Q: iMac and NAS

I just purchased an iMac, running the latest OS-X.  I am finding that NAS access to my Netgear and Buffalo LS RAD-1 storage devices is painfully slow.   I've already tried this:

Connecting to legacy AFP services

Acess speed to my NAS files via Finder is marginal after the change.  However, when I open up Word for MAC (most recent updates), the open dialog window just hangs forever.

I have no access issues with any of my Windows PCs.

Thanks.

Paul