Uniti Nova USB stick buffering constantly

Streaming Audio
1

Hi.
My new Nova arrived today. I just joined Qobuz and it is up and running playing Fleetwood Mac now. I tried a USB 128 stick with purchased downloads in the front slot. They start instantly, then play 5 or so seconds, then constantly buffer with 10 second or so gaps and 3 or 4 seconds play. Any help appreciated.

2

Firstly Iā€™d try a different USB stick, if you have one.

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I believe the first time you put a USB stick in that has music on it, the Nova will do a rudimentary ā€œindexingā€ which is likely why you are getting issues.

I would insert the USB stick last thing at night and try again in the morning. Depending on how full it is, this process can take some time.

Edit: you may also find the USB stick gets quite warm. This indexing is for ā€œserver modeā€. If you disable ā€œServer Modeā€, then the indexing is not done, but the browsing experience in the app is very poor (no album art etcā€¦).

4

Also, did you first format the stick when you got it - always a good idea

5

Thanks for the replies. I had a new 3.0 128gb stick here. I did not select the server option during set up so no issue there. I moved 2 albums across to the new stick and they play fine.

Lots of running in to do. So far itā€™s warmer, more refined but less controlled than my old 202/200/FCXS/NAPSC combo. I will try some vinyl through it tomorrow.

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6

There have been previous reports of counterfeit or simply iffy USB sticks over the years in many areas - where did you purchase it, which manufacturer?

How was it formatted?

Have you tried front and rear USB sockets on the Nova?

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Just in case it moves, Iā€™ve queried with moderation if this would be better off in Streaming Audio forum - they can decide - always a tricky one.

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Hi. I wouldnā€™t say this is about streaming as itā€™s a local USB stick source. Anyway, I think you need to use a very modern, fast USB stick that is not too heavy with files. The brand new stick works fine, the older one that I used in several other dacs/players probably has a slower transfer rate.
Thanks again all.

9

You donā€™t need a fast transfer speed to play from a USB stick, but it will help when loading larger files to it.

I generally buy very cheap USB sticks, I never bother to reformat them, and Iā€™ve never had a problem playing music from them. I would buy from a reputable seller though, not an unknown ebay seller. Mymemory is a good online retailer with low prices.

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10

I also find that cheap USB sticks with less GB ,works and sounds better .

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Yes, that crossed my mind, though we often see problems raised here simply because such problems are on ā€˜streamingā€™ hardware even if playing back from a local attached copy. Sorry if it caused any inconvenience or confusion.

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