NAS vs External USB HD (Sound Quality)

A

aniwolfe

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Jan 20, 2019
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Hello
Wanted to get some opinions from some people that have used both formats for streaming files locally. Do you hear sonic differences and what are they? Appreciate it.
 
I’ve tried it both ways with my A1 and D1. To me, there was no difference in SQ between the two methods. But I have old ears.

There was, however, a difference in the functionality of the LUMIN app. With a server, e.g. MinimServer, all the metadata is displayed which makes sorting, searching, etc. easier to do. With a hard drive or flash drive plugged into the USB port, much of that functionality is missing.
 
Oly said:
I’ve tried it both ways with my A1 and D1. To me, there was no difference in SQ between the two methods. But I have old ears.

There was, however, a difference in the functionality of the LUMIN app. With a server, e.g. MinimServer, all the metadata is displayed which makes sorting, searching, etc. easier to do. With a hard drive or flash drive plugged into the USB port, much of that functionality is missing.
Click to expand...

My experience is the same. The better functionality of the NAS over a USB hard drive cannot be overstated.

When one adds the redundancy of the NAS which protects your data (your music in this case) from loss in case of HD failure, to me choosing a NAS over a USB drive is a no brainier.

Talking about failure, one of the HD in my NAS failed yesterday. My NAS warned me and I just ordered a new hard drive to replace it. Meanwhile I can keep using the NAS and listening to my music as if nothing happened. It only takes 30 seconds to replace the HD.
 
Great answers...I am new to this, so just starting with External HD via USB for now and then I will graduate to the NAS system as the Lumin was intended for. Thanks
 
aniwolfe said:
Hello
Wanted to get some opinions from some people that have used both formats for streaming files locally. Do you hear sonic differences and what are they? Appreciate it.
Click to expand...
I use a 4 TB SSD installed in my Synology NAS and Mimiserver native app. I also bridge the signal with a Cisco switch to my X1 (optic network input). Every components are LPS powered: Router, switch, even the modem.

Absolutely, the sound is way more natural and polished. No more HD harsh noise and slowlyness issues.
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Home: Focal Scala Utopia - LuminX1 Optically Bridged - Primaluna Premium HP

Cottage: Devore Orangutan 0/96 - Lumin D1 Optically Bridged - Pathos TT Aniversary
 
I’ve tried both ways. Never noticed a difference. Now with the Aurender N10, I store files on that, a backup on the NAS, and my NAS gets backed up to the cloud.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I hear a significant SQ difference. I keep a very large collector's library on usb HDD. Only my regular favorites on the NAS. The two specific differences I notice
- Dynamics -especially micro dynamics are reduced on usb.
- Sound stage is narrowed a little, but more so in terms of depth (much reduced).
Net effect is usb sounds thin. Not nearly as real, which impacts the emotional experience of listening.

System: Lumin D1 w/LPS, Rogue pre, Odyssey monos, Magnapan 3.3, Rythmik subs.
 
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