Roon Music Storage with IMAC

bem

I've just started using ROON and really enjoy it. I primarily use it with Tidal but I want to begin ripping my CD library and using Roon to manage it. I'm looking for advice on the best way to do this. I've got a 2017 IMAC 3.46G Quad Core I5 with a 1TB Fusion drive and 8G RAM. I'm thinking of purchasing an external CD drive for ripping. However I'm not certain about how and where I should store my music files. Should I be considering purchasing an external SSD drive for music storage or is there something else that I should be looking at? Any advice would be helpful.

CottageChz

A lot depends on your budget, but take a look at NAS options. May or may not be for you, but you should definitely learn about it.

tophatjohnny

Had to edit my true thoughts on Roon. Please keep us posted as your experience with ripping goes. I'm into the hobby pretty thick and manage quite nicely without Roon. Still looking forward to your thoughts one you get a nice digital library together.

bem

Thanks for the input. I really should investigate and learn about NAS options. Any suggestions on where to start? Any estimate of what an NAS system would cost? I don't mind spending a bit more if I find a better option than using an external SSD.

CottageChz

Don’t know a ton about NAS myself other than how it works. I don’t have one, but have been pondering on taking the dive for a while. A couple big brands are Synology and QNAP. An SSD might work just fine for your application. I just think it’s worth looking into the NAS option before you spend any money.

Cost will depend on what features you need the NAS enclosure to have and also upon how much storage you desire.

bem

I think I'll start my investigation of NAS devices. Not certain if it's for me, but it has peaked my interest. I think I need a relatively simple set up for my use. However, NAS may offer other advantages for use on my home network. Thanks for the info.

bem

I just discovered the "NAS Recommendations" thread from September 25. Theres's a lot of good information there. This should be enough to get me well on my way. I may be looking for a 2 bay made by either Synology or GNAP

tophatjohnny

bem wrote: »

I just discovered the "NAS Recommendations" thread from September 25. Theres's a lot of good information there. This should be enough to get me well on my way. I may be looking for a 2 bay made by either Synology or GNAP

I started out with a 2 bay and went with Synology as their customer service was too cool. They spent a lot of time helping me set up.and get running. After I outgrew the 2bay I stuck with Synology and got one of their 4 bay units and soon will be moving up to a 6 or 8 bay unit. Synology all the way but I'm sure that QNAP is a great company too.

Moose68Bash

I've been using a Synology 2-bay NAS for years. I installed two Western Digital "Red" 4TB hard drives -- one for storage and the other for the RAID backup. My first Synology died not too long after I purchased it. Synology promptly replaced it.
The hard drives were fine. I don't use ROON, but have thought about it and look forward to your review of your experience with it.
I rip my CDs into an iTunes library stored on a 4TB external hard drive. Then, I copy them onto the NAS. I use my Mac Book Pro with iTunes for the ripping along with an Apple external Super Drive. I need the external hard drive because I quickly filled up my MacBook's 500GB hard drive.
I still have hundreds (maybe, 1000s) of CDs to rip & store). I've thought of using ROON, JRiver Media Center, or even purchasing an Innuos system to accelerate ripping and tagging. I have JRiver, but I don't find it better to work with than iTunes. But, I understand iTunes is going away with the new Mac OS, and I'll need a replacement.
Again, I look forward to your review of your experience with ROON.