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Do I have to use a streamer/renderer to play music from an NAS?

I apologize for the basic question. But, I can’t seem to find an answer online. I would like to put all my CDs on an NAS and play that music through my system. I have a Rotel RC/RB-1590 set up. I know some NAS boxes come with DLNA software installed, and I am looking at Synology because I read their software for finding and selecting music to play is pretty good. Eventually, I will probably end up with something like a Cambridge Audio CXN or 851N to stream tidal and digital radio, as well as the music on the NAS. But, do I have to have the Cambridge or some other device to just play the digital music from the NAS to start? I would like to do the purchases in steps so I can get better units as I can afford them.  Also, any advice on alternative solutions would be much appreciated. Thanks.
kumakahn

Showing 2 responses by mahler123

mahler123
3,028 posts
 
+ 1
at the bare minimum, you need a DAC.  Some how those 1s and 0s from the NAS have to be converted to sound.  I don’t know if the equipment you cited has a DAC.  Then you need to be able to tell the NAS what to play.
  A PC is a great way to start, most people have one lying around.  Great software programs for low expenditures can then provide you with a good GUI while simultaneously enhancing the sound output from the PC by disabling other functions.
mahler123
3,028 posts
 
The answer is you need to add something to the NAS/DAC como.  You have to be able to see what’s on the NAS and to be able to direct the NAS to serve up tracks.  It could be a computer or a renderer
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