Wireless media sharing hub: help needed

[Santy]

It might sound crazy but the android tab I had setup as transport sounds marginally better than my PC. Without getting into any debate on it, I would like to know how I can setup wi-fi media file sharing on my Nexus.

My requirements are:
To use a 2 TB HDD (removed from PC) as NAS (I have a USB HDD enclosure that can be used for this purpose)
The data should be seen as local drives on my tab.
The hub should be able to connect to 2-3 devices at a time.
One USB port is enough but two will be great.
No other frills like mobile charger, card reader, BT etc.
Preferably available locally (online, India).

This site has the exact requirement as I have and it recommends Ravpower filehub.
USB Audio Recorder PRO (UAPP): 24- and 32-bit playback, ubiquitous USB audio support for Android - Page 2

I have a cheapo TP link router without USB and it works fine.
Now which adapter/ hub I must buy?
Or if I upgrade to USB router, will it float my boat?
I want a cheap but reliable solution, can spend about 5 -6k, so no Synology or big NAS servers.. Once I learn the NAS stuff, I may upgrade later.

I also want to know if USB 2.0 enclosure is enough or I should look at 3.0. I am not going to stream video. I wish to avoid buying a new enclosure if possible. The one I have is actually a Seagate external usb drive and I wonder if WD HDD will fit into it.

Also any recommendations for a decent USB-SPDIF converter for PC available locally? This is to play youtube through the DAC without having to change the USB input on it..

Thanks in advance.

 

[manniraj]

You can try Pogoplug which has 4 USB ports and by default its a local/cloud sharing device. But without rooting it you can run the Linux commands and enable the Samba sharing and you are good to go. Low power consumption and also low heat dissipation. I have one brought thru ishopinternational.com site thru Amazon.com site for around 2k. I am using it with my 2 TB + 1 TB portable HDDs. They are accessible on my wife's android mobile using the File Explorer (not sure whether I got the app name correct) app and she can play those files on her mobile.

 

[Santy]

They are accessible on my wife's android mobile using the File Explorer (not sure whether I got the app name correct) app and she can play those files on her mobile.

This is most important for me. If you don't mind, can you install the trail version of usb audio app and check if music files are seen by the app
http://www.extreamsd.com/downloads/USBAudioPlayerPROTrial_1.1.6.apk

Meanwhile I will await other suggestions if any.

 

[manniraj]

This is most important for me. If you don't mind, can you install the trail version of usb audio app and check if music files are seen by the app
http://www.extreamsd.com/downloads/USBAudioPlayerPROTrial_1.1.6.apk

Meanwhile I will await other suggestions if any.

Sure Santy, will try it out in the evening and let you know. Also I think if the app supports network sharing then the Samba sharing which I have installed on the Pogoplug allows you to see all the files on the same. Also to let you know it has LAN port and no wifi so you need to just connect the ethernet to your router to get the network.

 

[Santy]

Thanks. So I have to wire connect the Pogoplug to router and then use router to stream content on Wifi. My only concern is the USB player should be able to see the network drive.

Meanwhile looking for other suggestions from FMs for the requirement.

 

[manniraj]

@Santy

I installed the trail version of the said app on the mobile and unfortunately I didn't see anywhere to link the network folder/files. Looks like a limitation of the app or not sure whether the paid version has it, i looked at the developer site as well and did not come across the support for the same.

 

[Santy]

Manniraj, thanks.
Please check your PM, will talk this over.

 

[manniraj]

A little off-topic but yesterday I installed the paid app "Onkyo HF Player" for high resolution and external DAC support for iOS on my iPhone. I was able to play FLAC and some 24/96 files connected to my amp thru the camera connection adapter + ODAC. The sound was crisp and clear without any issues. Moreover I was able to stream the songs from my phone to the "Rocki" streaming player connected in a different room and play the same. In fact this app allows either to playback on the DAC if it is connected or on the streaming device or headphones. The only drawback being that on my iPhone 4 I have to connect a powered USB hub to use the DAC otherwise the phone does not allow to use the external DAC.

 

[Santy]

Same question again, any way to play files on network through this app?
And how does this streaming compare to your PC?

 

[manniraj]

Same question again, any way to play files on network through this app?
And how does this streaming compare to your PC?

Sorry santy, its the same issue no network support on this app as well. It automatically scans your local phone and lists the music files. In fact I am yet to explore a app for the network feature on iOS. But the added advantage with the paid app of this is that you can straight away play WAV/FLAC files synced thru iTunes and a detailed process is described on the app site. Just drag and drop and the app plays them under the "HD" category of files and it seems that this is the most feature rich player on iOS which includes the high resolution as well. Not sure whether this kind of app is available on the Android platform.