[JohnR]

Not sure I understand, but you can connect the NAS via Ethernet.

[JoshK]

Really I ought to create a seperate thread as a review of the VB.  I really think it is one solution for an easy to use back end for computer audio. 

[scp2]

Josh is it still up to your expectations?

Anybody else try the vortexbox...or heard anything else about it?

[firedog]

I considered some of the same issues and settled on a Windows Home Server setup. It has some limitations, but I have 2 HD's in it, and have automatic redundant backup for the files I want backed up that way.  In other words, it does a general backups of the PCs on my network, works as music server, and does an additional backup of a copy of my music files that I have stored on a networked PC.  So I have 4 copies of the music files: server, another PC, server(WHS) backup, and redundant WHS backup. You can set it up for automated backups, e.g. daily backup if you want it.

It works very well as a music server. Much better and more reliable solution than an NAS. Lots of flexibility, as it is a full fledged PC.

Mine is fanless and running a dual-Atom processor. You don't have to have a powerful CPU for a backup/music server solution, it can be done pretty cheaply on the Hardware side. You can use just about any relatively recent PC, especially if you don't care about issues like low noise or space requirements (standard tower box). 

Mine's fanless (heatsinks), external laptop type PS,  and in HTPC format. With 2 HD's and operating system it still came in (new) under $800. In a standard box and with fans you could do it for $300-$400, I think.

As far as pre-configured, look at Tranquil PC and dbPoweramp RipNAS. Both are specific "PC as music server/automatic ripper" setups. Configured as low power and very quiet (fanless). A pricer solution, but a good one. The main advantage (or disadvantage) is that they can be setup with Windows or WHS.

[JoshK]

P.S. the vortexbox is a full-fledged pc, not a NAS.  Its just preconfigured and optimized to be precisely a music server.  Plop a disk in the drive and it auto rips, tags, grabs art, etc without any human intervention and then spits the disk out when done. 

So far so great.  I admit I haven't used my SB's during all this time as I need to reorganize my CAT wire run (basically hook it back up, but have to trace which is which, since I ran a lot of runs).

But I've had the VB online this whole time, even updated the software which amounts to an entire rebuild of the OS/package and no data was lost and it did it all itself with minimal monitoring.  It shows up automatically on my network and I can play music and control the SqueezeCenter from any other PC on my network. 

Considering it does all this for ~$350, I say it is a no-brainer.

P.S.S.  I don't consider two drives in the same enclosure, regardless of redundancy settings, to be a real backup, nor is it really that safe.  Power faults could all too easily take out both drives in one swoop.

I've had more than one RAID mirror array botched (both sides of mirror) more than one time. I use an external drive for backups that gets unplugged when done. There are tips on the VB site that tell you how to do an efficient backup such as delta backups etc.  Its a breeze.

Its also not a half bad idea to keep a backup drive in a fire proof safe, in case of fire, theft or otherwise.  That may sound paranoid, but ripping a multi-thousand disk collection is not much fun.

[Zepplock]

I'm using a music system with NAS. It's benn running for several months now and is quite good.
More info here: http://vova.org/2009/05/09/my-home-music-server-diy-style/

[lt5dude]

Count me as another happy user of the VortexBox, and a thanks to JoshK for bringing it to my attention. 
So far, it's exactly what I wanted-  Plug and play, very quiet and energy efficient.
I had no problems at all getting it hooked up and playing with my (also new) squeezebox duet.