alh22

TRH, if you're still looking, the Mac firmware update instructions were included in the attached doc posted back in 2017 Pono Firmware Update Info.docx

TRH, using the appropriate cables I can get at the Pono Directory and that of the SD card on my iPad. So if on your Mac it looks like this, you should be able to load files, etc.

This is was the Pono's internal memory looks like (first image). It will have a directory name of PonoPlayer. Inside the directory will look something like the second image. If you loaded music files in the Pono's main memory, you will find them here also. Suggest that in the future you use the removable microSD card for music files, as it that memory is faster, replaceable, and now quite inexpensive.

that's a fast chip at a good price

It helps that there is still support out there, such as by John at Surf Cables and this forum. Great little player once you get used to its menu system. Storage and playback capabilities are still terrific after these many years. I've been donating these to friends who need a nudge toward digital music playback just to show them that the Brave New World isn't totally Spotify. They can still own their own music and play it anywhere.

TRH: I attach a copy of the Quick Start instructions that came with the Pono. If, when charged, the Pono turns on and plays, then you can direct your attentions to the removable micro SD card, which is safer and much faster to work with. If you use a PC to transfer music files to it, they will show up if put in the .pono folder/directory. For you to "see" them, though, they need to, first, all be in that directory and not in subfolders (subdirectories), and they need to be "tagged" (embedded) with the album art which is associated with the music. Depending on where the files came from, and what kind of music (classical requires quite a bit of work), the tagging of these files can be arduous. But when done, the music should load, display, and play as you expect. Pono Quick Start Manual.pdf

then it seems there are a few of these new-looking but dead Ponos for sale on eBay by unscrupulous sellers. Beware...

Breilkoff, I wonder if you have the eBay order number for your defective unit?

I suspect eBay resold me your dead unit (black s/n 15151023). Gotta love those guys... I did order a battery from John at Surf Cables, so depending what kind of concession the slippery seller makes, I might open this one up. Meantime, anyone else out there have a Pono to sell?

I'm curious if a new battery fixed yours. I just bought one used which has same behavior. Thinking a dead battery, but would interested to compare fixes before I crack this one open

The topic heading, as you found is "audiophile NAS" and includes a lot of unrelated stuff; but you can try: https://forum.minimserver.com/search.php?action=results&sid=7736034bfb7c490564f4764231b93afd https://forum.minimserver.com/showthread.php?tid=2032&page=61 https://forum.minimserver.com/showthread.php?tid=2032&pid=37124#pid37124 and may end up using the search box at the lower right, as well. Simon Nash (simoncn) seems to have had the most experience modding his N1A, using various hard drives, etc.

Re: sound quality of different upgrade drives on the Melco N1-A, there are a couple of extensive threads on the MinimServer forums.