Although the now released Synology DSM 7.0 has a lot of good features, we also find some serious features missing. Such as lack of USB-DAC support.
Synology DSM 7 – the operating system of the NASes from the Taiwanese manufacturer – has a lot of goodies to offer. We already read that in the earlier announcement. Now that it is actually here, the very first users also encounter some limitations. DSM 7 no longer supports USB devices, which is a remarkable move by Synology. After all, under the hood, DSM is just Linux that can natively handle things like TV sticks and other stuff.
Indeed, compatibility with something like a USB Bluetooth or WiFi stick (as well as that aforementioned TV stick) were strong selling points for the systems a while back. Furthermore, support for USB printers has also been dropped, so you now need a separate print server for that. Meanwhile, audio enthusiasts who have (perhaps a little too) enthusiastically installed DSM 7 also appear to be victims.
Goodbye DAC
DSM 6 supported USB DACs as well as USB to S/PDIF converters. Ideal, because that NAS is on 24/7 anyway. And to then connect it via the aforementioned S/PDIF converter or a DAC to your hi-fi was not a crazy idea at all. Not anymore, it is in DSM 7 over and done with as far as this is concerned.
Extra weird also because the media player present in DSM used to support external DACs. Sure: You can also stream your music collection on the Synology NAS to the smartphone. Or you can (and this is obviously the pain) buy a streamer. Whereas before the upgrade to DSM 7, your NAS fulfilled the role of streamer stand-alone. Because DSM 6 will be supported for many years to come, audio enthusiasts with a DAC attached to their Synology should wait and see. You can also bypass the bugs which will undoubtedly be present in the 7.0 version.