pacoinmass

I've been using a program called CATraxx (Windows only) to catalog all CDs, LPs, downloads. I mail myself a pdf periodically so I have it with me when I shopping at stores, flea markets, etc. The developer stopped updating it many years ago so am hoping that the last version continues working in future versions of Windows! Not sure what I'll do once it does. I don't have the technical skills to convert the numerous tables and links into an even simple version of relational database on Access.

Another good source of info about routers and networks, etc. https://www.snbforums.com

wgscott, Thx for the quick reply.

wgscott, how can can I use rsync to check bit-perfect status? I've been using it to sync my music library on a QNAP NAS to a WD NAS for backup purposes. I use them QNAP backup application/utility. Thx for your help.

I've had the same thing happen although my pauses occur at the start of tracks and in the middle when playing hi-res files. The Lightning app indicates "Buffering...." while pausing the song. This happens on both wired and wifi connections to my network. My Aries feeds into a NAD M51 through USB. The Aries is fed via Ethernet to a QNAP NAS. This behavior started with firmware 4.0 and has continued with 4.1. Strangely enough, and perhaps coincidentally, the Software Volume Control button has no effect on the volume slider in Lightning, which works regardless of whether the software volume button on the Aries preferences screen is set to off or not. My NAD M51 has always been set at "Fixed Volume" through its own settings. I've reported both to Aurelic. Chris was going to see if they could locate an M51 and replicate the behavior. I'm hoping this is a firmware issue and will be fixed soon...it's annoying to have to listen to hi-res files with occasional random buffering pauses. If anyone has suggestions on an interim solution, they would be welcome. Thx.

Since updating to version 4.0 firmware I have had difficulty playing DSD files. Specifically, the files will pause and I will see a “Buffering” message on the Lightning DS app (3.1) on my iPad. I am using Aries Lightning Device mode; with a strong wireless connection: RSSI (-44 dBm); Noise (-95 dBm); Tx Rate (130 Mbps). The files are dsf files (2.8224 Mhz, 1 bit, 5.6448 Mbps). Files are located on a NAS drive connected to my home network using Ethernet. NAS drive is QNAP HS-251. This drive serves as a dedicated audio server for the Aurelic only. No other processing takes place on the drive and as many services as possible (iTunes server, media servers, web access, etc.) are turned off. No other device on my network accesses the NAS. I haven't tried the wired connection yet (still extracting SACD iso files from my Oppo!). Once that's done I'm going to try the wired connection, however I don't know if that will solve the issue since the "Buffering" appears to be at the Aries end.

Thanks to Ted, grill, Kal and others! I read about this last week and then attempted to begin extracting on Sunday. After some trial and error using a MacBook, Windows 10 running on Fusion on the MacBook, and a Windows 10 desktop, I was able to start ripping. (The Mac version of ISO2DSD program wouldn't extract and the command line worked for only 1 file on the Win 10 running on Fusion.) I'm extracting from an Oppo 105D running the latest firmware (which was updated a few days before I came across the post last week...sweated out a few days thinking perhaps the new firmware closed the ability to rip my SACDs!). Oppo connected by Ethernet cable as is the Win10 desktop. Disabled auto run and auto resume on the Oppo. Speed ranges from high 1MB/sec to low 3MB/sec, with average in mid to high 2MB/sec. No problems with hybrid SACDs...the Oppo recognizes the SACD layer automatically. Did a test run with 1 SACD to convert to .dsf. Fixed a few metadata issues using Yate. Copied files from Windows desktop to NAS. Played nicely using Aries feeding into NAD M51 DAC. Only issue is buffering issues on Aries. Not an issue with extract b/c I also get buffering on a purchased .dsf album. I think the new 4.0 firmware is the cause...the .dsf file played without glitches prior to the firmware update (will be sending report to Aurelic). Great to know that my SACDs can be backed up and I can convert and play with other albums using Aries. Will spend this weekend buying more SACDs!

