Another NAS Question

I don't know if a vendor will rip files to a hard drive and send it to you as they usually put everything on DVDs. Given your volume, it's not a bad idea to have them put it straight to the HD, but I'd still ask for the DVDs as backup. If you just get the DVDs, you then know exactly the amount of storage space you need for your files. No sense in buying 2 terabytes when one will do.

As for drive type, so long as it's formatted in a way that both can see you shouldn't have a problem (I think FAT32 will work). Most complete NAS solutions you buy will help walk you through issues like that. I recommend going into Best Buy, walking over to the Sonos display, and telling the techie exactly what you want to do. There are tons of NAS options, but if music is the only purpose you are using it for I would opt for the less expensive models. I'd steer towards one that spins down the disks when it isn't in use (or has a manual off switch) - your drives will last a lot longer. Avoid the expense of RAID by backing up your NAS with a simple USB drive or two.

To use iTunes, you will need a computer running. Sonos does not require a computer to be on (the zone players act as the device that decodes and plays files).

I use a NAS with itunes and Sonos. I don't have to have my laptop functioning for the sonos to operate, just to correct above statements.

(use NAS)...to make sure I don't lose them due to to a hard drive failure.

Even a RAID format won't give you the level of protection you probably want. Equipment can be stolen, kicked over by accident, damaged in a fire or windstorm, wiped out by an electrical surge, and so on.

A RAID only helps with one particular type of loss (single drive failure in a correctly configured multiple drive setup.) It doesn't do squat for the other perils.

I recommend a second, backup drive that spends most of its time unplugged and put in a safe spot. (The safest is off-premises storage when a fire, etc. won't get it.)

I just bought another 750 GB USB drive for backup purposes. $170 was a pretty small investment for the time I have invested in assembling a collection similar in size to yours (excess of 2000 albums.)

Thanks Sidssp. I want to use a NAS (I think) because I have about 2000 CD's that will cost significant $$$ to get ripped and I want to make sure I don't lose them due to to a hard drive failure.

I have also thought about maybe using an Apple TV rather than a SONOS (which would require that the Mac be on). The "Coverflow" feature on the new Macs is pretty cool and looks like it would do everything I need to manage my music.

As you can see by my question, as a tech type I made a pretty good history major.

Thanks again.

I am a little confused by your question. Are you trying to have all your music stored on a NAS device and have those music played by iTunes running on a Mac? If so, your Mac must be power on in order to run iTunes.

If you are going to use SONOS connected to a NAS directly or through wireless then you don't need to turn on your computer and you will not be running iTunes.

Setting up a NAS for SONOS should be simpler than setting up NAS for iTunes on a Mac.

I haven't read your earlier posts, what is the main reason you want to use a NAS device instead of USB external drives?