Why not to run Roon Core on a commercial available NAS (e.g. Qnap/Synology etc.)?

Network Audio
1

I have been thinking for some time which NAS system I should buy, after my current system no longer receives updates and spare parts supply becomes difficult. Since I want to run additional services like Roon (and also PLEX), the question of sufficient performance was an important factor. Worryingly, NAS manufacturers have repeatedly discovered devastating security vulnerabilities in recent months in their products, which have also been exploited by some hacker groups.

Key point for my decision:

  • Independence of compatibility between different generations of products

  • Hardware independence for spare parts or technology renewal

  • General extended update capability over a long period of time

  • Timely updates and patches of security vulnerabilities

  • Flexibility over security controls to be implemented

  • Unlimited possibilities of additional services to be operated

  • Sufficient performance and affordable option for upgrading/replacing processing power

For these reasons I decided against one of the popular NAS products. Maybe you have already thought about this? Here is the link to my project and the way I went:

New data storage and processing for my media

Cheers,
Alex

2

I currently have my Roon Core on a QNAP TVS-471 with an Intel i3 processor and 16gb of RAM with a RAID 5. The Roon Core is stored on a separate 1000gb SSD from the other three HD disks. I’m not a hardcore IT person so I mainly use the NAS as safe backup vehicle for my CD/download music. Prior to that I had my music on a USB hard drive and Roon Core on my MacBook Pro. After a hard drive failure I opted for a safer NAS data storage solution based on Roon’s minimum hardware requirements at the time. I run a fiber optic between my NAS (in a separate room) and my Directstream DAC using two Sonore Optical Modules for much improved galvanic isolation. I have gigabyte internet service (Fios). This system has served me quite well with very few issues or fanfare. I am considering going to Small Green Computer’s i7 or i9 Sonic Transporter (a more dedicated streamer solution) to further amp up streaming performance while keeping the NAS as a music backup solution. Bottom line, no qualms using a NAS-based system, but there are the internet security concerns that you mentioned, but QNAP provides ongoing security updates. My Netgear Orbi mesh system appears to provide an extra layer of protection as well (blocks intruders). Hope this helps.

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3

It’s definitely a good solution you are using today… and for sure more convenient, if you are not too deep into IT stuff. I just brought up some points people might concider and which where influencing my decision not to buy a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) NAS system.

I am also a Sonore customer using the opticalRenu as a source for my DAC. Still not yet on PS-Audio, eagerly waiting for the DS-MKII…

4

I think the the DS-MKII will definitely be worth the wait (maybe not so good for my pocket book)…
Probably I should be taking better advantage it’s other features, but Oh Well. In addition to the Sonic Transport option, I was also considering the Lumin U1 as an additional option for dedicated streaming. Lots of other options as well in this regard.

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5

I explored Roon on a NAS a few years back but, at the time, it seemed like R.O.C.K. on a NUC was a better option.

Even now, I like having the hardware independence of the NUC.

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I don’t know if a device like the Lumin U1 is worth it. I really believe that the galvanic isolation you get with the opticalRendu in combination with a good external power supply (I use the Sbooster) is the perfect solution to transport a digital signal to the DAC. You don’t need a special highend server, no audiophile ethernet switch and so on. That all becomes irrelevant with the opticalRendu. Of course, you should chose a fairly good USB cable (I use a Curious Evolved) as a connection between the transport and the DAC… and the DS-MKII will do the rest dealing with an already noiseless digital signal coming from the opticalRendu.

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R.O.C.K. on a NUC would be a nice solution too, but I did not want to end up with multiple devices as I also require a PLEX server, the standard NAS functionality as well as the whole security controls. Now I all run on one system which works rock solid and it still has plenty of headroom.

8

As is the Signature Rendu SE. I think it sounds fantastic.

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9

Hi Alex,
I’ve basically come to the same conclusion, but always feel better when I evaluate alternatives. To be fair, many might want the simpler approach of a ready-made box that is easy to set up. Will be going with the i9 Sonic transport once I’ve saved a few more pennies. Goes without saying that I’ll need to purchase a good USB and HDMI (I2S) cable.
Regards,
Gorm

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