How many low jitter HDD transports do you know?

Hi Ama,

Don't know if this counts in terms of what you are trying to establish but PC's built to the cMP2 spec are supposed to be low jitter

I don't count PC-based systems -- we all know Weiss INT202, Scarlatti upsampler, Hiface, Evo, M-Audio transit, Bel Canto and many other PC--> S/PDIF solution. I use Hiface but I don't want to go deeper in all the problems related to PC-base setups. I suggest to focus on dedicated streamers. I actually don't think there are many of them -- so the thread is supposed to be very short

Mac Mini/MBP into Halide Bridge or Wavelength dac.

Tog

Tog, I give low chances for MAC-powered device to provide a clean bitstream. I have Hi-Face which is PV-powered and it's definitely not the best transport for Naim DAC (despite the re-clocking feature).

AMA the problem isn't the Mac source but the Naim DAC itself, when Naim adopt an asynchronous protocol then the sound quality should improve.

Who mentioned nDac ... For the money a Wavelength asynchronous USB dac would be the perfect partner - and cost a bit more before anyone thinks I'm going for the cheap option.

Low jitter - that will be Gordon or his software on the Halide.

Tog

AMA - just get a Linn DS or the new Naim NDX. All the hard stuff is taken care of leaving you to just listen to the music without concerns over interfaces, jitter and software. Been there, done it, enjoyed the journey and then bought a DS. Blissfully happy

Merry Xmas all.

James

quote:

Originally posted by james n:
AMA - just get a Linn DS or the new Naim NDX. All the hard stuff is taken care of leaving you to just listen to the music without concerns over interfaces, jitter and software. Been there, done it, enjoyed the journey and then bought a DS. Blissfully happy

Merry Xmas all.

James

Hi, James. I'm not sure you are aware of my nDAC vs KDS thread. I'm not ready to part with nDAC at the moment and trying to find a new transport for it to beat my existing Logitech Transporter.
But if this leads me to annoyingly over-featured and overpriced HDX I would rather go for KDS.
nServe looks like the perfect transport for nDAC but it's got very controversial response on its bitstream performance.

HDX overpriced compared to the KDS??????

I have a HDX-SSD and I dont know what you mean by over-featured. It is a complete box that does a very-very good job ripping CD:s (the only generally available source of quality digital content). If they strip the ripping part I would have to add a computer to the system. The HDX also doesnt require a computer running UPnP-software but speak directly to the NAS. I am not aware of any more features and I wouldnt like to be without any of the ones mentioned.

I have a Transporter here (had it a long time). You really should try a HDX-SSD - a real improvement. Both tried running through nDac/XPS with DC1 cables. I havent heard the NDX - hopefully it is at least as good and the reduced feature-set may suit you more.

quote:

Originally posted by AMA:
Hi, James. I'm not sure you are aware of my nDAC vs KDS thread. I'm not ready to part with nDAC at the moment and trying to find a new transport for it to beat my existing Logitech Transporter.
But if this leads me to annoyingly over-featured and overpriced HDX I would rather go for KDS.
nServe looks like the perfect transport for nDAC but it's got very controversial response on its bitstream performance.

quote:

I have a HDX-SSD and I dont know what you mean by over-featured.

Hi, jlarsson. I certainly mean redundant ripping machine and built-in DAC.

I don't need ripping machine. My big CD collection is already ripped by EAC with Accurate Rip. It's not difficult for me to rip the new CDs and add them to my NAS.
I don't need built-in DAC because I already have superior Naim DAC/XPS.

I'm sure riping machine and built-in DAC both comprise a significant part of the HDX cost -- which is annoying.

quote:

I have a Transporter here (had it a long time). You really should try a HDX-SSD - a real improvement. Both tried running through nDac/XPS with DC1 cables

I heard from many people that HDX-SSD is the best digital transport. If this is true then I may don't care of HDX redundancy and think of it as a cost-no-object transport to my nDAC/XPS. I would be very thankful if you can elaborate more on the difference between TP and HDX bot into nDAC/XPS? Is it subtle or big? And how does it sonically pronounced?

quote:

If they strip the ripping part I would have to add a computer to the system.

It's not that easy as it may seem. There is a number of variables which often don't sum up. Though I agree that computer-based system, when properly set up, may offer the paramount quality.
Still I believe dedicated device provides more comfort and stability.

quote:

I havent heard the NDX - hopefully it is at least as good and the reduced feature-set may suit you more.

It features redundant DAC and does not offer server functionality.
I would better go for UnityServe which has redundant ripping machine but features complete server solution. Though it's not clear either it offers the same quality bitstream as HDX

quote:

HDX overpriced compared to the KDS??????

jlarsson, I have to mention that KDS is in another league to HDX in my values of music reproduction qualities.