Naim DAC firmware update - need I bother ?

Posted by: PBenny1066 on 08 November 2011

I have the nDAC, with the original firmware but haven't installed the firmware update. Source is Unitiserve.  My understanding is that the main purpose of the update was to allow the DAC to playback FLAC files. The Unitiserve can do this anyhow.

I have read about some folks having problems with the update, so my question is do I need to bother with it ?

Views and forum wisdom appreciated.

Cheers, Paul
Posted on: 08 November 2011 by Peter_RN

Hi Paul

 

Good question, I must admit that I have also taken the “If isn’t broke why fix it” position. It sounds great as it is, have never used the USB ports nor am I likely to so…..

 

I am not sure but was the upgrade necessary if the NDX was to be deployed? No idea why it would be needed though.  It will be interesting to hear from the more informed on this.

 

Peter

Posted on: 08 November 2011 by gav111n

Paul, I asked the same question to Hjalmar Nilsson, the code author for the nDAC during a chat event months ago. His reply to me was:

 

@gav111n there are a few updates regarding the integration with the NDX that is addressed in this release, but if you don't have an NDX and don't want to use FLAC there is no immediate reason to update.

 

I do not have an NDX and do not want to play FLAC files on memory stick, so I have not updated the firmware.

 

There were only 2 chat events and then nothing else. I hope others take place in the future.

 

Gav

Posted on: 08 November 2011 by pcstockton

dont update unless you MUST.  If everything is working well dont change it.

 

My nDAC worked fine up including the beta that added FLAC support.  Then when the actual firmware was released, my USB input stopped working altogther.  Installed it twice.

 

I honestly dont feel like going through the effort to fix it.  I never use the USB input.

 

-Patrick

Posted on: 08 November 2011 by KRM
I only use the USB input for Spotify via iPod/Pad. My hi res flac files are on a 1tb USB drive plugged into the back of Unitiserve. This has worked very nicely except early on when I copied my Beatles USB flac files and the NDX couldn't read them. This was fixed by switching it off and on.

Therefore, I too haven't bothered with the update, but I am intrigued by enigmatic comments about NDX integration. What are they?

Keith
Posted on: 08 November 2011 by PBenny1066
All, thanks for the replies, a unanimous vote not to bother with the update.

Paul
Posted on: 08 November 2011 by James L

Wasn't one of the first updates was to implement the front panel light dim option via the Naim remote?

That's a handy feature to have.

 

I've had every update done as they were released. No problems resulted with the DAC.

 

Maybe it's because my Naim dealer know's their sh%t!!