Recommendations for streaming music files on Ultra

[cottonchipper]

I’ve ordered a Wiim Ultra streamer and would like some advice about streaming my local music files. Presently, all files (approx. 50,000) are stored on a USB drive connected to a network PC. As I understand it, I could use Plex (which is already installed on the PC) to stream to the Ultra over wifi. I was thinking there would be a benefit to copying the files to a new USB drive and attaching it to the Ultra, using a Seagate 5TB HDD. Am I overthinking this? Should I just use Plex to stream from the PC, or would there be a noticeable improvement by attaching a drive? I’m also unsure whether the USB socket on the Ultra would provide enough power to the drive but that may not be an issue.

 

[Burnside]

I would only use a USB drive connected to my Ultra for small, stable libraries. You're much better off with an external NAS or server and software like Minimserver, LMS or if you wish, Plex

 

[goodmore]

I’ve ordered a Wiim Ultra streamer and would like some advice about streaming my local music files. Presently, all files (approx. 50,000) are stored on a USB drive connected to a network PC. As I understand it, I could use Plex (which is already installed on the PC) to stream to the Ultra over wifi. I was thinking there would be a benefit to copying the files to a new USB drive and attaching it to the Ultra, using a Seagate 5TB HDD. Am I overthinking this? Should I just use Plex to stream from the PC, or would there be a noticeable improvement by attaching a drive? I’m also unsure whether the USB socket on the Ultra would provide enough power to the drive but that may not be an iss

In my opinion your library is too big for the usb of the Ultra.

 

[Hazenhart]

Yeah I will echo the recommendation for a NAS. Store your files there and run your server of choice -- for music files I am quite happy with Minimserver. Compared to Plex it is simple and transparent. I am also quite happy with my Synology NAS.

 

[Barry]

The Wiim Ultra is Roon-ready. That really is the nicest experience for a home music library.