MSB Technology Network Renderer User manual

Network Renderer Module
Analog DAC, DAC V, Select DAC
User Manual
Revision 1.3(12/5/2015)
This manual applies to all the MSB Renderer products but
illustrates its operation using the Analog DAC.

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents.........................................................................................................2
1. Introduction...........................................................................................................4
1.1 Overview.............................................................................................................5
1.2 Features..............................................................................................................6
1.3 In the Box ...........................................................................................................6
2. Quick Start.............................................................................................................7
3. Module Installation ..............................................................................................13
4. UPnP / DLNA Guide..............................................................................................19
3.1 UPnP (Universal Plug and Play)...........................................................................19
3.2 UPnP AV............................................................................................................19
3.3 DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) ..............................................................23
3.4 OpenHome Media (ohMedia) .............................................................................24
3.5 Conclusion........................................................................................................25
5. Networked Audio Setup .......................................................................................26

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6. Computer Based Setup Example...........................................................................27
6.1 Macintosh Based Computer System Example.....................................................28
6.2 Windows Based Computer System Example .......................................................29
6.3 Examples Afterthought .....................................................................................30
6.4 Jriver Media Center Setup..................................................................................31
6.5 Jremote Installation...........................................................................................38
6.6 Internet Radio on JRMC .....................................................................................44
7. NAS Based Setup Example....................................................................................47
7.1 NAS Based System Example...............................................................................48
7.2 NAS and UPnP Server Installation.......................................................................49
7.3 MinimWatch Installation ....................................................................................69
7.4 UPnP Controller Installation - Lightning DS .......................................................75
7.5 Internet Radio on a NAS ....................................................................................80
7.6 Open Home Media Emulation on a NAS ............................................................87
7.7 Tidal Streaming Service on a NAS...................................................................98
8. Support .............................................................................................................101

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1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the MSB Network Renderer module. Please take a few moments to read
through the relevant sections of the manual for important installation and setup information.
The MSB Network Renderer is a small input module for the Analog DAC, the DAC IV or the
DAC V line, but it contains some very complex technology. The most important part of the
design is a passionate attention to audio quality, but at the same time it provides you with the
ability to enjoy network based audio.
You will now be able to use a variety of audio sources, from computers to network attached
storage (NAS) devices to stream audio files directly to your MSB DAC using an Ethernet cable.
In addition you can use your pads, tablets, or phones to access your music library and manage
audio playback.
An understanding of the various parts involved in network audio is important and can initially be
daunting, so we have included a chapter below on UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) concepts
along with a few examples of system setup to get you started with enjoying network based audio

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1.1 Overview
There are many naming conventions and terminology used with this class of product, so let’s
start with a picture.
Diagram 1: Network Audio Components
Server Controller Renderer DAC
In simple terms, audio files are stored on a Server, which can be a laptop, desktop computer or
network attached storage (NAS) device.
A Controller is a program that runs on a laptop, tablet, or phone, and accesses your music
library and asks the Server to serve the files to a Renderer.
The Renderer receives and converts the audio files into a digital audio stream which is then sent
to the DAC.
The Server, Controller and Renderer are all connected on your home network
The DAC receives the digital audio stream from the Renderer and converts it into analog audio. It is
very sensitive to noise and requires a very low jitter clock. The advantage of plugging the MSB
Renderer into the MSB DAC is:
1. Clock is synchronized by the very low jitter DAC master clock
2. Grounds are isolated and dedicated clean power is provided
MSB DACs are designed with modular inputs to take full advantage of the Network Renderer Input
Module, and the results are stellar.
There is a huge selection and variety of software and hardware combinations that can fulfill each
of these networked audio functions. In this manual we will show you a few examples to get you
started with enjoying the MSB Network Renderer, but is by no means the only way of setting up
your Networked Audio system.

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1.2 Features
Main Features
1. Digital Media Renderer
2. UPnP AV 2.0 / DLNA
3. Plays and decodes common audio formats from HTTP streams
4. PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) resolution up to 32 bits, with sampling rate up to 384kHz
5. One-bit DSD (Direct-Stream Digital) in DSD64 (2x), DSD128 (4x), and DSD256 (8x)
6. Internet Radio (depends on UPnP Server and Controller software and stream availability)
7. Bit-perfect data transmission
8. Support for gapless playback (depends on UPnP Server and Controller software)
9. On-board low-jitter oscillators
10. DAC master clock synchronization
11. Ethernet RJ45 input
12. I2S digital audio output
13. Compact and low EMI design
Supported Audio formats
1. FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec)
2. WAV (Waveform Audio File Format)
3. MP3 (Mpeg Audio Layer 3)
4. ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec)
5. AAC (Advanced Audio Coding)
6. AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format)
7. DSF and DFF (DSD stream file)
1.3 In the Box
1. MSB Network Renderer
2. User Manual

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2. Quick Start
Although the MSB Renderer module is physically small, it is a key part of a networked audio
system, which can be quite complicated and multi-faceted.
This manual allows an absolute beginner to follow all the steps and examples to become more
comfortable with networked audio. And for the experienced user who is replacing or adding to
their current networked audio setup with the MSB Renderer, this manual can serve as a refresher
or a reference.
There are a few ways in which you can quickly start enjoying your MSB Renderer module and
just utilize the chapters in this manual that are of interest:
1. Your dealer has already setup and installed your module
2. You are already familiar with the concepts of UPnP/DLNA networked audio
3. You are already using an UPnP server and UPnP controller setup
Starting on the next page, a simple 8-step summary is provided so that you can start using your
MSB Renderer as quickly as possible. Please note that this does assume a level of experience
and installation completion. For detailed installation information of various elements, links to
internet guides and program download sites, please refer to the relevant chapters in this manual.

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For a typical networked audio system setup, the following is required:
MSB Network Renderer module installed in the DAC
iPad connected via WiFi to your Home Network and running an UPnP controller such as
the AudioNet IMM, Lightning DS or Linn Kinsky Application
Home Network setup, including WiFi connection
A computer or a NAS (Network Attached Storage) as your music library server running
an UPnP server such as Jriver Media Center (computer only) or MinimServer
And of course amplification and speakers
Wireless Router
Home Network
connects all devices
together
Media Controller
iPad Controller App to
browse and control
your music library
Media Server
Computer or NAS
stores and serves your
music library
Typical Networked Audio
Media Renderer
MSB Network
Renderer plays back
audio files to the DAC

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Install the MSB Renderer module into the desired slot within the DAC. Connect your
DAC to your pre-amplifier or amplifier.
Connect the MSB Renderer and your Music Library Computer or NAS to your Home
Network router with WiFi capability, using Ethernet cables
Step 1: Install the MSB Renderer
Step 2: Connect to your Home Network

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Turn on the DAC and select the STR (Streamer) input for the MSB Renderer
Connect your iPad to your Home Network using WiFi
Step 4: Connect your iPad
Step 3: Turn on the MSB Renderer