Hard Drive versis Flash Drive

If you are going to use the PS Audio PWD with integrated bridge (which is what I will be doing as well), you don't really need to worry about the quality of the storage since it doesn't have any affect on the quality of the audio. In that configuration it literally is just a file server - the bridge converts the file to digital stream for the DAC and keeps it in the optimal I2S format.

Forget about all the fancy NAS boxes with partial operating systems and integrated CD drives & ripping software - cool as they may be you can spend half the money and get twice the value with off the shelf stuff. Instead, get a simple 1TB NAS and stick it in the closet with your router. While you are at it, get a 1TB USB drive to back up all your files too - $350 will probably get you both.

Software wise, nothing beats Exact Audio Copy (EAC). If you don't like the complexity of it, then Poikosoft Easy CDDA has a much friendlier interface and has integrated many of the same secure ripping features - it will cost you about $25 I think. If you have a ton of CDs and don't mind paying for it, there are services that will rip everything for you and send you DVDs of your ripped files.

Have fun!

Hello 2chnlben,

As I understand you are investingating PWD for your use and for NAS you recommended: " Buffalo Linkstation products " as well as ..."I highly recommend ripping in flac".
Looks good, however, today I saw on PS Audio forum interesting post without reply:
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Quote {The Buffalo LinkStation Mini looks like it’ll do fine for this}

I see that this product utilizes an embedded iTunes server. Since iTunes is not compatible with flac, I assume this DNLA NAS would not work with flac files? My entire library is flac. I will not re-rip it again. Are there any DNLA NAS options that are flac compatible?

Update: I confirmed with Buffalo that the Linkstation Mini will NOT accept FLAC. I need some alternatives. Does anyone know of FLAC compatible NAS devices?
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Are you agree with this poster? ...I feel that instead of saying "does not accept FLAC" he probably meant to say that FLAC files will not be managed by iTune..... if so who cares if PWD Bridge WIL stream these files to DAC...

Thank you in advance,

Rafael

Rafael:

You are correct in your assessment. If you already have a server (i.e.: the new PWD, SB device, or other), you will only be utilizing the NAS device for storage (i.e.: an external hard drive – only linked to your network). Your server will do all of the “work” streaming your music files. As long as your server accepts flac, then you will be fine. It is true that iTunes does not support flac, but as you stated, that is a mute point since you will be relying on your existing music server to manage and stream your flac files.

2chnlben,

Thank you very much for your answer. Being novice I have to ask another naive question...

PWD (and few others) is both DAC + Server . However, I saw number of excellent DA's which are .."only" DACs e.g. Weiss Minerva or MSB Platinum and let say I want to use one of these DACs...because they are excellent...

Until your answer above I thought I must buy another (and better inexpensive) server which would stream , say WAV files to it and output with some jitter data via,say coaxial digital output.... and DAC will digest it and throw out great music

Are you saying that as long as I do not use FLAC files (WAV is fine with me) I can use Buffolo both as a storage device AND a server ( you said it has build-in iTune, if I understood correctly)?

Secondary question: If true then to navigate this storage/librery I would need to buy something like iPod or iSomething?

Thank you very much
Rafael

You got it. I think iTunes supports WAV files - if so, then your statement is correct. An iPod device (such as the iTouch) will do exactly what you want, and as long as you are using it in conjunction with a NAS (which is your storage device) then you don't need to be concerned with the storage capacity of the iTunes device (the least expensive 8 GB iPod Touch would suffice).