uniti core connection?

Yup, either via UPnP Ethernet or S/Pdif connection

Or use a simple NAS like a QNAP or a Synology.

A LOT cheaper; and using a computer to do the ripping of CDs (it needs a CD/DVD/Blue-Ray drive), it does exactly the same thing.

This copy of a post by Chrissu may be helpful:

The Unitiserve, and its successor, the Core, have an Ethernet connection, allowing them to be used as UPnP servers to play music to your streamer over your network. Unlike a regular NAS, they also have an SPDIF output. This allows them to play directly to a DAC. The DACs built into Naim streamers can accept this connection too, as they have SPDIF inputs, although this then makes the streamer section redundant, so it might be more cost effective to invest in a standalone DAC instead. In any event, both the streamer and server (Unitiserve, Core or NAS) will likely use a network connection. Depending on your network configuration, in may well be that you use a switch to provide suitable ports to connect all your devices, ......

The Synology NASs don't have an S/Pdif connection, but they do have a USB connection and can play audio through a USB DAC (or USB to S/Pdif converter) plugged into the USB port.  This can be controlled on a tablet using the web UI for the Audio Station application on the NAS.

The QNAP TS-269H does have an S/Pdif output.

I considered using a computer to rip my CD collection but, it would have meant having my computer installed for a good number of weeks, close to my CD collection and system, tying up the computer for lengthy periods of time as well as being unsightly/impractical.
Hauling all of my CD's to where my computer normally lives was also not practical plus, if I wanted to actually listen to the music, it would have been in the wrong place, so I decided on buying the (now discontinued) Naim HDX.
Having the "ripping machinery" as part of the hi-fi system without tying up my computer whilst being able to instantly enjoy the music was a large part of my decision to buy the HDX, along with the sound quality too.
The Uniti Core will rip and store nicely and enable you to enjoy your system right away, with the added ability to play a CD should you wish to.
The NDX will  be the perfect partner to the Core.

If you have the budget, the Core will work quite well.  

If you have a computer with a drive and some software to rip CD's a high quality NAS with enough disc space can be bought for 20 to 25 percent of the cost for a Core.  

I am quite happy to run my NAS directly to the NDX via an internet cable, then NDX > SN2 > Ovator S400.

Good luck with your decision

Been using a Core since they were first available with a Seagate 2TB Pipeline Internal HDD and a Seagate 2TB External drive for back up connected via ethernet and switch to  my NDX.

Very pleased with this setup so simple to use and totally silent in operation the IOS App is far better than the Android version. 

thanks for all the replies ... will go ahead and buy the core I think

much appreciated

blythe posted:

I considered using a computer to rip my CD collection but, it would have meant having my computer installed for a good number of weeks, close to my CD collection and system, tying up the computer for lengthy periods of time as well as being unsightly/impractical.
Hauling all of my CD's to where my computer normally lives was also not practical plus, if I wanted to actually listen to the music, it would have been in the wrong place, so I decided on buying the (now discontinued) Naim HDX.
Having the "ripping machinery" as part of the hi-fi system without tying up my computer whilst being able to instantly enjoy the music was a large part of my decision to buy the HDX, along with the sound quality too.
The Uniti Core will rip and store nicely and enable you to enjoy your system right away, with the added ability to play a CD should you wish to.
The NDX will  be the perfect partner to the Core.

Simple (cheap!) laptop and an external portable DVD drive (via USB); and you still have the laptop available afterwards.

Huge posted:

blythe posted:

I considered using a computer to rip my CD collection but, it would have meant having my computer installed for a good number of weeks, close to my CD collection and system, tying up the computer for lengthy periods of time as well as being unsightly/impractical.
Hauling all of my CD's to where my computer normally lives was also not practical plus, if I wanted to actually listen to the music, it would have been in the wrong place, so I decided on buying the (now discontinued) Naim HDX.
Having the "ripping machinery" as part of the hi-fi system without tying up my computer whilst being able to instantly enjoy the music was a large part of my decision to buy the HDX, along with the sound quality too.
The Uniti Core will rip and store nicely and enable you to enjoy your system right away, with the added ability to play a CD should you wish to.
The NDX will  be the perfect partner to the Core.

