2. pc-audio
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need help moving to NAS and RAID

Looking for some helpful suggestions and guidance:
I currently use 3 3TB Seagate portable Hard drives, linked via USB to my PC laptop running JRiver 21, and connected via USB to my Playback Design DAC5 as my digital music library. I am concerned that these portable HD's are not that reliable, and would like to migrate to an integrated NAS/RAID storage device, and connect that to my laptop for JRiver access. Please provide some easy thoughts on best method of transferring all my files, creating auto back up, and importing the new library into JR. I am not very computer literate. Also would like recommendations on which brands/devices are reliable, and sound good.
Question 2: I am not that happy with the new Media Center 21...when I access my library via the PC, I used to be able to create new random playlists by opening an album, and only selecting a few tracks...now it doesn't let me; and upon clicking, it moves the entire album to the Playing Now song list...but from iPad, I can still create playlists from specific tracts. Do folks know of how I can regain my prior functionality? The MC forum has not been helpful. Should I consider the new AUrender N10 or N100H instead of laptop and JRiver, but still use the NAS, and RAID? Would it sound better, and be easier to use and import music, and Tidal?
Thanks..just an old fashioned audiophile, trying to deal with these new fangled options of listening to music.
Happy Holidays...
mribob

Showing 2 responses by hevac1

hevac1
812 posts
 
I use 2 Western Digital NAS enclosures in my system and have no issues with them.
1 is the DX4000, I do not recommend it because it will only accept certain drives and they are not cheap as it is meant for business.
The 1 I would recommend is the DL4100 it is fast up to 107 to 117 MB per second I get 115. Do not get the one without drives as it is harder to setup. Western Digital has great tech support and you should call them as you are setting it up. I would call at the first setup screen so they can walk you through it.
Stay away from the Western Digital EX series as it is a dog 25 MB per second, I returned it.
After you get the NAS up and running you will just copy your files, drag and drop to the NAS as your system will see it as just another drive. You will need to still hold on to those drive you have so you have a backup, just power them up from time to time.
hevac1
812 posts
 
If you are going to build a NAS/RAID make sure you use a UPS. If you pull the the plug or have power failures the system will test the integrity of the drives that make up the Raid configuration when it is powered up again. This can take hours to days depending on system size. Raid 5 is a good way to go but as with most hard drive systems make sure you do a backup. I would not use backup software as that will crunch down your data and for music it may not be restored correctly as it may not be lossless. just do a drag and drop to the external backup drive.
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