Ultimate Apple Enviroment

[talmy]

The plot thickens... The MBP is only accessing the NAS for TimeMachine backups. If the iMac is running when the MBP would be doing a TimeMachine backup, then you can do the backup to a drive attached to the iMac. In this case there is no reason at all to buy a NAS. Just use external drives on the iMac.

Basically, if a server is only serving one computer it's much simpler to not have the server at all and just but everything on the main computer.

 

[AppleDApp]

The plot thickens... The MBP is only accessing the NAS for TimeMachine backups. If the iMac is running when the MBP would be doing a TimeMachine backup, then you can do the backup to a drive attached to the iMac. In this case there is no reason at all to buy a NAS. Just use external drives on the iMac.

Basically, if a server is only serving one computer it's much simpler to not have the server at all and just but everything on the main computer.

That's a good idea. The reason I was considering a NAS is for the expandability. I also wanted to use it as an itunes server and torrent box so I can watch content on my TV. The NAS also uses less power then my iMac. I could just have the NAS running 24/7 and the iMac running when necessary.

What do you think?

 

[talmy]

I also wanted to use it as an itunes server and torrent box so I can watch content on my TV.

While a NAS can serve files I'd doubt it could run iTunes to act as an iTunes server on its own. I have no experience with any iTunes server since I've got more than 5 systems and an iTunes server won't work with that. So I either use Plex to serve or run iTunes. I don't have an Apple TV because it wouldn't work with my setup (I use base Mac minis and an old Windows PC as "entertainment servers").

 

[AppleDApp]

Speakers/Audio
I have an older version of logitec Z506 speakers. They have 3 jacks to connect. Do I need a Digital to analog converter to use these? (if so what do you recommend?)
Would the uDAC 2 work?

Any help this this^^

 

[AppleDApp]

For speakers I am looking at getting Audio engine A2 could I connect those to an Apple express for use with my iMac and iOS devices?