Synology DS416j to Android

[ChuckM6421]

Hi Simon, all. My first post and intrigued, but stumped.

In simple terms I have a large collection of 24 bit flac files stored on a Synology DS416j that I want to play through a repurposed Android phone (Droid 4 rooted with the LineageOS) possibly using the Neutron app.

In more detail: my DS416j is networked (wired) to an Asus RT-AC68U (running the Asuswrt-merlin customized version of the Asus firmware). My Droid4 has an excellent wireless connection. I may also want to use an LG V990 connected to a Denon receiver to make use of it's internal 32 bit DAC.

In either case the goal is to play the flacs on an Android.

I've been stumbling around the forum here, installed MinmServer on the NAS, MinimWatch on my PC and am left to wondering how I bring Android into the picture.

I'll accept I may be going in the wrong direction here for a solution but I'm tired of fooling around with the DS Audio thing. Whatever I can get to work still downgrades the quality of the music files.

[Peter@57m]

Welcome to the forum and MinimServer

I just installed MediaMonkey on my Samsung phone. Was able to access and play music from MinimServer easily - albeit on a trial basis. The app is free but some features are pay for including upnp streaming. But to get all features is only £2.89 and you seem to be able to try them first for free.

I then deleted the app (I use MediaMonkey on my PC but don't need it on my phone) then saw your comment about downgrading quality. I realised I hadn't checked this.

Worth trying as it's a good product on a pc

[simoncn]

You should install BubbleUPnP on your Android phone. This includes a UPnP control point and a local UPnP renderer for playing music on the phone.

[ChuckM6421]

Well that was easier than I expected.
I took a look at BubbleUPnP and didn't see where it would connect to a MinimServer, only that it seemed to want a BubbleUPnP server.
I actually have a license for MediaMonkey on the PC but rarely use it, but that got me thinking and looked deeper into Neutron, which seems better suited for playback of higher definition music files, and voila, connection to a UPnP server and MinimServer listed. Pulled a couple pieces and Neutron reports 24 bit and high bitrate performance.
Good to go!
~~~
A followup question?
I notice settings in BubbleUPnP that would seem to allow me to control the dedicated Droid4 (plugged into the receiver) from another Android phone. Have I got that right?
As an aside, I've been in IT since before there was a WWW, but this DLNA and UPnP stuff is kind of new to me.
Thanks.

[simoncn]

Thanks for the pointer to Neutron. I will investigate this.

BubbleUPnP and BubbleUPnP Server are different products with different purposes. It is unfortunate that the nomenclature is somewhat confusing.

If you launch BubbleUPnP and select the Library tab, then touch Select Library at the top left of the screen, you should see MinimServer listed.