FAQs
Contents
- 1 Space Optimisation
- 1.1 Do I need a to Tune-Dem and setup the speakers first
- 1.2 How Do I erase a speaker setup from Konfig for Space Optimisation
- 1.3 Will Space Optimisation work on External inputs (from my LP12?) on the Linn DSM
- 1.4 Can I use Space Optimisation on 2 or more pairs of speakers?
- 1.5 Does Space Optimisation work on the Headphones socket?
- 1.6 Does Space Optimisation work on the SPDIF or TOSLINK output sockets?
- 2 Exakt audio
- 3 Subwoofer use in a Linn DS/DSM system
- 4 Linn DS Player connections
- 5 Linn DS Integrated connections
- 6 DS Features
- 7 DSM Features
- 8 Linn Preamp audio connections
- 9 Exakt DSM configurations
- 10 How do I turn OFF speakers in Space optimisation?
- 11 Differences between the Sekrit DSM and Sneaky DSM
- 12 Tidal internet streaming
- 13 NetAux streaming
- 14 Linn DSM products with HDMI Audio pass-thro and surround processing
- 15 Does the Linn DS/DSM support DSD
- 16 Can I turn off the Volume control in the DSI or DSM to make them source only
- 17 How can I search for my DS without using Kazoo, Kinsky or Konfig
- 18 What is a DS player?
- 19 Can the DS player play multi-channel files?
- 20 What Linn PreAmplifiers can the DS products control?
- 21 What makes the DS players open?
- 22 How does music get onto a standard Ethernet network in the first place?
- 23 How do I get my music onto a NAS?
- 24 Will downloaded music play on the DS players?
- 25 How can I access my iTunes library from Kinsky?
- 26 How can I access my iTunes library from IPad/iPhone
- 27 Can I Airplay from my Android device
- 28 How can I access my Music Folder on my computer from Kinsky Desktop?
- 29 Can the NAS be used for other purposes?
- 30 Should the NAS be backed up?
- 31 Does the NAS have to be in the same room as the DS player?
- 32 What should I do if my CD collection is too big to fit on one NAS?
- 33 Can I create a DS player multi-room system?
- 34 Should I use wired or wireless Ethernet?
- 35 How should I control a DS player?
- 36 Can other UPnP controllers operate the DS players?
- 37 What audio formats do the DS players support?
- 38 Why does Linn recommend FLAC?
- 39 Do I have to use a NAS or can I use my existing PC/Mac hard drive?
- 40 Can I run a UPnP server as SqueezeCenter on the same NAS?
- 41 What are the firewall settings required for Kazoo/Kinsky/Konfig operation?
- 42 How do I achieve gapless playback for live albums?
Space Optimisation
Do I need a to Tune-Dem and setup the speakers first
YES, you will have to find the best, most tune full position of the speakers BEFORE using Space Optimisation. Space optimisation will then improve the tune.
How Do I erase a speaker setup from Konfig for Space Optimisation
All you have to do is turn OFF Space Optimisation, the selected speaker will still be shown but will have NO effect on the sound.
Will Space Optimisation work on External inputs (from my LP12?) on the Linn DSM
Space optimisation will work on all Linn DSM external inputs (Analogue/Toslink/SPDIF).
Can I use Space Optimisation on 2 or more pairs of speakers?
Space Optimisation is only designed to work with 1 speaker in each location. That is front left, front right, centre, surround left...
Space will not work if you have two front left speakers, two front right speakers etc.
Does Space Optimisation work on the Headphones socket?
No Space Optimisation is for your Room operation, the headphone socket playback has Space Optimisation disabled
Does Space Optimisation work on the SPDIF or TOSLINK output sockets?
No Space Optimisation is only available on the Analogue and EXAKT-LINK outputs.
Exakt audio
On Linn DS/DSM products with both Exakt and analogue audio outputs, the audio is sent to BOTH outputs, (and TOSLINK/SPDIF if fitted), the only difference is that the Exakt audio is delayed, (due to the digital process), but about 40mS.
