Naim Dac

Hi Klotis,

Do you mean other than via the summer road show in th uk?

regards Harry

And what were your findings?

But not the HDX ?

Stu

Have you heard a DAC/555PS fronted by a computer source? How would it compare to the Naim CD hierarchy? (I know it cannot touch a candle to my TT - or yours )

Gregg

A personal point of view, nothing more, but having heard the DAC I feel that CDX2, DAC, XPS2 (on DAC) is slightly better (and more flexible) than CDS3/XPS2, and this is my next change in my system. I also thought the HDX is better with the DAC and XPS2 than CDX2. However my feeling that the CDS3 is more "analogue" sounding and the CDX2/DAC is more "dynamic digital". I'm not convinced that computer and NAS into streamer into DAC is better than CDX2 fronting the DAC. If I was into computers as a musical source I would seriously consider a HDX (which is a very good source when partnered with DAC). 555PS is just mental its that good.

regards,

Dev

Thanks for the replies Dev and Stu. I will bite when I can find something that can at least equal my CDS3/555PS. Up until now only a Klimax DS has been able to get there. I have yet to hear the Klimax with the new Dynamik power supply however I have been told that it takes it to another level.

Gregg

quote:

Originally posted by glevethan:
Thanks for the replies Dev and Stu. I will bite when I can find something that can at least equal my CDS3/555PS. Up until now only a Klimax DS has been able to get there. I have yet to hear the Klimax with the new Dynamik power supply however I have been told that it takes it to another level.

Gregg

It is claimed (have not heard it myself) that the Akurate with Dynamik is relatively close to the Klimax without. It is certainly a lot cheaper and may also be something to consider if money is of any matter.

Liking both brands, I will wait for a little wile to see what Naim has up its sleves. I get the impression that how Linn will deal with server players seems to be rather set and I do not expect any drastic changes from them. When it comes to Naim I do not really know yet.

With already enough DAC threats, I just picked one at random: Does anyone know if the SDD buffer can be switched off??

I'm asking because I presume it causes some delay, which can be annoying when watching movies/tv. Unless ofcourse one likes the Bollywood genre

Actually that's a very good point and I'm surprised it hasn't been brought up before.....If there is no control over the buffer or an alternative way to sync, then anything visual based is going to have an issue here, whether it be TV, AV or game consoles...?

...sold my hdx today to fund linn ds (majik with digi out) and naim dac!
very hard but i believe in pure streaming.

quote:

Originally posted by Fred Mulder:
...Does anyone know if the SDD buffer can be switched off??
I'm asking because I presume it causes some delay, which can be annoying when watching movies/tv.

Actually, if you have a plasma screen, which requires a frame store for the video data before display, the right extra delay is exactly what you want for lip-sync
Depending on how many video fields are stored before display, upwards of 20ms is needed. A programmable delay would be nice, like on the AV2, but probably not seen as needed within the context of the DAC's use.

DB.

quote:

Originally posted by SC:
then anything visual based is going to have an issue here, whether it be TV, AV or game consoles...?

It is only a 2-channel DAC, why would you use it to watch a movie or TV? a $300 Yamaha receiver will do just fine there.

Because, an awful lot of people listen/watch TV etc in 2 channel and a dare say another $300 box is just that, another box in the room...I hasten to add I love surround sound, but not everyone is sitting with 7.1 in their living rooms....And if this DAC is strictly for 2 channel 'audiophile' use, isn't 8+ inputs slightly excessive....? Naim sales team are obviously thinking otherwise if you look at the listed connected devices on the product page...

Steve

Well it surely can be used with anything that has a digital output. And obviously Naim is making as attractive as possible to increase sales.

My point is that if watching TV only, without 5.1, why not simply use the analog outputs of the cable box or DVD player. Is the dig signal from your cable company really worth throwing into the Naim DAC for you to watch the evening news? I guess it might be. but not for me. 2 channel TV is horrible to me. I would rather simply use the TVs internal speakers than have the audio sound like it is disjointed from the image. I cant stand having the dialogue coming from anywhere but center. That means either 5.1 or TVs internal speakers.

The Yamaha was suggested because you can change the delay in order to sync with slower tvs. I would sincerely doubt that Naim DAC has such a provision.

Lastly, per you first comment, I though an awful lot of people didnt mix their 2 channel and TV kits in the same room.

-p

Well muggins here does...Sorry, I don't have a private wing to put the Kuro and n-System into...Humble English abode and all that...!

I agree with you on 5.1 and I personally wouldn't have it any other way either...But, I think the delay/sync issue on the DAC is a valid point, especially when it is being advertised by Naim themselves for multi-media use.......

Steve.

I always thought that modern LCD screens with the necessary video processing introduce a small delay in the video which is why DVD players often have a configurable audio delay to keep lip sync ok? The DAC may well introduce a delay, but I'd be surprised if it was more that 10-50mS as you don't need much of a buffer to remove the jitter. This must be well in line with the video delay so surely not much of a big deal imo.

DaveBK, I believe you are right. To my knowledge even the AV2 doesn't have a delay option (at least I haven't found it on mine). But my Sky box does adjust for delay as does my HTPC.

2ch movies, TV and games should work just fine with the DAC. But I guess we'll have to wait and see.

SC,

for what it is worth, I have never had any issues with my cable box, DVD player, or PC connecting to my Yamaha AND my Vizio. I have never once had a sync issue with any source.

I dont know how and when syncing is needed, but I am guessing it is not common.

I wouldn't worry about it.

-p

I watch blurays all the time with the audio into the Supernait DAC. No issues whatsoever.
Nat

quote:

Originally posted by Occean:
To my knowledge even the AV2 doesn't have a delay option (at least I haven't found it on mine).

Yes it does - Lip Sync's the last item on the Input setup routine. Not that I've ever used it because my sources, Sky HD & Oppo BluRay player, both have delay compensation that's easier to access.

Does anybody here know exactly when Naim are supposed to ship the DAC?

They're supposed to arrive early october

Can I urge people to have a look at the thread at the top of this Forum headed Naim Audio at the National Audio Show 09. You will find related discussion on the Naim DAC including this reply:

Gordon McGlade
Trade Member
Posted Sun 27 September 2009 16:08 Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by AndyF:
Ayre
Are you suggesting then that my Arcam DV79 hooked up to a Naim DAC should sound better than my CDX?
Regards
Andy



Yes and by a country mile!

Prepare to sell your cdp's and write the loss off against experience...

quote:

Originally posted by munch:
Only in Spain though for cash.

That's a bit unkind.

I haven't heard an Arcam DV79 through a Naim DAC, so I can't comment on whether it will sound better than a CDX. I might be surprised.

quote:

Originally posted by tonym:

quote:

Originally posted by Occean:
To my knowledge even the AV2 doesn't have a delay option (at least I haven't found it on mine).

Yes it does - Lip Sync's the last item on the Input setup routine. Not that I've ever used it because my sources, Sky HD & Oppo BluRay player, both have delay compensation that's easier to access.

Do you know what part in the manual this is covered in? I just cannot find it!

http://www.naim-audio.com/down...n_AV2_2002_11_14.pdf