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Do I have to use a streamer/renderer to play music from an NAS?

I apologize for the basic question. But, I can’t seem to find an answer online. I would like to put all my CDs on an NAS and play that music through my system. I have a Rotel RC/RB-1590 set up. I know some NAS boxes come with DLNA software installed, and I am looking at Synology because I read their software for finding and selecting music to play is pretty good. Eventually, I will probably end up with something like a Cambridge Audio CXN or 851N to stream tidal and digital radio, as well as the music on the NAS. But, do I have to have the Cambridge or some other device to just play the digital music from the NAS to start? I would like to do the purchases in steps so I can get better units as I can afford them.  Also, any advice on alternative solutions would be much appreciated. Thanks.
kumakahn
oldschool1948's avatar
oldschool1948
490 posts
 
Also get a dac that has a network interface so you can keep the server in a different room
I think that depends on your overall system setup.

I once used a Synology DS216+ NAS as my media server.  It was kept in my home office and could make mechanical noise at times, but had no impact on SQ outside of that room. 

Currently, the Zenith media server and sonicTransporter that are in my music room are totally silent, that is, neither make any mechanical sounds while operating.

itsjustme
681 posts
 
Just to answer a few questions not addressed to me :-)

-- Why have the server in another room?  I think to reduce physical noise (fans, etc.).  I probably will just put it in a closet in the room.  I'll also make a quiet server based on  NUC, Roon ROCK, etc.


-- Why is Ethernet superior to USB?  answer: both are asynchronous and therefore should be the same. But USB needs to be galvanically isolated to prevent noise propagation. Also, see above, network allows you to remote the whole thing and eliminate physical/mechanical noise

Otherwise there is no difference.  Either vs SPDIF is a big difference however, since SPDIF is synchronous and depends on the source clock, which you cant control.
G

kumakahn OP
48 posts
 
Wow, what a wealth of information. I appreciate it so much.  But, honestly, I just want to listen to music that sounds great and is easily located and selected. I spent too many hours configuring networks, etc. when I had my own business. I want simple but good sounding. Much of this seems too complicated for my tastes. Is the Bluesound Vault II reliable, especially the built-in ripper?
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
A huge resounding YES on the Bluesound Vault 2.
Used one for two years with zero issues on streaming or cd ripping.
It is very versatile although it’s weak point, imho, is its internal dac.
For a grand its a simple powerful way to get round any tech issues, it s nearly plug and play.
oldschool1948's avatar
oldschool1948
490 posts
 
@kumankahn.  But, honestly, I just want to listen to music that sounds great and is easily located and selected.
Looks like you have to main goals for your music: (1) sounds great  and (2) is easily located and selected.

(1)  Seems like a hardware choice.  Since your RC-1590 has a DAC, I'd look for a pure media server.  Take a look at the Innuos ZENmini  
http://www.innuos.com/en/catalog/go/zenmini-mk3-1tb-hdd. 

They are simple to setup and configure; are CD rippers; and come pre-loaded with Roon.  They cost more than the Bluesound Vault 2.  I use a Zenith MKII.  The SQ is outstanding.  Check out the online reviews.

For connectivity, the ZENmini has two Ethernet ports or a USB port.  In your case, you would connect your LAN cable to the ZENmini "LAN" port, and then the ZENmini "Streamer" port to you RC-1590 "Ethernet" port or the ZENmini "USB" port to you RC-1590 "USB" port.

(2) Seems like software choices.  I'd give Roon a try.  If that doesn't work, there are a lot of other choices.
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