the Serve is not connected to the internet. I think there is a way of enabling it via the desktop client. I’d use it over upnp, which is how it tends to work best. 

It may also mean the Unitiserve is on an old firmware version as the latest added MusicBrainz to the existing AMG which seems to not be up as often as it used to. But what HH says about FreedB is right and the Unitiserve has only a limited freedb dstabase on board.

The latest firmware version is 1.7b . If you bought the Unitiserve from a Naim dealer and the firmware is earlier then 1.7b then I would get them to sort it out as it's a bit of a palaver to do on your own.

You can't look up metadata with another site but you can edit metadata as well as the cover art. The simplest way to do that if you have an iPhone or iPad is to use the Naim n-serve app. But you can also use the Windows DTC on a PC or n-serve for Mac. There is no Android version of n-serve.

And you should have the Unitiserve set for "use DHCP" but it may have been set by its old owner to use a fixed IP address. That is completely unnecessary and you should change it to DHCP (but this does require the Windows DTC to do that).

best

David

Thanks for the replies guys.

David,

Will check tonight the software version. Looking at naim website, it's quite straight forward to update. Need to burn a disk with downloaded file and put it in the server and wait!

Any ideas where I change the DHCP in the desktop control module?

Gordon

PS Can't wait to get home and have a blast. Will be interested to hear the difference between old and new!!!!

Yes the firmware update does boil down to that, but you have to do them sequentially. You can't just stick in the latest. And you have to keep an eye on it while it's cooking so you know when it's time to restart it.

Its a while since I used the Windows DTC on a Unitiserve but I don't think it's hard to find...

best

David

You can’t change DHCP settings on the Unitiserve (via N-Serve or the DTC) there is a Windows only ‘Set IP tool’ which you can download from the Naim website if you need to set or remove a static IP address, but that may not be necessary. 

The software update is straightforward enough, but if you run into problems, give Phil a call at Naim support, he is the master of this stuff and will be able to sort you out - the same applies when you set up a backup!

 If you need to edit incorrect metadata, you can easily do this manually, including artist, album, track name, as well as artwork. You can do it on the N-Serve app on iOS.

The US should still work fine in the old firmware, but I would update it anyway. 

Main reason for updating to the latest firmware is that it adds MusicBrainz as a metadata lookup.

best

David

It’s not that there was no online lookup on the old firmware, just that a new database was used. Maybe the old one is no longer in use, can’t remember all the details to be honest. 

ChrisSU posted:

It’s not that there was no online lookup on the old firmware, just that a new database was used. Maybe the old one is no longer in use, can’t remember all the details to be honest. 

I do remember! The old firmware basically used AMG as it's first lookup source,  followed by FreedB. If there is no internet connection, you just get a cut down version of FreedB which is stored on the internal hard disc. Firmware version 1.7b added Music Brainz and it became important because AMG became less reliable. I found it was often down for days at a time for example and there were press reports at the time that as a metadata lookup service it was being discontinued.

I don't know the present situation because my Unitiserve is currently not switched on and anyway there isn't an easy way to tell which lookup services are working, unlike with the UnitiCore.

But if someone is getting poor quality metadata on a Unitiserve then I immediately wonder whether they have 1.7b because I found the metadata performance of Unitiserve with 1.7b to be very good, curiously more accurate for classical anyway than the UnitiCore in fact.

best

David

David,

My server software version is 1.6c. Can I upgrade straight to version 1.7b with no issues?

Gordon 

You must go to 1.7a first. 

As HH says.

best

David

The link I posted earlier indicates that before installing 1.7a, the unit must be on 1.6d ...

Yes funnily enough I just checked that too and as Klout10 says, you must do 1.6d and then 1.7a and then 1.7b .  This is what J meant by palaver in my earlier post.

best

David

Have downloaded 1.6d and entered the disc into Unitiserve.

There was some spinning and disc ejected after 10 seconds or so. Do I now turn off then on?

Top of n serve app has gone red now so fingers crossed!

No! Definitely not. You really should read the instructions.

From memory you have to wait until the logo starts to flash and then stops. Then you can turn off and on again. But read the instructions!!

It takes several minutes to finish after the cd ejects and if you turn it off before it's done then you may brick it.

1.6d completed now onto 1.7a and 1.7b!!

Ok but still read the instructions first! They are on the disc you make for each upgrade.

best

David

Updated now with version 1.7b. Just ripped Faithless CD OK which last night the metadata wanted to save it as a Petra Durst Benning album!!!

Many thanks to everyone for their input especially David (Henson). Really appreciate your input.

First impressions of the Uniti 2 over the old set up are favourable but need to spend more time with her. Played CD on old system (Dave Gilmour - Rattle that lock), then CD in Uniti 2 then same track via UPnP to Unitiserve. Found bassline with the stream not as pronounced and tight as CD but not far off.

Turned volume up too much as I've blown the bass unit on one of the Totem Hawks. Happened 3 years ago too. Could be worse, last time better half was playing Celine Dion when it blew!!!!!

Just one other point, tried selecting track via n-serve app but wouldn't then select it via UPnP on Uniti 2. Had to do it via Uniti 2 menu. Advice?

Gordon 

gsr posted:

Just one other point, tried selecting track via n-serve app but wouldn't then select it via UPnP on Uniti 2. Had to do it via Uniti 2 menu. Advice?

The N-Serve app can't be used to play music over UPnP, it only works with the SPDIF output of the US. Using the Naim app is the right way to do it.

Cheers Chris,

Just downloaded naim app and working a treat!

Gordon