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To Raid or not to raid for audio files? Is it even possible!?

10
0
NAS
DS215j
Operating system
  1. Windows
Mobile operating system
  1. Android
I'd be really grateful for some advice. Apologies I didn't know if this was the best forum to post this question.

Despite having very little IT skills I've managed to set up a Synology NAS drive to store audio files to stream to a media player. This is the only thing I want to use the NAS drive for.

I used the 'recommended settings' and all works well so far.

I found this information on Cambridge Audios website (who manufacture my media player):

When looking at any sort of drive, having a completely separate backup is by far the best option. Please be aware that RAID drives (that have two internal drives with mirrored content) are not a perfect option in this case. RAID is designed to give high availability but if an error occurs in one database it will occur in the other- potentially ruining both. Buying a single drive NAS that backs up to an external drive is a more robust solution in terms of an audio network.

I bought the drive with two installed discs in. I don't understand from the above information if there's a better option to choose on the Synology rather than the standard raid option I am currently using to store these audio files? Please could someone advise? I do have a portable external HD I plan to use as a backup so do have a 'plan b' backup option. I plan to rip around 250 CDs so this will take up less than 500GB and I bought the drive with 2 x 2TB discs.

Thanks very much for your help
AbLondon
 
The original question's been answered: RAID is immaterial to streaming audio, it just isn't backup. Moving to the general 'what to do now', I think your options are:
  1. Keep the secondhand DS215j and drives.
    • For now it does what you need.
    • You're going to back it up anyway.
    • When transporting you should remove the drives and safely pack them.
    • I'd consider getting a replacement after moving, so there's less chance of damaging it.
    • It is a sunk cost, but you can try and sell it at a later date.
    • The OS (DSM 7.1) isn't getting updates now. Maybe security ones.
    • Use as off-NAS backup for replacement NAS, using Hyper Backup with versioning.
  2. Get a DS124 and new drive.
    • It will be maintained for longer on the current DSM.
    • More RAM, but still the minimum that Synology says for DSM 7.
    • RAM isn't upgradable.
    • Supports more file systems for the RAID. Specifically Btrfs which has bit rot protection.
    • You might find other packages useful and will run better.
    • Small risk of damage to buy now and transport.
    • Doubles the cost you paid, even if you resell the DS215j.
  3. Run a UPnP server on another device.
  4. I'm avoiding saying get a Raspberry Pi and build one on that as you keep saying you aren't very tech literate :)

You'll have to make the choice. Me? I might stick with the DS215j for now or try another device (a Mac in my case), because you're going to be backing up the data files no matter which way you go. Once moved and things have settled down I might then review how I'm using the music streamer and think about replacing it. But you know yourself, so spend your money how it seems best to you.

You main priority should be to convert your CDs because the NAS is not going to be much use before then. Obviously, you should retain ownership of the CDs, even if they are just in storage. At present you are just backing them up.

Have a read up on DLNA UPnP to understand how it works and the components involved.

You media library is managed by a server that presents a menu to a controller. The controller browses the menu and directs the renderer or player to play the select media, direct from the server. In your case: the server is Media Server on the NAS; the controller is the mobile app; the renderer is the ANX10. You can also have multiple servers on a network: so you could try running one on Windows to see if that is sufficient.
Ok, thanks again so much helpful info here. The seller sent the NAS to me in it's original packaging with the drives installed which I thought was very convenient as I haven't used one let alone installed one. So good to know you are supposed to remove them during transit!

I think I will keep the old one for now and consider a new one if a deal comes up, but your point to get it once moved to avoid damage makes sense. Again I'm learning NASs aren't really straightforward.

One big thing you have mentioned. UPnP... are you saying it is possible I could install something on my (windows) laptop/desktop and link the network player to that to stream and play the music files from, or have I misunderstood? I was not aware that was possible.

And no probably better not to get any more technical as I struggle with these basics. I'll find Raspberry Pi in the bakery section of my local supermarket if I ever get better at tech 😅
The original question's been answered: RAID is immaterial to streaming audio, it just isn't backup. Moving to the general 'what to do now', I think your options are:
  1. Keep the secondhand DS215j and drives.
    • For now it does what you need.
    • You're going to back it up anyway.
    • When transporting you should remove the drives and safely pack them.
    • I'd consider getting a replacement after moving, so there's less chance of damaging it.
    • It is a sunk cost, but you can try and sell it at a later date.
    • The OS (DSM 7.1) isn't getting updates now. Maybe security ones.
    • Use as off-NAS backup for replacement NAS, using Hyper Backup with versioning.
  2. Get a DS124 and new drive.
    • It will be maintained for longer on the current DSM.
    • More RAM, but still the minimum that Synology says for DSM 7.
    • RAM isn't upgradable.
    • Supports more file systems for the RAID. Specifically Btrfs which has bit rot protection.
    • You might find other packages useful and will run better.
    • Small risk of damage to buy now and transport.
    • Doubles the cost you paid, even if you resell the DS215j.
  3. Run a UPnP server on another device.
  4. I'm avoiding saying get a Raspberry Pi and build one on that as you keep saying you aren't very tech literate :)

You'll have to make the choice. Me? I might stick with the DS215j for now or try another device (a Mac in my case), because you're going to be backing up the data files no matter which way you go. Once moved and things have settled down I might then review how I'm using the music streamer and think about replacing it. But you know yourself, so spend your money how it seems best to you.

You main priority should be to convert your CDs because the NAS is not going to be much use before then. Obviously, you should retain ownership of the CDs, even if they are just in storage. At present you are just backing them up.

Have a read up on DLNA UPnP to understand how it works and the components involved.

You media library is managed by a server that presents a menu to a controller. The controller browses the menu and directs the renderer or player to play the select media, direct from the server. In your case: the server is Media Server on the NAS; the controller is the mobile app; the renderer is the ANX10. You can also have multiple servers on a network: so you could try running one on Windows to see if that is sufficient.
 
Upvote 0
You didn't indicate your NAS model, but RAID 1 with two drives will allow (1) drive to fail without losing data. It is also very smart to have an external backup - USB external drive or drive dock if the NAS or drives were to fail.
 
Upvote 0
You didn't indicate your NAS model, but RAID 1 with two drives will allow (1) drive to fail without losing data. It is also very smart to have an external backup - USB external drive or drive dock if the NAS or drives were to fail.
A secondhand DS215j and drives. It's in the OP's profile and discussed later in the thread, as is whether it's the right solution, at this time.
 
Upvote 0

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