Network Streaming vs USB Storage

[JayZ]

If we take any mid-level Streamer e.g. Marantz NA7004 or Cambridge Audio Stream Magic 6, we have the following ways to feed source material.

 

1. uPnP server via network

2. plug-in a USB Storage device

 

We know that option two has several known limitations in terms of storage capacity, limited features for accessing albums and album art etc.

 

If we ignore these limitations, can the experts here think of technical limitations (affecting audio performance) with option 2 that will ultimately limit its performance compared to the standard server approach in terms of jitter, noise isolation etc.

[Audio_ELF]

Well option 2 has the same potential for loading the PSU as connecting a drive to any computer. Using a NAS should remove any variation cases by the drive used.

[Colinzeal]

I also have a similar topic. I have found a notable difference between local playback and NAS.

 

The NAS always sounded better and I am not sure why.....

[Windows X]

In proper setup, USB storage performs better than network storage in every system I've tried so far. USB storage yields better for time-sensitive application, low-latency application comparing to network storage. Even my friend who favors NAS and always say his machine is better suited for NAS was surprised how USB storage can sound better in my system. I wouldn't resort to even install WiFi adapter or use network for storage. I learnt a great deal from developing Fidelizer Pro how network can affect audio performance.

 

However, this is my subjective opinion.

[Audio_ELF]

However, this is my subjective opinion.

And is it if any relevance to streamer such as the Cambridge Audio or Marantz the OP was asking about?

[wadeh911]

In my opinion both methods sound identical in my properly set up multichannel system. With that said, network files using JRiver with no transcoding, chosen from my iPad running JRemote allows me to enjoy all of my music without sound compromise. When my oppo 105 added DSD64 MCH file handling, I only use my usb thumb drive now to save my Oppo settings.