When using Melco as NAS you may connect directly to the dCS component using ethernet ( not using a switch) . Melcos have a dedicated tethernet port for network audio players. Unlike others it accordingly has two ethernet ports ( “in” and “out” as it were). It is generally held that ethernet connection to dCS is preferable to USB.
Melco’s software is accessible from the menu displayed on the unit’s display. This controls its “set and forget” functions such as selection of UPnP server software , RAID configuration, display brightness etc. However for day to day playing ( navigation and selection of albums, tracks) Mosaic controls this in a dCS combination when Melco’s role is as NAS . That is Mosaic requests Melco to send the relevant data using MinimServer.
Using Melco as a full streamer requires a USB connection as one is then using the dCS component effectively not as a network player but as a USB DAC . Day to day playing requires Melco’s software app, Melco Music HD ( only iOS version available), instead of Mosaic.
Why does dCS recommend MinimServer? :
Putting aside subjective comments on sound quality I chose my Melco originally due to
- Ease of installation compared to standard IT NAS equipment.
- Completely silent in operation
- styled as a normal audio component.
Points 2 and 3 are important to me to me in my smallish room where placement of the NAS elsewhere is not feasible.