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Workaround for adding a music library without a NAS

  • September 7, 2026
  • 6 replies
  • 72 views

Hello all. I’ve owned Sonos gear since 2005:

  • I created my first local music library back before streaming services. It contains several hundred albums of music - some of which are not available via online services - on a 64BG thumb drive;
  • I first had the drive connected to the USB port of a router - until that was obsoleted due to security concerns;
  • For many years, my solution was to use an Apple Airport Extreme as a router or dedicated file sharing gizmo;
  • All of that was broken when the decision to drop support SMB v1 took place.

I have tried, on my own and with the Sonos support folks, to figure out a way to regain access to this music. I haven’t been able to justify the cost of adding a NAS server. This summer, I used some of the AI tools to see if there was a solution using an inexpensive router that had SMB v2 support:

  • There is an inexpensive [$29.99] router made by GL.iNet called a Mango;
  • If you’re willing to spend some time tweaking its software, you can get it to act as a local music server supporting SMB v2:

  • The firmware has to be downgraded to an earlier version that supports file sharing;
  • Once downgraded, a file needs to be updated [it’s a Linux box] to tell the Samba SMB software to use SMB v2;
  • I’m not a programmer – and between Gemini and GLi.Net tech support, I was able to get my library back online.

If folks think it would be helpful, I can post the prompts that I used to tell you how to try this out.

6 replies

AjTrek1
  • September 7, 2026

You should consider and inquire about using a Raspberry Pi. There are members who swear by them as a cost effective solution to a NAS


Stanley_4
  • Grand Maestro
  • September 7, 2026

Better to use a dedicated server device than repurpose something intended for other use.

A Raspberry Pi Zero 2 with the Open Media Vault is the easiest and cheapest option. 


AjTrek1
  • September 7, 2026

Better to use a dedicated server device than repurpose something intended for other use.

A Raspberry Pi Zero 2 with the Open Media Vault is the easiest and cheapest option. 

@Stanley_4 

I knew you’d come through without having to post your name 👍😂


Stanley_4
  • Grand Maestro
  • September 7, 2026

With the memory and chip shortages a Pi can be hard to find, this is a helpful site and covers many countries.

https://rpilocator.com/

For a Sonos music library I'd recommend this if buying new, used Pi 3 and 4 are available for a bit more, a 5 is more than needed and expensive. 

https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/raspberry-pi-zero-2-w/

Add a SD Card for the operating system, a thumb drive for the music, a power brick and possibly a cable if you don't have the ones needed and you are good.

Single bay, small disk NAS are available and usually work well with S2 Sonos. No recommendations here, just links for getting started.

https://www.amazon.com/Buffalo-LinkStation-Private-Storage-Included/dp/B00JKM0A36/ref=sr_1_3

https://www.amazon.com/QNAP-TS-133-Single-Memory-2GB/dp/B09SPRXN3X/ref=sr_1_14

 


  • Author
  • Contributor I
  • September 7, 2026

I appreciate all your comments, thank you! I didn’t know where to start in terms of setting up and configuring a Raspberry Pi system.


Stanley_4
  • Grand Maestro
  • September 7, 2026

Their tutorials are excellent and many are designed at grade-school level. Both grandkids got quite good at using their Pis and even a bit of light programming. The Samba, SMB file sharing program is all that is needed but the OpenMedia Vault is more user friendly. 

Setup: https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/computers/getting-started.html#installing-the-operating-system

Sharing: https://www.openmediavault.org/

How to: https://raspberrytips.com/openmediavault-on-raspberry-pi/