Connecting Synology DSM 7.2 to USB Speakers

It has been previously reported that Synology no longer supports the playback of audio files through attached speakers. Synology has mentioned security threats and suggested DLNA workarounds as an alternative.

Synology’s new DSM7 no longer supports audio playback via USB – Roon Software Discussion / QNAP/Synology NAS – Roon Labs Community

Inspired by the Using USB DAC with my DS118 in DSM7.2 : synology (reddit.com) post, I began to explore whether I could achieve what I intended when purchasing my home Synology unit: generic (USB) audio playback to Airpulse A300Pro.

Here are the SSH / sudo bash steps that helped me:

1. Install Entware
   
2. Load these two modules:
   sudo /sbin/modprobe soundcore
   sudo /sbin/modprobe snd_usb_audio
   
3. Wait for a few moments. Check if your speakers are in the system:
   ls /dev/snd
   cat /proc/asound/cards
   
4. Install ALSA:
   sudo opkg install alsa-lib alsa-ucm-conf alsa-utils alsa-utils-seq alsa-utils-tests
   
5. Run ALSA init:
   sudo alsactl init
   
6. Allow everyone for sound output:
   sudo chmod 777 /dev/snd/ -R
   
7. Try running the:
   alsamixer
   speaker-test
   
8. Install MPD + WebGUI or M.A.L.P. for Android

Note: After restarting, you’ll need to repeat step 2.

P.S. Please let me know if that helped.