Naim and USB audio

Posted by: goldfinch on 15 December 2011

We can see Naim has a great offer of streaming audio gear but I see USB implementation is poor in comparison with competition. I am pointing out at:

 

- The use of asynchronous USB (192/24 capable) in DACS (or even in preamps).

- USB to SPDIF adapters for computer audio, using also this asynchronous USB.

- The limitation of using only USB sticks instead of external hard disks or other usb devices.

 

Many manufacturers already offer this features and products but Naim doesn't. Why is this? isn't USB good enough for audiophiles? or Naim is just interested in ethernet/wifi streamers?

 

Watching how the industry has evolved during these last years (USB is everywhere) makes me wonder this....

 

 

Posted on: 16 December 2011 by EJR

I highly doubt an computers (mac mini) build in spdiff interface is that good.

computers are build as cost effective as possible and high quality masterclocks  seem an investment to pricy for any computermanufacturer (mac or pc).  given that spdiff to optical conversion introduces extra jitter also,

then again If your happy that is you need

Posted on: 16 December 2011 by pcstockton
Originally Posted by EJR:

I highly doubt an computers (mac mini) build in spdiff interface is that good.

computers are build as cost effective as possible and high quality masterclocks  seem an investment to pricy for any computermanufacturer (mac or pc).  given that spdiff to optical conversion introduces extra jitter also,

I doubt a Mac mini's output is up to par as well.  That is why some of the more successful Computer+Dac systems use a PC with a solid PCI card. 

Posted on: 16 December 2011 by Guido Fawkes

It is only the new Mac Mini - previous Macs need not apply.

With this, I no longer need my V-Link,

The step up on the new Mac Mini is quite surprising.  

 

I realise people will have doubts because of prior experience, but the latest is excellent. 

The measure jitter from it is very low. 

 

Yes I'm definitely happy with it. 


Yes you could buy a Mac with dedicated Juli@ card or install a Lynx card in a Vortexbox PC, there are lots of ways do things and the new Mac Mini is just one. 

Posted on: 17 December 2011 by goldfinch
Originally Posted by Guido Fawkes:

I wouldn't want to pay for a USB/S-PDIF convertor in a DAC. If it were free and could be disabled then fine, but the quality of the SPDIF out from the new Mac Mini makes this redundant. There is always the Hallide Bridge or V-Link for those with older or other devices. 


I'm very happy with the Naim DAC exactly as it is.  


Perhaps these kind of features are more appropriate to a do-it-all device like the ND5 XS. 

I also like the Naim DAC as it is, I mean just focusing in the digital to analogue conversion, I don't need filters, dsp effects or volume control in a DAC. But I think the Naim DAC lacks several inputs for being a real universal digital hub, mainly pro and computer environment is forgotten (AES/EBU, ext. clock signal, firewire, USB). IMO its market would be bigger providing this connections...