2. pc-audio
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USB drive vs NAS for storage/streaming/back-up

Is there any sonic benefit for a NAS over a USB drive for storage and streaming? I'm using a 1TB USB drive for streaming FLAC files through a Sonos (Cullen modified) to a DAC. Sounds good. I was planning on getting a NAS, but I could just as easily get another USB drive and back up maunually when needed, not a big deal. USB drive is quiet, easy to use and situate, seems to work well. Why go NAS? Ethernet benefits? Sonics? Thanks for any input.
joc3021
stevenstone's avatar
stevenstone
16 posts
 
With a NAS drive you won't need to keep your computer on. Don't get an NDAS drive - that WILL require your computer to be on.

That is why you want/need an NAS drive.
thsalmon
348 posts
 
Joc,

I am am also using a Cullen modified Sonos ZP-80. I use a Buffalo Teraserver NAS drive, attached to my half wired/half wireless network. Like Stevenstone said, your PC does not have to remain on with an NAS device, only the hub or switch needs to remain powered up. Some of my Sonos units are hardwired and others are not. I've not been able to tell a sonic diference between the wired and wireless connections. The Teraserver is RAID 5 configured right out of the box, so the data recording is already redundant, not really requiring any other backup.
joc3021 OP
102 posts
 
Thsalmon: Thanks. I'll investigate NAS units. Need something quiet and cool running that can be in the listening area. As I have a USB drive, don't really need RAID. I'm also running wired and wireless with the Sonos.
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