Simple (cheap!) laptop and an external portable DVD drive (via USB); and you still have the laptop available afterwards.

Maybe, but for months with a laptop perched on top/in the rack whilst ripping all the CD's, working out how best to use the software (dbpoweramp etc) what settings to use (rate/flac/aif/mp3 etc etc. and how best to rip;- rip to laptop then transfer to NAS /hard drive or direct to NAS / hard drive, which many people will tell you can be flaky.
It's far too complex compared to the simplicity of using an all-in-one bespoke unit which does it all and simply.
Plus, I don't need or want another laptop.

OK you may feel it's too complicated, but for most people it's just not that difficult...

1  If you need to save space on the NAS choose FLAC, otherwise use WAV.
2  Set DBPoweramp to rip the CD to the Laptop's drive - you can leave the default folder structure & other settings, it works just fine, same as on the Core

3  Insert the disk... DBPoweramp looks up the CD to find the metadata and artwork (and does it a slightly better job than the Core)
4  Start the rip, wait for it to finish and go to 3 again (the error correction for damaged disks and the verification seem to be a bit better than the core as well)

5  Copy the completed folders onto the NAS at your leisure.
6  Realise that you've saved yourself over £1000 (of course, if you still think you have to have the convenience of the Core, spend the extra £1000!).

I wonder how LInn users manage to get by without a Core/UnitiServe ripper ???    Looking at LinnDocs it looks like they only talk about is the various software progs for PC/Mac.  The Linn & other streamer brand users I know only use PC or Mac,  but I get the impression they don't bother with ripping CD's these days.

Although I know that CD ripping/storing/playing via a computer/nas is the most economical way to go, the Core does have some worthwhile features, not the least of which is full UPnP integration with Naim streaming units. The Naim IOS app now is virtually "bug-free" and seamlesssly allows simplified management, playing, and metadata editing of ripped CD's. Full back-up of the Core's internal storage drive (SSD recomended) is also easily done via the Naim app simply by attaching an inexpensive portable HDD to the Core's USB port. I'm a very happy user!

And the Core will be the only solution to aggregate all the music you have on your network, where ever it is stored (computers, NAs(es)... A NAS drive will only play/serve the music stored in it.

There are several other solutions that can also do that, such as Plex or Roon.

Go for the Core.  That way, you get rid of various pieces of computer equipment - you take them right out of the picture.  You can have much more of a Naim look to your system. Much neater.  I've used the Core for months now and love it.  I've had no problems with it.  It's connected to my 272 via BNC out from the Core to the input on the 272.  It sounds great.  Soon there will be a Chord Dave in the picture.  My only regret is that I didn't get a 4TB SSD for my Core at the outset.

The NAS that I use is on the network and not in the lounge where the stereo resides. I do not know of many households that do not have a computer in them, most are connected and use hi-speed network and connection to the internet. My computer has a Cat5e cable to a switch which can access the NAS to load albums. So the NAS sits in another room (downstairs) on the network not near the stereo gear (upstairs) and connects through a switch to the NDX. The iPad has the Naim app to connect to the NAS via UPnP client to access artist/album, or TIDAL, or Spotify, or internet radio, etc. It displays album covers and provides a booklet with album information. It is pretty seamless. The two major differences I can see is cost, the NAS is less expensive by a wide margin and you have more flexibility on configuring storage and backup with a NAS. 

Core or a NAS both work well. Cost of equipment and what you want to spend your money on is where the decision lies. There is always the "Naim look to your system" to consider as DOCMARK mentions above. I rather have one less box on the rack since the NAS has an CAT5e cable running directly to the NDX as well as one less electrical connection to manage in the lounge.

Good luck with your decision.