I would like to ask for some advice regarding a possible upgrade of my current audio system. I use a QNAP NAS exclusively with Asset to manage my music library, connected to the Naim NDX2 network player. The NAS is currently powered via a linear power supply.
I was wondering if it could be advantageous to switch to a dedicated “audiophile” storage solution. I have considered models such as Melco and Innuos, but I have no direct experience with these brands. I noticed that some of these devices also offer integrated streaming functionalities. In that case, I was wondering if my NDX2 would become redundant and whether it would be sufficient to use a single DAC, perhaps of higher quality than the one integrated in the NDX2.
For the moment, I intend to keep my Naim network player, but I would consider replacing the NAS with a higher-quality solution. I noticed that the Innuos Zen (which, however, costs more than I had initially budgeted) comes with a dual LAN port; in that case, I could eliminate the Silent Angel N8 switch that I currently use and power linearly.
The Innuos products I havce heard and the Statement that own all bettered the QNap NAS I had before, and by quite a margin, where sound quality is concerned. The Innuos Sense control software is also nice to use.
How whatever you buy sounds with and without the Silent Angel is likely to be system-dependent, so I recommend have a good listen before selling. I use a PhoenixNet with my Statement and it definitely brings more to the party.
I have recently done the same change to Innuos from an old QNAP NAS with HDD and could not believe the uplift in quality into my Linn streamer. Even more pleased when I added the power supply box. Both purchased ex dem from previous product line at a nice discount.
If your system is capable of resolving then I can recommend.
I did a kind of blind test last night. My next door neighbour came round and I played him stuff from his favourite Chet Baker album twice in succession, once from my NAS drive and then from the Core. Without knowing which was which, and I hadn’t even told him what I was doing, he immediately said the core was way better, and that was through the QB.
Since I already have a linear power supply connected to my QNAP NAS, I’m wondering if it’s really worth getting a dedicated music server. I’m looking at the new Innuos Stream 1
I have a melco something or other here my mate lent me like a year ago, this has half my Roon library on. The other half is on the Roon rock system. I could not reliably tell you which is playing.
Only because it wasn’t planned, David turned up and I just flipped a couple of tracks during a cup of coffee. And as we were in the back room away from system he certainly had no idea as to the sources.
You will need to do some listening tests, if not at home then at an appropriately equipped and experienced dealer. For many years I ran a QNAP NAS, but when I heard a Melco for the first time in a decent listening room there was no going back. I am no spring chicken but even to my ageing ears the audible improvement was substantial.
I’m looking at the new Innuos Stream 1 to replace my QNAP. It’ll be used as UPnp server only. I do not yet if may be better to purchase an “old” s/h Zen Mini mkIII instead of the new stream 1 since I’ll use it only as Music Library through my NDX2/XPSDR.
Danny, you have already a streamer, the Ndx2. So you need a server/ Nas, as Innuos Zenith 3 or Melco mid level range.
The Stream is a transport, which should be connected by SPDIF or USB to an external dac.
Innuos Zenith is a little bit expensive, however also Stream1 or the old Zen mini can be used as a server/NAS. In the new Stream 1 is possible to replace by yourself also the internal SSD storage.
