Thanks for sharing your views.. I prefered upnp route for easy access and control.. also i couldn't find much difference with HDD/USB plugged in v/s upnp. Also interesting finding on WAV over FLAC... good that most of my recent rips are in WAV. Placement: while I agree on a proper placement, i wouldn't recommend placing it (or anything) on top of the DAC.Yes same file through hdd is better than on nas. Moreover playing through upnp is strict no. Wav file will also be better. Convert all your flacs to wav connected locally to allo devices. Placement of allo devices also affect sound depending on what base its placed. I place it on top of my dac which gives some sense of isolation. Do not hide it assuming its small. Actually its true for all devices. Dont put them in closed spaces.
Are you guys also using the Shanti LPS power supply?