I am trying to get the ND555 to recognize / play files from an external, self-powered HDD formatted in FAT32 via the front USB port.
This same HDD works via the rear-USB and on the front USB port of my old NAC272.
Any thoughts? Thx
This should just work, through either USB port. Have you tried it through the Server input (under Local Music) as well as the USB input? The USB drive should show up in either input, regardless of which port you use.
Maybe worth trying a factory reset in case the 555 is having a wobbly?
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May be worth putting a couple of music files on a USB Flashdrive to see if that works - if it does, it may be that the HDD is trying to draw too much current from the 555
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Thx both.
I have not done a full reset. Donāt want to do this as itās not mine (yet).
USB thumb drives work. As to the HDD pulling too much power: That should not be an issue since the HDD has its own power supply.
I have had success using a portable HDD that is not self-powered, connected to the front of ND555. It was formatted in Ex-FAT, which works with the latest firmware upgrade. Not sure that should make a difference, though.
By the way, a USB flashdrive sounds better than the HDD, IME.
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Thx AHT.
FWIW, I have now done a complete factory reset. Same issue still.
I just noticed something (new?): When I pull out the Audioquest Carbon USB cable, the front USB seems to briefly recognize the HDD. It says āFrontā twice ā¦ but only for a split second.
Could this indicate a faulty front USB terminal?
Sounds like a power issue ā¦ of some kindā¦
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I would contact Naim ā¦this could be something to do with it being self powered, or call the dealer they should be able to get a call direct into Naim and get an answer.
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It sounds like it is trying to mount the drive, then fails. Does seem to point to your USB drive or its power supply. Are you able to try another one, or perhaps try and reformat your one?
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My Atom has always done this. No idea why, and I did point out the anolamy to Naim at the time. It didnāt stop the USB input from working properly though.
Have you tried a different USB cable? Otherwise I think itās something Naim, or your dealer, need to look at.
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As ChrisSU has noted, āFrontā displaying twice briefly is not, of itself, a problem. Currently my ND555 is not up and running, but as I recollect, it wouldnāt happen when I used multiple USB sticks, but somehow the HDD was considered a second type of device and triggered this phenomenon. Since your drive worked with your 272, things like directory structure, file type, etc. can probably be ruled out. It does take a minute or so for the directory to show up if you have a lot of albums on the disk. Sorry, thatās all I can think of for nowā¦
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Thx AHT.
I have now swapped out the cable, but unfortunately I get the same result.
I am pretty sure it cannot be due to the HDD (or its size, etc.) as the very same device works via the back USB on the ND555 and on the front USB port of my 272.
I guess this is where the dealer would need to get involved.
Also, I am unable to find an in-depth manual for the ND555. Is this because of my poor searching skills? 
On the ND555 web page thereās a searchable āsupportā thing near the bottom of the page. Itās a complete PITA to use, and not as comprehensive as the old manuals, but it does contain some useful information. I donāt think itās going to help solve your USB issue though. If a factory reset and power down doesnāt work you probably need to get your dealer to sort it out.
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Agreed, ChrisSUā¦ also as to the PITA aspect of using the FAQ page. Does anyone know why Naim stopped producing a ātraditionalā manual for its top streamer? I guess the FAQ approach offers more flexibility butā¦
Final Q on my USB front issue: Is anybody aware of other restrictions than the 100k songs and the required formats (FAT32, etc)?
Stenz,
I tried different hdd and usb sticks on my Nds, before I went for Unitserve then Melco.
Some worked, other not, without any reason I could find.
For example the LaCie 500 Go worked, the LaCie 1To not.
I know that Samsung hdd work.
I donāt think your dealer will really be able to help you. If your hdd has the right format, it will be very difficult to sort it I feel.
Better change hdd, itās relatively inexpensive, specially vs Nd555.
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Thx again to all for your help - much appreciated! 
Quick update: Turns out that the same Seagate HDD formatted in exFAT (vs FAT32 previously) works like a charm. It still shows āfrontā twice - like it did for the flash drives that worked, but heckā¦ 
Looks like Naim may want to update the compatible storage formats for the 2 USB ports on the ND555. And while they are at it, how about a full manual?
Anyway, this little streamer is now a keeper. Happy listening to all!
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