The only time that the Exakt audio outputs are disabled is when the Internal volume control is turned OFF
Subwoofer use in a Linn DS/DSM system
Exaktbox Sub
The Exaktbox Sub can only be used with Exakt speakers/Exaktbox(es).
If you only have speakers connected via analogue connections to the Linn DS/DS and try and also use the Exaktbox sub Config will only allow you to setup Space Optimisation+ on the Exaktbox Sub. You will not be able to use Space Optimisation on the analogue outputs with an Exaktbox and or Exakt speaker connected.
Non Exakt system
In Space Optimisation > Room Setup you can add "Additional Subwoofers"
This will allow you to add subwoofers into the Room and position them within the room. You can then Optimise and adjust the Room modes accordingly.
Linn DS Player connections
Linn DS Products | Audio Outputs (L+R) | Communications | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Phono/ RCA1 | XLR1 | TOSLINK | SPDIF | Head phone | HDMI | EXAKT-LINK | Speaker (W-RMS) | RS232 (Proxy) | RC5 Acc5 | |
Sneaky DS | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2x20W2 | 2 | 1 |
Majik DS | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Majik DS/2 | 210 | |||||||||
Akurate DS (>2010) | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
Akurate DS | 1 | |||||||||
Akurate DS/2 | 210 | 2 | ||||||||
Klimax DS | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Klimax DS/2 | 210 | 1 | ||||||||
Klimax DS/3 | ||||||||||
Renew DS | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Akurate Renew DS | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
Note:
1 All these Analogue outputs are Line level or Volume control with the Konfig - Volume Control option
2 Output is either volume controlled or OFF
5 For use with Basik3/Basik3-IR Room Control Units
10 Exakt-link audio delayed by approx 45mS compared to analogue/SPDIF/TOSLINK outputs.
When the volume control is turned off in Konfig, the Exakt-link sockets are disabled
Linn DS Integrated connections
Linn Products | Inputs (L+R) | Outputs (L+R) | Comms | ||||||||||||||
Phono /RCA | XLR | Toslink8 | SPDIF8 | 3.5mm jack | HDMI | Phono /RCA1 | XLR XLR1 | ExaKt12 | Toslink9 | SPDIF9 | Head phone | HDMI | Analog Record | Speaker (W-RMS)2 | RS232 (Proxy) | RC5 Acc5 | |
Kiko | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 </ont> | 2x 50W3 | 0 | 0 |
Sneaky DSM | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2x33W or 4x33W7 | 0 | 0 |
Sekrit DS-I | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2x 70W | 1 | 1 |
Sekrit DSM | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2X50W or 4x33W4 | 0 | 1 |
Majik DSI/DSM (Non HDMI) | 46 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2x 90W | 1 | 0 |
Majik DSM (HDMI) | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||||||
Majik DSM/2 | 111 | 2 | |||||||||||||||
Akurate DSM | 26 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Akurate DSM Exakt | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | |||||||||||||
Akurate DSM/1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||
Klimax DSM | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 | Either RCA or XLR | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Klimax DSM/1 | 1 | 2 | |||||||||||||||
Klimax DSM/2 | 1/013 | 1/013 | |||||||||||||||
Klimax DSM Exakt | 1 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | ||||||||||||
Klimax DSM Exakt/1 |
Note:
1 All these Analogue outputs are Line level or Volume control with the Konfig - Volume Control option
2 Output is either volume controlled or OFF
3 Kiko has Aktiv speaker output, this is a separate power amplifier per speaker drive (2off driver units per Kiko speaker) giving a total of 50W per channel
4 The Sekrit DSM can be configured as bridge or single ended. This can drive, in stereo with common volume control, either 4off speakers with 33W/4R RMS power each or 2off speakers with 50W/8R RMS each.
