Which NAS works well with WiiM Pro?

[rccarguy]

Yes NAS will have samba and are enabled by default as that's the Windows network protocol.

If your Nvidia allows access by SAMBA then yes should see it. Kodi does- I have added \diskstation\videos to it, I can also deleted files from there from my kodi box as well. It also has ability to use kodi video/movie scrapers to search for music/video details. So you have options in kodi by browsing by path\folder or music or video scanned database.

also another benefit of my system in music service it'll scan files ie

\flac\adam ant\
\mp3\adam ant\
\vorbis\adam ant\

And all of those will be visible under "Adam Ant" artist branch, otherwise you'd need to back track in directory and be PITA (same for finding any track of his from everywhere else.

 

[simbun]

Because LMS has abilty to split an artist into branches using "release type tag" as you can see it'll put any CD from any sub dir location into that, ie actualy directory branching could be like this

\Music\Albums\Adam Ant\Prince Charming\1.prince charming.flac
\Music\Compilation\Top of the pops 80 hits\14.prince charming.flac
\Music\Singles\Adam Ant\Prince charming EP\3.Prince charming.flac

and it'll have it in database, I don't need to remember that his tracks are in other directories.

Then by using "release type tag" I'll edit each listing ie mass tag
\music\album to "album" release type
\music\singles to "single" release type

Oh, so it's just the way you've tagged them. I'm used to seeing the MusicBrainz classification e.g. Album/Soundtrack/Live/Compilation (Artist) e.t.c.

I think, when configured, Lyrion will perform basic release type categorisation using track count/release duration (only for Album/EP/Single); I thought you were relying on that.

 

[simbun]

I need a very basic and entry-level NAS drive but some sort of simple automatic back-up system built into the NAS would be nice. That way, I don't have to perform manual back-ups every time I add new files to the NAS. Is the later method recommended for absolute relaibility?

Remember that a mirror (RAID) or an on device backup isn't really a backup

 

[Samazar]

Because LMS has abilty to split an artist into branches using "release type tag" as you can see it'll put any CD from any sub dir location into that, ie actualy directory branching could be like this

\Music\Albums\Adam Ant\Prince Charming\1.prince charming.flac
\Music\Compilation\Top of the pops 80 hits\14.prince charming.flac
\Music\Singles\Adam Ant\Prince charming EP\3.Prince charming.flac

and it'll have it in database, I don't need to remember that his tracks are in other directories.

Then by using "release type tag" I'll edit each listing ie mass tag
\music\album to "album" release type
\music\singles to "single" release type

so when LMS reads the tags it'll put Adam Ant together (wherever it is in on the drive, doesn't matter) but also seperate albums, singles, live, vinyl rip , etc whatever I have editted.

It's great system.

For a small collection yeah browse by folder is fine, but for large collection it's a must.

Regarding "apps" on a Nas, most will have some kind of music , photo and video scanning service, my synology has one, it's functional but not great. It also has app on your phone so you can stream audio and video to it also.

Ahh ok. I will never use a phone app to stream audio or video to it. I will always be listening to music on my music system via the Wiim Ultra and I will always watch videos on my TV via the Nvidia Shield.

It depends future use of apps on your NAS, Intel ones are more expensive, mine is a Realtek one and it's fine. If all you do is browse by Samba or NFS any decent new NAS will do.

Just need something really basic but reliable, A way to centrally store files on a domestic gigabit LAN.

I use a Raspberry pi5 for LMS, so the NAS is just a network hard drive.

Interesting, however, I mostly use Spotify for all my music listening needs.

 

[rccarguy]

You will need Wiim app on your phone to browse, you can't do it via the touchscreen. It depends on the device

Kodi box - use my IR remote control to navigate on the TV screen KODI menu for music, tv shows and movies
Squeezebox/Wiim Ultra, use my PC internet browser or app on the phone (LMS) to browse the music

The Wiims do have Spotify . I don't use audio streaming because of the poor sound quality.

Wiim Ultra also has BT so you can transmit audio from your device, say a laptop or phone to the Wiim

 

[Samazar]

Yes, for software that Synology doesn't package itself.

Aha, understood.

Outgoing connections are fine (the NAS contacting the update servers), it's if you wanted to connect to the Synology from outside the home (without using the Synology relay service) where it becomes more risky.

