Naim Uniti & Apple Lossless

If you've ripped within iTunes, you can convert to WAV–simply change the settings for Import CD to WAV (all automatic).

You can then select all of your Apple Lossless files within iTunes and select Create WAV Version.

On the other hand–if you are using a NAS to serve up files to the Qute, you may need to make sure you have sufficient space. Frankly, I'd be using a different program for ripping and tagging (to FLAC, for example) if this is your approach.

There seem to be quite a few devices on the market (including the Cambridge Audio streaming player) that possess this limitation, as regards Apple Lossless playback. Were it not for the lack of FLAC support in Windows Media Player and/or iTunes, this would seem to be the best option for lossless-compressed tagged files.

Would a server that transcoded be another option?

Transcoding is an option, but letting the playback task to the server and stream the resulting PCM data is a better one IMO, you're saving yourself from unnecessary on-the-fly conversions.

Since the Qute is a uPnP client, why not developping a server software that could run on a computer that has access to the music collection and give the users a choice? Standalone with no m4a, or server software managed with about every codecs played on the hosting computer. The later works very well on my SB Touch, BTW.

Bye.

> Use Max or XLD

My XLD keeps crashing whereas Max is rock solid - I think the XLD designer has gone all Intel and doesn't test it on PowerPCs any more. Shame as I used really to like XLD. 

wii, if you're using a windows machine then try using something like Asset as your upnp server.  Quite by accident I found this serves up my itunes Apple Lossless files to my NDX (although I think it probably transcodes to WAV on the fly) and works really well. 

Richard,

Do you have more info about this?

I would prefer not to rip anything again, I have everything in Lossless, don't have a NAS yet.

I already have a dock with digital out to my Naim Uniti, but oddly it doesn't sound that good, even with Lossless, but I guess the sound will be better with a NAS?

Or use something like dBPoweramp to convert them into loseless FLAC files.

I do my best to help people who are not so lucky, but what is this forum for if not to discuss Naim equipment?

wii,

I've found that even as a digital source into a DAC, the iPod is still a ways behind a decent dedicated transport, server or streamer.

As for Asset, probably best to check out the Wiki.  As I say, I discovered quite by accident that it would stream my ALAC files from my itunes folder to the NDX.  I've actually now told Asset to ignore the itunes folder because it's mostly just duplicates of files I've already got as WAVs, and only there to fill my iPod for the car or trevelling.

Richard

I agree, the sound is ok, but not for true audiophile listening, there's just too much missing, and specially the treble gets harder and more digital, doesn't sound that good, so I will try a NAS solution, but I don't understand why Naim can't stream Lossless when many from the competition can, I use Lossless to get the best sound out of my iPod to my headphones, and it sounds great, I don't want to do this over, so if I can get a NAS that can work with Naim Uniti Lossless than I would be happy.

wii,

right now it will depend on your upnp server - as I say, looks like Asset will do it and this is much the best upnp I've tried working into the NDX.

Richard, what do you use as UPNP server ?