NDX with or without fm/dab-module

Kaver, I haven't directly compared, but when I was selecting my NDX I enquirered about it with my Naim dealer. I was told the FM module seemed to detract slightly from the overall performance of the NDX generally. No reason was given, so I guess it was PSU loading or IF oscillator related, either way I decided to use a dedicated FM tuner instead which I really enjoy the sound, albeit with two extra boxes  ( tuner  and PSU).

Dear Simon,

Thanks for the answer. This unfortunately doesn't make the decision easier :-)

You can power down the tuner module (as you can with the unused inputs) but i've not heard any difference either way so don't tend to worry about it. I'm not a big fan of radio and the NDX tuner module is adequate and does just fine for me for casual listening.

James

Dear James,

Thanks for the information that the module can be powered down. Have you compared a NDX with fm-module to an NDX without it?

Kasper

Kasper - no i didn't compare directly at the same time although the NDX i borrowed to demo didn't have the module and the NDX i bought did. There was more difference between the 24/96 and the 24/192 board than with or without the tuner module.

James

James - did you borrow a 24/96 board without the module and bought af 24/192 board with the module and the never board was better than the old board despite the tuner-module? (I have only heard the new board)

Kasper

Hi Kasper,

No the original demo was a 24/96 without module and the one i bought was the 24/96 with module. I subsequently then has the 24/192 upgrade done.

James

James - thanks a lot for the information. If somebody has directly compared the NDX with the dab/fm-module to one without the dab module I will still be very interested to hear about it.

My dealer advised me to save the 300 euro for the FM module because you can listen almost anything via the internet radio module. Channels that are not available via internet radio (in the Netherlands that is the Concertzender for example) are available via the television-radio-channels. I have my television connected to the NDX so i can enjoy all channels i could with the FM module.

I don't miss the FM module for a second.

Dickey - that is true. I just like to be able to pickup local radio stations not broadcasting via the internet and to be able to receive channels if the internet connection is not working. Another thing speaking against the fm/dab module is that it apparently doesn't pickup dab+ (I don't know whether that could be made possible by a software update or will require a new tuner).

Kaver,  I agree for a preference on FM tuner. Good though a few of the Internet radio stations are they pale by comparison to the quality and expierience a good tuner and antenna gives from the FM BBC national broadcast stations. After the novelty of Internet radio I went back to FM for my music and plays. It just sounds better... But I realise not all parts of the world are as fortunate as the UK in this area. For me I use Internet radio like how i use SW radio, fascinating to listen into different parts of the world, but I don't do it primarily for audio quality.

Oh yes regrettably DAB is a car crash for anything other than lift music, sport, news and possibly The Archers

Hi Simon,

Thanks for the reply. I yesterday ordered a NDX with the fm/dab-module (since I want to limit the amount of boxes and I like that it integrates with the NDX control interface) which I should get in two weeks. From what I've read fm-reception isn't on par with a high end stand alone tuner but I can live with that.

Hi, good luck, with your purchase. I would be interested to hear from you how good the FM does sound.

Simon

Hi again, I will report back when I've received it.

Simon

I got the FM/DAB module in case the internet connection fails - or the radio stations move and take time to be put back (this happened with Radio 4 - I think they changed the URL or something - some nice fellow from on the forum spoke to the BBC).

However ...

I have only had two tuners in memory.  The FM module on my NDX and my NAT-01.

There is no comparison between the two - however - the FM module is acceptable but I do not think that refined - before anyone shots me down about how unfair the comparison is - I know. 

I am using the same aeriel as fed my 01.

Andrew

Andrew, thanks for the insight.

Hi Simon

Apoligies for the late reply, but the first NDX I got only worked for two days. I have now gotten a new unit. Although I don't have very good ariel reception I agree with Andrew that the FM-module (that doesn't seem to be very sensitive even though I guess good tuners seldom are) is not close to a high-end tuner as it does not seem much better than good internet radio on the NDX (so I would from reading your other posts suspect that you would't be satisfied with it), but ok for casual listening and I like to be able to receive radio when my internet connection occasionally is not working.

I wanted 1 box and sold my tuner and CDX2.  I got the FM here in LA tho only listen to a couple stations, but not much anymore with iRadio, I get BBC3, it is decent sound and know my digital collection will be fab.  I'm going to get a Synology NAS. I was without music for 3 months and so thrilled to have it getting back to normal after much trauma in my life. During that period laying on the couch with a whiskey and watching light dim on the ceiling was all I needed to calm my head and emotions.

Been listening to Paradise on iRadio, wonderful relaxed mix of music old and new (to me), teaching an old dog new tricks.