5 For use with Basik3/Basik3-IR Room Control Units
6 One input can be configured for use with Turntable.
- Line Level / Moving Magnet [Majik-factory set] / Moving Coil (Akurate-Factory set]) refer to dealer for options
7 The Sneaky DSM can be only configured as single ended. This can drive, in stereo with common volume control, either 4off speakers with 33W RMS power each,(for Bi-Amping), or 2off speakers with 33W RMS each.
8 Maximum input sample rate 96KHz (Stereo PCM)
9 Maximum output sample rate 192KHz (Stereo PCM)(However the official specification for TOSLINK/SPDIF is 96kHz so check your digital receiver can take up to 192K data stream)
11 PRE-OUT can be make POWER Amplfier input for use as additional amplifier for ExaktBoxes. Konfigurable in Konfig
12 Exakt-Link output are delayed by approx 45mS compared to Analogue/Toslink/SPDIF outputs. When the volume control is disabled, the Exakt-link sockets are disabled
13 Can be configured in Konfig application to change the Default SPDIF Input a SPDIF output
DS Features
Function | Sneaky DS | Majik DS | Akurate DS(>2010) | Akurate DS | Klimax DS | Renew DS | Akurate Renew DS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Local Playlists | ✓ | ||||||
Shared Playlists | ✓ | ||||||
Songcast share | ✓ | ||||||
Internet Radio | ✓ | ||||||
Unity Gain on all external inputs | Not applicable (source only product) | ||||||
Basik3 RCU operation | ✓ | X | |||||
Proxy Linn CD control | ✓ | ||||||
Proxy Linn Preamp control | ✓ | ||||||
Jukebox operation | ✓ | ||||||
Surround options | Stereo output | ||||||
HDMI pass-thru | Not applicable (source only product) |
DSM Features
Function | Kiko | Sneaky DSM | Sekrit DSI | Sekrit DSM | Majik DSI/DSM (non-HDMI) | Majik DSM | Akurate DSM & DSM/1 | Klimax DSM & DSM/1 | Klimax DSM ExAKt |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Local Playlists | ✓ | ||||||||
Shared Playlists | ✓ | ||||||||
Songcast share | ✓ | ||||||||
Internet Radio | ✓ | ||||||||
Unity Gain on all external inputs | ✓ | ||||||||
Basik3 RCU operation | X | ✓ | X | ||||||
Proxy Linn CD control | X | ✓ | X | ||||||
Proxy Linn Preamp control | X | ||||||||
Jukebox operation | ✓ | ||||||||
Surround options | Stereo output | Stereo or PCM Surround output via HDMI | |||||||
HDMI pass-thru | ✓ | No HDMI | ✓ | No HDMI | ✓ |
Linn Preamp audio connections
Kinsky supported Pre-amplifiers
Linn Products | Audio Inputs | Audio Outputs | Comms | ||||||||||||
Phono/ RCA | XLR | Toslink | SPDIF | 3.5mm jack | Phono/ RCA | XLR | Toslink | SPDIF | Head phone | Analog Record | Speaker (W-RMS) | RS232 (Proxy) | Ethernet | RC5 Acc | |
Majik-I | 6 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Stereo | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2x 100W | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Majik Kontrol | 6 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Stereo | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | - | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Akurate Kontrol(>2010) | 6 1+2 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | Surr- ound | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | - | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Akurate Kontrol(2011>) | 4 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Stereo | Stereo | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | - | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Akurate Kontrol/KN Earth Isolation | 4 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | XLR or RCA4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | - | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
Klimax Kontrol | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Stereo | Stereo | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Kinos | 7 2 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 0 | Surr- ound | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | - | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Kisto | 10 2 | 1 | 7 | 6 | 0 | Surr- ound | Surr- ound | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | - | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Unidisk SC | 4 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | Surr- ound | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 3 | - | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Classik Music (>2008) | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Stereo | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2x 75W | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Classik Movie (>2006) | 3 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Surr- ound | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 23 | 5x 75W | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Knekt RoomAmp2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Stereo | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4x 20W | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Note:
