Which NAS works well with WiiM Pro?

[simbun]

LMS is very flexible so far as local media is concerned if you install some specific plugins that expand the basic capabilities but for most people the standards are fine. I think your extensive tagging and work to modify Minimserver to your requirements could be replicated in LMS but it would take a lot of work. That’s what I mean by your use case.

I have looked briefly at Custom Tag Importer but the documentation isn't great, and I don't think the customisations are tightly integrated into the standard browse tree, but I'm sure that can cover off some of the customisations.

Your point about UPnP being in use in most components is of course true but it is the very fact that hardly any two implementations are the same that makes other totally predicable protocols a viable and attractive alternative.

So attractive, that in the 23 years since its inception we now have one manufacturer that has chosen to support Squeezelite
On a serious note though, a modern open standard is well overdue, but unlikely.

My view remains that as matters stand UPnP remains virtually unusable on a WiiM with only the WHA as a control point. You need BubbleUPnP or mConnect to do anything more than basic play. Given the vagaries of the UPnP implementations by various device manufacturers I can’t see this situation ever improving.

The WiiM's are first and foremost streaming endpoints, so to get the best user experience you're always going to have to use third-party apps, but I don't think that's any different from any other system really, and I think it's only going to get worse with companies keen to own the interface (advertising space)/data.

I do appreciate LMS but its sprawling nature makes it feel/look very fragile.

 

[simbun]

If a audio product only uses UPNP, then I won't use that device for audio streaming. For example my TV, AVR, Kodi box, BD player - they support UPNP. I don't use them for audio streaming because UPNP is lousy.

And it's your prerogative to feel that way. You're not right, but whatever helps you get through the day.

I would have thought/hoped that any high end streamer, like Hifi Rose or whatever or the £10,000 ones I saw at hifi show, multi thousand pound device has a dedicated music scanning APK app and service (for different NAS type) No freaking way would I buy a Hifi Rose and still use UPNP

Whilst I think most of the high end manufacturers do have server components (to fill in the product line) I think anyone with all but the most basic indexing requirements use UPnP servers, supported by the manufacturers control points e.g. Linn, Naim e.t.c. MinimServer even comes preinstalled with Melco.

 

[Samazar]

Hi guys, so any new developments as of April 2025 in terms of an easy to implement NAS drive solution?

I mainly use Spotify to listen to music via my Wiim Ultra but as a hobbyist I sometimes create my own music using GarageBand. Hence, I'd like to be able to create a folder on the NAS example 'My GB Tracks' which would then have subfolders to sort out different categories example 'Dance', 'Theme' etc. I would then copy my music files in those folders over the network (wired gigabit). My Wiim Ultra would be hard-wired too into the network.

I would then like to access the main and sub folders via the Wiim app (which will be on the same network) and play back the music files. I do not want any graphic or album-like art. I am happy with seeing a list and playing what I want. Can tracks from within those sub-folders be included in a playlists and can those playlists be saved within the Wiim app?

 

[rccarguy]

Hi guys, so any new developments as of April 2025 in terms of an easy to implement NAS drive solution?

I mainly use Spotify to listen to music via my Wiim Ultra but as a hobbyist I sometimes create my own music using GarageBand. Hence, I'd like to be able to create a folder on the NAS example 'My GB Tracks' which would then have subfolders to sort out different categories example 'Dance', 'Theme' etc. I would then copy my music files in those folders over the network (wired gigabit). My Wiim Ultra would be hard-wired too into the network.

I would then like to access the main and sub folders via the Wiim app (which will be on the same network) and play back the music files. I do not want any graphic or album-like art. I am happy with seeing a list and playing what I want. Can tracks from within those sub-folders be included in a playlists and can those playlists be saved within the Wiim app?

My Ultra accesses the Synology NAS no problems in the wiim app, I have set it up.

Personally don't use browse by folder but if I did, it would be within LMS

 

[jfbuk]

I sometimes create my own music using GarageBand.

What device are you running Garageband on ?
If its a Mac then just turn on file sharing for the Garageband folder on the Mac and you should be able to see it across your network including in the Wiim Home app. You just need to be careful your recorded files are in a format the Wiim can handle

Set up SMB file sharing on Mac

Turn on SMB file sharing on your Mac.

support.apple.com

 

[simbun]

I would then like to access the main and sub folders via the Wiim app (which will be on the same network) and play back the music files. I do not want any graphic or album-like art. I am happy with seeing a list and playing what I want. Can tracks from within those sub-folders be included in a playlists and can those playlists be saved within the Wiim app?