If they are "casual" listeners and prefer simplicity and ease of use over audiophile sound, I would suggest a Sonos set up. Not sure of current names, but we for casual listening we have two Sonos boxes connected to 5.1 channel systems plus several other Sonos amps connected to in-ceiling speakers in several rooms. Sonos accesses a library on a NAS that is managed through iTunes. No computers needed to control the Sonos boxes. CD quality files plus Internet and various streaming options. Sonos boxes can be connected by Ethernet and/or wireless...one box needs to be connected to the home network for Internet access. We've been running the Sonos set up in our house with 6-7 zones for about 6-7 years with very few glitches. And on the 2-3 times they've occured, customer service has been exceptional. If they're looking for higher quality listening there are probably many solutions but I'm less familar with those b/c I have a two-channel system in one room for "serious" listening...using Aries+DAC+separate NAS with dedicated library (not used by the Sonos boxes). Hope this helps and good luck with the consult!

sjay, Thank you for the reply. I'll have to try this. My setup is bit complex (using an Actiontec FIOS router to assign IP addresses to all wired and wireless connected devices) and using 3 Airport Extremes to create the wireless network for the LAN: FIOS router------>Netgear Switch------>Various Ethernet-connected devices, including 3 Airport Extremes which create one wireless network (same SSID and password so devices automatically switch to strongest signal through the house). The Actiontec appears to support VLAN (features list in manual says "VLAN multicast support. Given that I'm not a network expert, will have to experiment one weekend. One question I have is how do I "force" or assign each device to a particular VLAN? We have a mixture of laptops/desktops, iThings, a few TVs, Sonos, Aries, blue ray players, etc. Would I have to go into each device and force a selection of the network?

I'm not an expert on home networking so please forgive me. With the proliferation of internet connected devices like TVs, our blue-ray player, and now my Aries streamer I'm wondering if it's possible to have these devices running on a wired/wire-less network that's "isolated" from a network that we can use with laptops and desktops. Am concerned mostly for security reasons b/c I can use Firewall software with laptops/desktops but clearly can't with home theater devices. Am also concerned re: privacy....not sure what companies like Samsung, Oppo and Aurelic (and others) are monitoring on my network since they clearly have the ability to push firmware and software updates to their devices. I currently have firewalls set up on my router however I"m not sure that would stop a company from planting monitoring software somewhere on my network. Is there a relatively easy way to address this concern? Thanks in advance for any guidance.

Linn Kazoo works well to control my Aries from my MBP when I leave my iPad upstairs. Occasionally won't control Aries but a restart on the Linn solves that problem.

I only access the QNAP through Firefox or Safari on my MacBook. The browser interface has a variety of apps, including a music station, video station, etc. I used music station to play the files on my Mac to run the test for you. Files played and artwork showed up. Didn't you set up the QNAP through the browser interface?

bluemark81, Sorry for the delay. Set up the Music Library on the QNAP. Artwork shows up and all songs show up. Took quite a bit of time to indext the music files....was slow at first...and they showed up progressively and in random order. Did you give it enough time? Note that I only checked the web-based app...not on ipad and iphone. Did you check the web-based app?

bluemark81, Okay...so you have two copies of your library...are they using the same set of files? If so, the tagging should be done once to those files and you "should" be all set. Not sure why the artwork doesn't appear when you open the library on the QNAP. With respect to the QNAP, while i use a QNAP TS-251 to store my audio files I don't use it as an iTunes server nor do I use any of their mobile apps. All of my artwork shows up on Lightning and Linn controllers which I use to control my Aries. I also make ALAC copies of all of my music to a Buffalo NAS for iTunes (download to iPod) and Sonos. I haven't had any problems with artwork on that file either. I'll try the QNAP music player this weekend and report back.

If you're using a Mac, the "cover tab" will show up when you highlight a track in iTunes. Right-click and select "Get Info". A window opens up with various types of information on track. Select "Artwork" and you'll see the cover art embedded to that track. An easier solution would be to download Yate, a tagging software. (There are others as well.) Use Yate to embed artwork and fix any other metadata issues one or multiple files at a time.