1 One input can be configured for use with Turntable.
- Line Level or
- Moving Magnet [Majik-I/ Majik Kontrol / Akurate Kontrol >2010- Input 6 factory set] or
- Moving Coil [Akurate Kontrol 2011> - Input 4 Factory set]
- refer to dealer for options
2 Sockets can be set for Analogue Surround Input
3 Audio connections via SCART
4 This can only be configured for XLR or RCA use, not both (Gain differences)
Exakt DSM configurations
For a stereo playback system
Linn Speakers (Pair) |
Speaker changes |
Klimax Exakt Tunebox Qty |
Power Amplifier Qty |
XLR cable to Speaker Qty |
Notes |
Klimax 350 Exakt | None | Exakt Tunebox not required | |||
Klimax 350A | 350 EXT UPG | Exakt Tunebox not required with upgrade | |||
Klimax 350 option1 | 350 EXT UPG | Exakt Tunebox not required with upgrade | |||
Klimax 350 option2 | Convert to externally Aktiv and change internal circuit board | 2 | 8 | 2 | |
Artikulate 350A | 350 EXT UPG | Exakt Tunebox not required with upgrade | |||
Artikulate 350 option1 | 350 EXT UPG | Exakt Tunebox not required with upgrade | |||
Artikulate 350 option2 | Convert to externally Aktiv and change internal circuit board | 2 | 8 | 2 | |
Komri Aktiv | none | 2 | 8 | 2 | |
Komri Passive | Internal Xover change to Aktiv | 2 | 8 | 2 |
How do I turn OFF speakers in Space optimisation?
In Konfig, Space Optimisation and hit the "TURN OFF", this will disable ALL Optimisation for that speaker and return the Music back to the unadjusted level.
Differences between the Sekrit DSM and Sneaky DSM
Sekrit DSM has
- A chassis (case) that can be mounted in a 19” (RAKK-SNKMDS) with power switch & Fallback on the front of the case
- Indicator leds to give the operational/connection status of the Sekrit DSM
- Can be used with BASIK-3 or BASIK-3-IR RCU
- The option to screw an IR emitter over DSM IR receiver. This is intended for IR repeater control interface whilst the Sekrit DSM is hidden.
- Full range Power Amplifier with the (Configured in Konfig)
- a. Single ended option of 4x33W. For driving two pairs of in-wall/in-ceiling speakers with common volume control.
- b. Bridged mode of 2x50W. For driving one pair of speakers. (This requires wiring the Nuetrik plug for bridged mode)
Sneaky DSM has
- A chassis (case) for table top positioning with side power switch. Fallback button on rear connector panel
- Front panel power indicator that flashes when IR command is being received or in boot mode awaiting a DHCP address.
- Full range Power Amplifier with the (Configured in Konfig)
- a. Single ended option of 2x33W. For driving one pair of speakers in single amp mode.
- b. Single ended option of 4x33W. For driving one pair of speakers in Bi-AMP mode.
Tidal internet streaming
This will work with Linn DS/DSM products running Davaar23 firmware. This can be updated using the Konfig software. To create and add Tidal tracks to a Linn DS/DSM playlist you require Kazoo UI version 4.3.653 or higher.
Tidal is supported in countries listed HERE on the Tidal website
The Tidal is broadcast from the Internet straight to the Linn DS/DSM. This means that the control point does not need to be powered on.
Tidal 90day free voucher
- Note: This trial is only available to new Tidal subscribers.
- You can get a free 90day trial voucher from Linn by:
- Open up Kazoo UI and select the "Settings"
- Within Settings page select the "Register your Linn Products"
- After you enter you details you will receive (in your email) a voucher
- Go to www.tidalhifi.com in your browser
- Below the "Try Now" click on the "Do you have a voucher?" text. Enter your voucher number "Continue" with the screen instructions.
- When you have a Password, enter your Email and password into the Kazoo Tidal request window. This will open the your selection window. Use this like a UPnP Media and add the Music on the Playlist in the same manner.