Any NAS with a UPnP server will likely fulfill your requirements (Synology are well regarded), even the onboard indexing of the Ultra if that's an option.

As far as I can tell (I haven't been able to verify the onboard indexing as I don't have an Amp/Ultra) you can't add folders of tracks to a playlist through the WHA, each track needs to be added individually. You can add the contents of a folder to the playback queue, but it can't be saved to a playlist.

If you're on Android BubbleUPnP is a good alternative to the WHA.

 

[Samazar]

My Ultra accesses the Synology NAS no problems in the wiim app, I have set it up.

Personally don't use browse by folder but if I did, it would be within LMS

Thanks, I'd have a main Music folder and then in that folder I'd like to have category folders: Pop, Theme, Flute etc.

What is LMS?

 

[Samazar]

What device are you running Garageband on ?
If its a Mac then just turn on file sharing for the Garageband folder on the Mac and you should be able to see it across your network including in the Wiim Home app. You just need to be careful your recorded files are in a format the Wiim can handle

Set up SMB file sharing on Mac

Turn on SMB file sharing on your Mac.

support.apple.com

Yes, I use a Mac but usually switch it off after use. Hence, I'd rather copy all my music content on the NAS. I'd want a main 'Music' folder and then subfolders within that to categorise my music.

I can save or convert my music files in a format that Wiim can handle, preferably a non-lossy compressed format.

 

[Samazar]

Any NAS with a UPnP server will likely fulfill your requirements (Synology are well regarded), even the onboard indexing of the Ultra if that's an option.

As far as I can tell (I haven't been able to verify the onboard indexing as I don't have an Amp/Ultra) you can't add folders of tracks to a playlist through the WHA, each track needs to be added individually. You can add the contents of a folder to the playback queue, but it can't be saved to a playlist.

If you're on Android BubbleUPnP is a good alternative to the WHA.

You mention any NAS with a UPnP server - is that future proof or is there a better more modern server type that Wiim works with?

I notice Synology is well regarded but there is always mention of QNAP and UGreen. Ugreen is fairly new so I'd steer away from it.

By onboard indexing, you mean the Wiim app creates a locally stored index on my phone for faster access, is that right?

Sorry, let me clarify. I would only want to add individual tracks chosen from within the folders and not the whole folder when creating playlists.

What is WHA?

Yes, I use an Android phone.

Is BubbleUPnP a UpnP server that can be installed on an Android device?

Basically, I want to place my music and video files on the NAS and access the music via Wiim Ultra and videos via Nvidia Shield TV.

 

[rccarguy]

Thanks, I'd have a main Music folder and then in that folder I'd like to have category folders: Pop, Theme, Flute etc.

What is LMS?

LMS is a music management service, it scans your music tags and creates a database from that, but it's also the front end as well.

Browsing by folder is clunky and slow. although it does have it's uses.

Here is screenshot of LMS, I have enabled the "music folder" option. I would recommend using a music service, it allows you to do things like this, where by folder it wouldn't (and missing artwork also)

 

[rccarguy]

"Basically, I want to place my music and video files on the NAS and access the music via Wiim Ultra and videos via Nvidia Shield TV."

You can do that. On my wiim you can browse by folder in the wiim app, but it's pretty awful app and clunky, but it does have that feature, so do most music managment services. Need to enter in NAS location password and username.

My other audio streamers DON'T have browse by Samba so having a music service like LMS, or a DNLA service would be required- whether I search by folder, or through music database. It's also quicker as you don't need to do stuff like username and passwords, and allows you to use generic audio streamers

With video boxes like my kodi again access files by username and password.

Music database scans everything and creates a fast system to browse or search music, how well that is depends on your tagging, but you could create something like you want using "release type" tag in situations

Personally I'd recommend you use a music service system, let it build the database, use your " browse by folder system" and also use it's music database system for efficiency.

 

[Samazar]

LMS is a music management service, it scans your music tags and creates a database from that, but it's also the front end as well.

Browsing by folder is clunky and slow. although it does have it's uses.

Here is screenshot of LMS, I have enabled the "music folder" option. I would recommend using a music service, it allows you to do things like this, where by folder it wouldn't (and missing artwork also)

Thanks that is so good to know. However, I stream most of my music via Spotify Premium. The only time I'd need to access the music folder on the NAS is to play my own music creations which are not that many. It will probably never go over 150 to 200 tracks.

One thing that would be nice is to always have the music folder featured in the app once it is indexed, same applies to my video files when I run Kodi on the Nvidia Shield TV.

