Does the NDX or ND5 XS make a better connection to a Supernait than direct from the Mac?

Posted by: novak on 16 November 2011

Hello!

 

Just breaking out from an old post about connecting the Mac to the Supernait. 

 

Can the Naim NDX or ND5 XS create an improvement in SQ when it connects the Macbook Pro to the Supernait? This would be in comparison to just connecting the Macbook Pro directly to the Supernait via optical.

 

I was wondering if the NDX/ND5 is capable of transforming the sound of the file from the Mac, or it just passes it on in the same resolution. 

 

Might be a stupid question, hope you can help!

 

Posted on: 16 November 2011 by james n
Yes it will. It's digital output is better than the macs optical output. Saying that though the DAC in the NDX / 5XS is superior to that in the SN so using the analogue outs from the NDX would be better than using the SN internal DAC. It'll pass the file in the native resolution of the file streamed from the Mac via UPnP.

James
Posted on: 19 November 2011 by novak

So it sounds like the main benefit is the improved DAC, if I connected directly fromt he MacBook to the SN vs the NDX. 

 

Perhaps it's not a cost effective upgrade if I don't use a server to store lossless audio, and I only use Spotify or iTunes?

 

Posted on: 19 November 2011 by garyi
You might be better to consider a better dac
Posted on: 19 November 2011 by james n

If you're just playing spotify or iTunes downloaded content then stick with what you have. If you're serious about streaming from a library of ripped CD's then the ND players are the way to go.

 

James

Posted on: 19 November 2011 by novak
Originally Posted by james n:

If you're just playing spotify or iTunes downloaded content then stick with what you have. If you're serious about streaming from a library of ripped CD's then the ND players are the way to go.

 

James

James, I think you're right. I should get the content before I get the player, otherwise the NDX will be an expensive DAC for Spotify!