Music on the Playlist can be Tidal Music mixed with local UPnP Media server music. That is, the Music can be local music and Tidal music in your Playlist
NetAux streaming
The DS NetAux input uses UDP for streaming audio based on the RTSP network control protocol
Linn DSM products with HDMI Audio pass-thro and surround processing
Check Linn forum link
Release Davaar 4.2.3 (14th Oct 2011)
The Linn DSM products HDMI output will:-
1. Pass-throu the HDMI audio when the Linn DSM is in Standby.
2. Pass-throu the HDMI audio when the Linn DSM is listening to an Analogue or Digital Audio input.
3. BLOCK the HDMI audio to the TV if the the DSM is listening to a HDMI input.
Does the Linn DS/DSM support DSD
No, check this Linn Forum link for an explanation.
However, if you have a UPnP Media servers with transcoding enabled you get this to convert the DSD files into WAV format for the Linn DS/DSM to Play.
An example of a transcoding UPnP Media Server is Minimserver with MinimStreamer.
Can I turn off the Volume control in the DSI or DSM to make them source only
Yes in Konfig Volume options give you the full line level volume out. However this will disable the internal power amplifier for obvious reasons (No volume control)
How can I search for my DS without using Kazoo, Kinsky or Konfig
Use Safari web browser and click on the Bookmarks icon.
Then select the Bonjour collection. This will show you all of the devices, (including the DS) that are using the Bonjour.
Click on the Bonjour listing and this will show you the web-interface control and Konfig options
What is a DS player?
A DS player is an open digital music player from Linn. It is a source product, like a CD player, but rather than retrieving music from a CD, it retrieves music from a standard Ethernet network. See Introduction to DS concepts.
Can the DS player play multi-channel files?
No, the Klimax DS, Akurate DS, Majik DS, Majik DSi, Sneaky Music DS and Sekrit DSi are stereo only.
What Linn PreAmplifiers can the DS products control?
Bute, Cara and Davaar software can control:-
- Klimax Kontrol
- Akurate Kontrol
- Majik Kontrol
- Majik-I
- Kinos
- Kisto
- Unidisk SC
- Classik Movie (from 2006 manufacture)
- Classik Music (from 2008 manufacture)
Some of these products may need their software updated to allow the DS products to control them.
Earlier Linn pre-amplifiers cannot be controlled by the DS products.
An Exotik+DA which has been updated to run Akurate Kontrol firmware can be controlled in the same way as an Akurate Kontrol. An Exotik (non-DA) may respond to on/off commands but not volume or source if identified as a Klimax Kontrol, but this is not an officially supported feature.
What makes the DS players open?
They have open standard interfaces as follows:
- Standard Ethernet input, and standard audio outputs
- Support the open UPnP AV 1.0 specification for control
- Support for open file formats (e.g. FLAC)
- It is possible, and actively encouraged by Linn, for individuals and third parties to write applications that utilise the DS.
How does music get onto a standard Ethernet network in the first place?
From a network attached hard drive. This may be within a standard PC or Mac, or can be a dedicated device called a NAS, which stands for Network Attached Storage. For data security and data availability a low-power dedicated NAS is recommended.
How do I get my music onto a NAS?
See Ripping
Will downloaded music play on the DS players?
Yes, so long as it is not protected by Digital Rights Managemant (DRM) restrictions and is in one of the supported formats, or transcoded to such a format
How can I access my iTunes library from Kinsky?
The other, and better option, is to use Songbox-iTunes
How can I access my iTunes library from IPad/iPhone
You can use a iPad/iPhone app called REMOTE. This will allow you to remotely control the iTunes running on your home computer.
Using the iTunes you can use Airplay to broadcast to the Linn DS using the NetAux input.
Can I Airplay from my Android device
Without ROOTING the android device there is no way to stream to the Linn DS (Airplay AOA Service). All other apps take the media file and stream it via UPnP.
Streaming local files can be done use Skifta and “Double Twist Player”
If you want to use Spotify, the best solution is to have PC/MAC running Spotify and Songcast, then control the Spotify from the Android, iPad etc using Spotify REMOTE
How can I access my Music Folder on my computer from Kinsky Desktop?
