A local music server gives you ownership and control over your music library. Unlike streaming services that can remove albums, change quality, or raise prices, a local library remains yours. Here is how to set one up.

Music Server Setup: NAS and Local Library Guide

Why Local Music

Streaming services offer convenience but come with compromises: album availability changes, offline access requires planning, and sound quality depends on codec and connection. A local library of FLAC files provides guaranteed access, bit-perfect playback, and no monthly fees.

The ideal setup combines streaming for discovery with a local library for your favorite albums.

Hardware Options

NAS (Network Attached Storage)

A NAS stores your music on the network and serves it to players throughout your home. Synology DS220+ ($300) or QNAP TS-233 ($200) are popular models. Install music server software (Plex, Roon, or MinimServer) to organize and stream your collection.

Dedicated Computer

An old laptop or Raspberry Pi running music server software works as a dedicated server. Lower cost but requires more technical setup.

External Hard Drive

The simplest option: store FLAC files on a USB hard drive connected to your streamer or computer. No network configuration needed. Limited to one playback point.

Software

Roon ($15/month or $830 lifetime): The premium music management platform. Rich metadata, integration with streaming services (Tidal, Qobuz), multi-room support, and DSP processing. Requires a Roon Core computer or NAS.

Plex (Free / $5/month for Plexamp): Media server with a dedicated music player (Plexamp) that supports gapless playback, loudness normalization, and remote access. Runs on NAS or computer.

LMS (Logitech Media Server, Free): Open-source server for Squeezebox and compatible players. Lightweight and reliable. Good for technical users.

Building Your Library

Ripping CDs: Use dBpoweramp ($35) or Exact Audio Copy (free) to rip CDs to FLAC. Both use AccurateRip to verify rip accuracy against a database. Rip to FLAC at original quality (16-bit/44.1 kHz).

Digital purchases: Bandcamp, Qobuz Store, HDtracks, and 7digital sell FLAC downloads. Many artists sell directly from their websites.

Digitizing vinyl: See our [INTERNAL: how-to-digitize-vinyl] guide for the complete process.

Organization

Organize files in folders: Artist > Album > Track files. Tag files consistently with artist, album, track number, year, and genre. MusicBrainz Picard (free) auto-tags files using acoustic fingerprinting.

Key Takeaways

• A local music library ensures permanent access to your favorite albums
• NAS devices provide network-wide access to your music collection
• Roon offers the best management experience; Plex is the best free alternative
• Rip CDs to FLAC using AccurateRip verification for guaranteed quality

Next Steps

Set up playback with a network streamer from [INTERNAL: streaming-setup-hifi]. For the DAC/amp chain, see [INTERNAL: dac-amp-setup-guide-beginners].