I will never ever want to connect to my domestic Synology from outside the home.

Plex isn't open source but for your intended usage it is free.

That's good to know, you mean for both music and movies? - any catcch in it?

I would not want to see or hear ads or be forced to work at half speed or something like that.

Is it easy to use and configure?

Does Synology support it?

 

[simbun]

That's good to know, you mean for both music and movies? - any catcch in it?

There are features locked behind a subscription, but the basics are free.

Is it easy to use and configure?

Does Synology support it?

It's easy to configure and is supported on Synology. I think you can install it on the Shield (for testing).

 

[Samazar]

You will need Wiim app on your phone to browse, you can't do it via the touchscreen. It depends on the device

Yes, I prefer using my phone. I don't use the touch screen at all.

Kodi box - use my IR remote control to navigate on the TV screen KODI menu for music, tv shows and movies
Squeezebox/Wiim Ultra, use my PC internet browser or app on the phone (LMS) to browse the music

I guess it's all a matter of preference. LMS sounds cool. However, I just need to keep things simple for my needs. I am used to WHA and Kodi.

The Wiims do have Spotify . I don't use audio streaming because of the poor sound quality.

Wiim Ultra also has BT so you can transmit audio from your device, say a laptop or phone to the Wiim

I understand that, I'm happy with the Spotify quality for now and hope that they will soon upgrade their services to high-res.

 

[Samazar]

There are features locked behind a subscription, but the basics are free.

Oh ok, I will look into it.

It's easy to configure and is supported on Synology. I think you can install it on the Shield (for testing).

One question comes to mind - with Plex, will I be able to play my music via the WHA and watch my movies via Kodi on my Shield?

 

[rccarguy]

Just installed Plex on my Realtek Synology, to see how it is.

 

[Samazar]

Just installed Plex on my Realtek Synology, to see how it is.

That is very nice and thoughtful of you @rccarguy.

Basically, my NAS is just a central storage device on the network. Just need my end-point apps to recognise the files and play them back. I'm not keen on changing my end-point apps.

Samba seems ideal for music in conjunction with the WHA. Just need Kodi to see a video folder with sub-folders. I am completely ok with seeing lists.

 

[rccarguy]

Just installed Plex, I can't see Plex server in Wiim home app.

App on phone is too messy doesn't have nice menu like LMS

 

[Samazar]

Remember that a mirror (RAID) or an on device backup isn't really a backup

That is so true, so do you usually keep a manual back up of your NAS drive?

I guess I could invest in an external USB3 drive for that specific purpose.

 

[Samazar]

Just installed Plex, I can't see Plex server in Wiim home app.

App on phone is too messy doesn't have nice menu like LMS

In that case, Plex will not work for me. I think Samba is the way to go for music files.

 

[rccarguy]

screenshot of wiim home app

 

[simbun]

One question comes to mind - with Plex, will I be able to play my music via the WHA and watch my movies via Kodi on my Shield?

The WHA uses the Plex API so it's the richest, most feature complete integration there is - even though you don't necessarily need it for just folder browsing.

There are various KODI add-ons for Plex.

Plex is just one of many options. If you were planning to use KODI to index your movies then the native Synology music server should suffice, although MinimServer is recommended.

 

[simbun]

In that case, Plex will not work for me. I think Samba is the way to go for music files.

I assume he's trying to find it under 'Home Music Share' which is only for UPnP Servers.

 

[simbun]

Just installed Plex, I can't see Plex server in Wiim home app.

Browse > Music Services > Plex

 

[simbun]

screenshot of wiim home app

Unless you enable DLNA in Plex it won't appear there.

 

[Samazar]

@rccarguy and @simbun - can you kindly help me make the right decision in terms a nice entry level NAS drive?

Do you think this will serve me well:-

DiskStation® DS223 | Synology Inc.

Data management platform for home and small office

www.synology.com

I like the form factor of this one, nice for a rack cabinet:-

HS-264 | Silent and lightweight home NAS for multimedia playback and streaming with dual HDMI™ 2.0 4K output

Designed as a multimedia center for digital homes, the HS-264 provides various apps and utilities (such as QuMagie, Video Station, Music Station, and Plex Media Server) for storing and enjoying all your photos, videos, and music. High performance and streaming quality are ensured by an Intel®...

www.qnap.com

Let me have your expert thoughts.