Can the NAS be used for other purposes?
Yes. The NAS can be accessed and used by any ethernet connected device.
Should the NAS be backed up?
You should back up all your data. RAID, which is built into many NAS devices, protects against the failure of a single drive ONLY. A full backup should be created using a USB attached external drive or similar, and kept synchronised with the NAS.
Does the NAS have to be in the same room as the DS player?
No, as long as both the NAS and the DS player are connected to the same Ethernet network, the DS player will retrieve music from the NAS.
What should I do if my CD collection is too big to fit on one NAS?
Add more or larger drives to the NAS, or use multiple NAS devices and split collection across them.
Can I create a DS player multi-room system?
Yes. You can have several DS players running from one NAS, with concurrent, independent access to the stored music.
With Linn DS/DSI products with using Davaar software, this allows simultaneous playback of the same Music in many rooms
Should I use wired or wireless Ethernet?
Wired. There is no guaranteed quality of service over wireless networks. When streaming music the information must arrive at the DS player in a predictable way to avoid audio drop-out.
How should I control a DS player?
There are a variety of options available, dependent on personal hardware and software preferences, for controlling a DS. Linn recommends using Linn software.
Can other UPnP controllers operate the DS players?
Yes, so long as they conform to the UPnP AV specification, although with a reduced feature set.
What audio formats do the DS players support?
DS products support
- FLAC Up to 192k 24bit
- WAV
- AIFF
- AIFC
- MP3
- AAC
- WMA (lossy)
- OGG VORBIS
- OGG FLAC
- ALAC upto 192K 24bit [If these ALAC files were generated by an early version of dBpowerAmp the Linn DS will not recognise these. Transcode these files to ALAC using the latest version of dBPowerAmp to fix this.]
Linn recommends FLAC.
DRM protected files cannot be played on the DS products
Why does Linn recommend FLAC?
- FLAC is a free open format. It is non-proprietary, which means your music collection is safeguarded for the future, can be played through any open digital music player, and is not tied to a particular manufacturer or product. The specification is published for all to see. In contrast, SACD has failed to achieve significant success because it requires proprietary music content and disc players with proprietary hardware inside.
- FLAC allows even better than CD quality encoding and decoding. Linn Records provides studio master quality downloads in FLAC, at the same quality as SACD.
- FLAC supports metadata, or tags, so that useful information about a piece of music can be stored with the music; for example, album, artist, genre, cover art, sleeve notes, etc. User interfaces can make good use of these tags. Two examples of applications that support tag editing are: Mp3tag (Windows) and Tag (Mac)
- Because it is open and free, there are an extensive set of players, tools, transcoders (to convert between other formats and FLAC), tag editors, and other programs for FLAC.
Do I have to use a NAS or can I use my existing PC/Mac hard drive?
You can install a UPnP Media Server on your existing PC/Mac and use your existing PC/Mac hard drive if you wish.
Can I run a UPnP server as SqueezeCenter on the same NAS?
Yes, you can, and they can both access the same audio files.
Additionally you can use SqueezeCenter and Squeezeboxes to control and media-serve your DS players using the SkweezyDs plugin
What are the firewall settings required for Kazoo/Kinsky/Konfig operation?
For firewalls which support 'exceptions-by-program' (such as Windows Firewall on XP and Vista), add the executable to the exceptions list. However where the firewall requires setting of absolute port addresses for exceptions the following ranges are required
- Port 1900 on 239.255.255.250 (UDP)
- Ports 47832 to 47932 (TCP)
- Ports 49832 to 49932 (TCP)
How do I achieve gapless playback for live albums?
To guarantee gapless playback, you will need to rip your music tracks into a lossless format (i.e. FLAC). You must also insure that you are using ripping software that does not add gaps between tracks when ripping (i.e. DBPoweramp). Most ripping software will offer the option to turn this feature off.