HDX magazine review.

quote:

Originally posted by ROTF:
I haven't heard it, but I don't like hard disks; 35 years I've worked in the industry and we're still using error prone, noisy hard disks.

At least there are signs this changing with the MacBook Air.

BTW does anybody know any music server software I can run on my Amiga computer

Got one in the shed if you want it

Gees.

Maybe I am deaf.

I thought that the HDX was pretty good.

The thing is tho, it depends on which CD you rip from.
An HDX is not going to turn a shitty sounding CD into a pretty thing all of a sudden.

It varies file by file. So, on average, tho, I thought was on par with an *x* series CD player, on a bare form, but on some recording when a 555PS was added it was closer to *s* series machine some of the time. Not all the time.
I didn't even tried a high resolution file.

I don't know the absolute cuz, I haven't lived with it long enough, but I am somewhat relieved that a CD555 still rulz.

kuma,
Have you got it on loan to try out? or have you paid money for it?And its yours to do with as you please?
Munch

munch.

I wish.

I am too busy playing records!

But if I ever decided to get back into the file playing, HDX is definitely the one. Or some Naim DAC down the line.

And God forbid, if there is a good enough Naim ADC, I'm gonna start digitising all my LPs. :x

km, the hdx used at cheadle was a proto and is no where near what we are shipping today in performance terms. We never intended to release this version, the roadshow like some hifi shows was intended to give people a taste of what is to come and a chance to talk with naim directly.

As you say try and have another listen then let us all know, afterall I do think naim cd players are rather good. so both ways are good for me.

Paul,

The unit I have heard was supposedly a production version.

Like I said, it will need longer audition and rip a few more files to assess but it performed better than I expected.

It is file dependent. ( I do not listen to audiophile quality music most of the time )

Perhaps, I should get this thing instead.

quote:

Originally posted by garyi:
So in conclusion, those that own CDX2s and above feel the HDX is not as good,...

not me!

I've heard the HDX (with 555PSU) at a Summer Sounds through a 282/300/SL2s. It was very impressive (with ripped files but we should remember that it is not Naim's intention that it should be used as an audiophile standard CDP)but the only way I'd discover how it compares with the CDX2/XPS2 would be through an extensive home demo in my system.

I've have to say though that at this stage with nearly 3,000 CDs it would only have limited use without additional external storage so I agree with our earlier correspondent when he says that it's simply easier to stick on a CD (or record). And given that for broadly the same money I could trade the CDX2 for a CDS3 I know what I'd do.

Fender (Strat)

looking forward to hear the hdx as well. but still not available here in norway.

any ideas when the NS REF or the HDS will ship ? in the schedule it was planed 1/2 a year later than the NS3 , which is in principle the HDX for the non-naimnet line. did naim change their planes and launched an own line in the hdx ? as far as i know, the NS3 can´t be upgraded with an external power supply ( xps ).

regards p

would it be possible to bublish the whole article from hifi choise as a pdf format or so ?

thanx p

quote:

The thought that a mint CDS1 is not "relevant" today is amusing.

Jon, having heard your magic box I can see exactly why you think so!

quote:

I am somewhat relieved that a CD555 still rulz.

You're not the only one!

quote:

Originally posted by pylod:
would it be possible to bublish the whole article from hifi choise as a pdf format or so?

If you own the copyright (or are licensed to publish) yes.

quote:

Originally posted by Chris Kelly:

quote:

I am somewhat relieved that a CD555 still rulz.

You're not the only one!

Ah, rulz over the HDX maybe, but since the HDX has ben "designed" not to compete with the DC555 is that a surprise?!

There are many non NAIM hdd solutions that would take the 555 to the cleaners.

quote:

Originally posted by thesherrif:
There are many non NAIM hdd solutions that would take the 555 to the cleaners.

Such as?

kuma,
The Lavry DA-10 with a Mac book comes very very close.

munch.

*close* isn't the same as taking it to the cleaners.

In a few years tho, I won't be surprsed if a HDX can surpass the performance of a 555. ( it's called progress )

But I've got the feeling it'll always be *depends* much like some LP sounds better than CDs and vice versa. ( software dependent )

Well, my HDX already surpasses my CDX2 by quite a lot although the HDX is only palying since one week... no doubt that hard drives are the way to go at the moment. In the near future probably some sort of solid memory.

quote:

Originally posted by kuma:
munch.

*close* isn't the same as taking it to the cleaners.

In a few years tho, I won't be surprsed if a HDX can surpass the performance of a 555.

But I've got the feeling it'll always be *depends* much like some LP sounds better than CDs and vice versa. ( software dependent )

kuma,
It takes it to the cleaners because the sound quality is so close that if you heard the two side by side you go F--- me £15,000/£1,600 and its a right pain when you have a cd555 and you think My GOD.
I will put money on the HDX not being here in a few years.
Munch

of course i don´t own the copyright , i didn´t write it myselfe nor am i the publisher.but isaw some test reports published here on the site.so i thought it would be possible.

the german naim site is also publishing the test reports for download.

i just ask, because hifi choice is not available here for us.

regards p

munch,

There is a very little VFM in any upper end kit. ( especially digital playback )

So, Lavry DAC sounds like Naim eh? That's interesting.

At least you saved yourself £13,400.

quote:

Originally posted by kuma:
munch,

There is a very little VFM in any upper end kit. ( especially digital playback )

So, Lavry DAC sounds like Naim eh? That's interesting.

At least you saved yourself £13,400.

kuma you like trying kit and you have a Mac in the house.
Give it a go.
Munch

munch.

I've done it already 5 years ago so I know what's involed to set up a contraption.
No dobut that a better kit might be available today.

It's a huge drag ripping correctly.
If I were to get back in again, I'd get a dedicated mac and Pro Tool.

Meanwhile, a CD555 is plenty good enough in case I want to spin some CDs.

Besides, I can't be totally motivated since I keep finding more interesting music on records. :x

quote:

Originally posted by munch:
kuma,
The Lavry DA-10 with a Mac book comes very very close.

I am very sorry to say, it is not. Not even close to a CDS3 and XPS2. I had a chance to try several high-end audio DACs (Accuphase DC-101, Theta Generation VIII, several dCSs, Meitner, etc) and pro DACs (all the Lavrys, pro dCSs, Weiss, Mytek Digital, Protools, RMEs, TCElectronic, etc) with my Macs and compare them a CDS3/XPS2 and a CDS3/555PS (System: NAP500, NAC552, ProAc Response 4 speakers, Mana tables, Naim cabling and Audience Au24 for the non - Naim goodies) and in this Naim system, none of the Mac/external DAC solutions were comparable. In a non - Naim system you can get different results of course, but if you value the well known Naim values, it would be a bit strange to find the other equipments "better".

As my main job is pro audio and broadcast video system integration and planning, I got a chance not only to try everything I want in the pro world, but to live with them for a while as well.

ferenc,

that's interesting as well.

When I tried several DACs in the past, that's where I netted out. Upperend DACs inevitably are better than many entry level models, but none of them really sounded like a Naim DAC.

A 47Labs Shigaraki DAC at least had a same sort of disposition as a CDX and Gill Audio Elise valve DAC was similar to the CDS3/555PS I was running then.

The systems were all Naim albeit speakers were either my Briks or Wilson WATT.
I also used Naim digital cable because others I have on hand just altered the sound opposite of where I wanted to be.

When I finally heard an HDX, it was very apparent it had a Naim sound in spade.

p.s. How did the Weise sound? I was looking at their ADC.