SSD conversion booked

Well Allen, we're either both bonkers or not. TBH I don't know which is preferable nowadays.

Gav. The law of diminishing returns is well in force at this level and operating at the expected "much more for a little bit more" point. I think we're hardened to the prospect that that drops are being wrung out but we can still occasionally be pleasantly surprised. In this case it's only changing a sound card but there's still inconvenience involved and expenditure for many. The SSD work is an aside. Had I known the HDX-SSD was in the wings I would have waited. But it did give me the opportunity to establish (according to my ears) that playback from NAS was at least as good as playback from internal HDD. My first impressions were actually that I preferred the NAS but I slapped myself about a bit and stopped being silly. there's no difference - for me.

I have 24bit WAV and FLAC files residing on a USB stick which I have plugged into the back of the HDX. I haven't tried plugging into the nDAC. I suppose I should. I can't say how good 24bit WAVs sound per se but compared to using a CDX2 to decode the HDCD files I have never heard them sound better than they do on the stick. Again, I was lucky to be able to compare the two side by side running a CDX2 and HDX (with stick inserted) side by side through the nDAC. It's kind of amusing to think that some of my highly collectable and valuable limited edition HDCDs can be effectively equalled (I think bettered) by a bit of plug in plastic. But that was one of the reasons I bought the HDX, to preserve intact a part of what will probably be my grandchildrens' legacy. No play, no wear no risk of damage.

For what it's worth I found the HDX soundcard/RAM up-grade to be quite significant, equivalent to say a Powerline or Hiline so comparatively good VFM at £250.
This with DAC/555PS into 552, active DBLs so revealing of small changes.

ATB
Jon

I have had my HDX for a while now since conversion to HDX-SSD.

Since I had the rest of my system serviced at the same time any direct comparison is hard (it was also away for quite some time).

But I compared it to my other dijital sources of reasonable quality that did not change (Logitech Transporter and a MacMini with an Evo) and the diff is now larger by a very clear margin.

I have been trying to reduce box-count, and maintenance, by reducing sources and I am now at last feeling confident in letting the LP12/Ekos/Troika go ... its been in/out of my system several times during the last year. I think the HDX-chain of boxes provide the same feeling of flow and continuity the vinyl player provided. And with time I hope iPad-software will improve enough to replace the LP-covers (by finding additional info on the net for me).

I've spent some time with the HDX-SSD/DAC/XPS2 combo listening to both classical (Mahler/Wagner mostly) and electronica and in my opinion (in my system) it covers/outplays both CD and vinyl.

I dont know how much of the improvement is due to the SSD-upgrade and how much is due to the soundcard/RAM-upgrade. The HDX is now also completely silent and runs cooler.

I'm very satisfied with the conversion. And my current system :-)

Gents,

I was wondering what your thoughts were on HDX ripping CD compared to NAS etc?

How did the quality compare?

Do you mean ripping to the internal HDD compared with ripping to NAS? No difference according to my ears. I ripped 10 albums to NAS and also to HDD. I then spent a relaxing week end listening to play pack from both, out the HDX into nDAC. At first I thought the NAS playback actually sounded better but on balance I'd declare it a draw. I wanted to check this before having the internal HDDs replaced because although keeping them would have been a compromise to me, I was after the most musical enjoyment. I'm thrilled to bits with the results.

The euphoria surrounding the NDX has got my interest up, despite the fact that one has yet to be auditioned in captivity. If the NDX turns out to be somehow better than the HDX playing back on a level playing field, I will probably resist the knee jerk and wait for product launches in 2012, because right now I'm running at an enjoyment level I would have considered fictional this time last year. The Fat Lady ain't singing for the humble 16bit file just yet, and from the very thin sample I have obtained in 24bit FLAC things look rosier than ever. But of course, you can't polish a turd. Some albums will always be doomed.

quote:

Originally posted by Harry K:
Do you mean ripping to the internal HDD compared with ripping to NAS? No difference according to my ears. I ripped 10 albums to NAS and also to HDD. I then spent a relaxing week end listening to play pack from both, out the HDX into nDAC. At first I thought the NAS playback actually sounded better but on balance I'd declare it a draw. I wanted to check this before having the internal HDDs replaced because although keeping them would have been a compromise to me, I was after the most musical enjoyment. I'm thrilled to bits with the results.

The euphoria surrounding the NDX has got my interest up, despite the fact that one has yet to be auditioned in captivity. If the NDX turns out to be somehow better than the HDX playing back on a level playing field, I will probably resist the knee jerk and wait for product launches in 2012, because right now I'm running at an enjoyment level I would have considered fictional this time last year. The Fat Lady ain't singing for the humble 16bit file just yet, and from the very thin sample I have obtained in 24bit FLAC things look rosier than ever. But of course, you can't polish a turd. Some albums will always be doomed.

Yup, exactly that. Ripping to HDX hard drive using Naim ripping software.

I have "borrowed" HDX for the weekend to compare to my Logitech Transporter. Initially the Transporter held a good account of itself. Now the HDX is warming up, the HDX lead seems to be increasing.

On Friday evening I was able to connect HDX to my NAS, and again it surprised me that a CD ripped on HDX (WAV) compared to same CD ripped on my NAS (FLAC) that the HDX sounded more silky and smooth.

I must confess, I'm lazy! I like to create playlists to suit my mood. Something I would struggle with CD's. To scan my ripped CD;s via an app etc etc, and as you rightly mention 24 bit. That's a whole new journey.

I am enjoying the "source" journey. I can't wait to read reviews here on peoples thoughts on NDX.

Your comments give me an opportunity to go parochial for a few minutes.

I have a modest collection of HDCDs which sounded pretty bloody good on the old CDX2/XPS2, which could decode them. Using dBpoweramp I converted them to 24bit with 4 bits redundant and the enjoyment when played back from a USB stick took a giant leap – with caveats. I have the Yes catalogue in HDCD, now converted to 24 bit and the newer stuff is very transparent and detailed. The 70s stuff has actually suffered on balance through distortion and compression now clearly audible. On the 24bit native front I’ve got some George Thorogood & The Destroyers tracks (didn’t want the whole album) and band on the run – which is not one of my most favourite albums, but it gives a comprehensive illustration and allows a good appreciation of what eight more bits can do for sound quality and detail. I would say there’s no going back but there isn’t enough HD material to float my boat out there.

This is icing. I went this route (after coveting a CDS3 for years) for music quality and convenience with respect to my existing collection. Anything else is still a bonus but some of the bonuses are big, if thin on the ground.

Excellent post Harry.

i had Diana Krall (I wish!!) from a certain HD website. Transfered it onto memory stick and plugged into HDX. O MY GOD!!! More of the bits, 24 of them, more of the khz...96 of em!!!

I do hope there is a future for high quality downloads. Unlike DAD audio, and SACD. Don't get me wrong, I brought into it with high hopes but like a rainbow it disappered as quickly as it arrived!!!

Naim have planted a "massive" footprint with R & D and imvestment into HDX, NDX etc etc this cannot be ignored.

Lifestyle, convenience, ipod etc has chnged the way we listen and enjoy music. Something that 10/15 years ago seemed to be disappearing. I for one am so glad about this. My roots are firmly planted in two channel. Yesterday was my birthday and all my family were round. They were Naim virgins. I tried to explain in my most sincerre tone "not everyone get's it". I played an Eric Claypton track....they got it alright, within thirty seconds!!!