 

[simbun]

You mention any NAS with a UPnP server - is that future proof or is there a better more modern server type that Wiim works with?

My answer was based on your requirements (folder view), but if you wanted future proofing I'd recommend an Intel based Synology because it allows you to run docker.

I notice Synology is well regarded but there is always mention of QNAP and UGreen. Ugreen is fairly new so I'd steer away from it.

Synology seem to have a better security record than QNAP, but if they're not going to be on the internet then it likely doesn't matter.

By onboard indexing, you mean the Wiim app creates a locally stored index on my phone for faster access, is that right?

You could connect a USB drive directly to the Ultra and it will perform the indexing. The compromise here is that you'd need to remove the drive to add music.

What is WHA?

The WiiM Home App.

Yes, I use an Android phone.

Is BubbleUPnP a UpnP server that can be installed on an Android device?

BubbleUPnP is a UPnP control point that can browse UPnP Servers and send the music to UPnP renderers (WiiM Ultra). It offers much more functionality than the WiiM home app, but it sounds like the WHA might be sufficient for you.

Basically, I want to place my music and video files on the NAS and access the music via Wiim Ultra and videos via Nvidia Shield TV.

What system are you planning to use for video? Plex is natively supported by the WHA so might be the best option.

 

[rccarguy]

Not sure if it indexes the music on the samba path but it does allow you to browse via samba.

Adding and Accessing SMB Shared Files in the WiiM App

TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction to SMB (Samba) Benefits of Using SMB (Samba) with WiiM How to Add and Access SMB Shared Files in the WiiM App 1. Open the WiiM App 2. Add SMB Shared Files 3. Browse and Play Introduction to SMB (Samba)...

faq.wiimhome.com

 

[simbun]

Here is screenshot of LMS, I have enabled the "music folder" option. I would recommend using a music service, it allows you to do things like this, where by folder it wouldn't (and missing artwork also)

In the Adam & The Ants screenshot why are those releases classified as Albums? https://musicbrainz.org/artist/75d4f194-969c-4538-b789-742f3eb3d02c

 

[Samazar]

My answer was based on your requirements (folder view), but if you wanted future proofing I'd recommend an Intel based Synology because it allows you to run docker.

Noted. I suppose Docker enables the installation and use of apps, is that right?

Synology seem to have a better security record than QNAP, but if they're not going to be on the internet then it likely doesn't matter.

I understand. The only reason I'd very occasionally connect the NAS to the internet is for firmware upgrades unless the NAS has the ability to perform manual firmware upgrades.

You could connect a USB drive directly to the Ultra and it will perform the indexing. The compromise here is that you'd need to remove the drive to add music.

I'd rather prefer a NAS on the LAN so that I can copy music and video files from my computer to the NAS which would then be available to the WHA and my Nvidia Shield TV.

The WiiM Home App.

Got that, thanks.

BubbleUPnP is a UPnP control point that can browse UPnP Servers and send the music to UPnP renderers (WiiM Ultra). It offers much more functionality than the WiiM home app, but it sounds like the WHA might be sufficient for you.

Yes, I think you are correct in saying that the WHA will be sufficient for me.

What system are you planning to use for video? Plex is natively supported by the WHA so might be the best option.

Aha, that makes sense. However, is Plex open source? - Not keen on paying recurring monthly tariffs to be honest.

 

[rccarguy]

In the Adam & The Ants screenshot why are those releases classified as Albums? https://musicbrainz.org/artist/75d4f194-969c-4538-b789-742f3eb3d02c

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.

 

[rccarguy]

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.

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.

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

 

[Samazar]

Not sure if it indexes the music on the samba path but it does allow you to browse via samba.

Adding and Accessing SMB Shared Files in the WiiM App

TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction to SMB (Samba) Benefits of Using SMB (Samba) with WiiM How to Add and Access SMB Shared Files in the WiiM App 1. Open the WiiM App 2. Add SMB Shared Files 3. Browse and Play Introduction to SMB (Samba)...

faq.wiimhome.com

That is really interesting. Any idea if Synology and QNAP entry-level NAS drives come with Samba?

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?

Will Samba allow access to sub-folders?

Wondering if my video files can work in the same way in conjunction with my Nvidia Shield.

 

[simbun]

Noted. I suppose Docker enables the installation and use of apps, is that right?

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

I understand. The only reason I'd very occasionally connect the NAS to the internet is for firmware upgrades unless the NAS has the ability to perform manual firmware upgrades.

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.

Aha, that makes sense. However, is Plex open source? - Not keen on paying recurring monthly tariffs to be honest.

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