What's the best streaming source for my nDac ???

Just out of interest, how do you like the Model-1 Signature on the end of your NAP 150x? I am asking because the general view seems to be that you would require a 250 or even 300 to really bring the best out of them. So in this context it is interesting to see them being partnered with an entry power amp.

Hi Totemphile,

I also read all the comments on the combi of the 150x and the model 1 sig-1s. My experience is that in my room (3,5 by 5m) it sounds brilliant. It was a huge step up from the Arro's and I completely fell in love with it.

The guys from totem in Canada adviced the 202/200 combi as the ideal partner (also in their rooms used), but in small rooms the 150x works fine.

I'm one happy guy here ;-)

squeezebox touch

I've indeed read some posts about the SB touch. Is this one so much better than a Sonos ZP90. Not that price is all, but the sonos is more expensive. Is there than a substantial upgrade vs the sonos?

I've just got a squeezebox touch, purely for internet radio. However I am surprised just how much I like it. The unit is using the walwart that came with it and analog outputs into my 252 and over the week it has seemed to bloom from being a bit compressed and boxy on the first day to a nice warm and engaging tone. I must admit that Jane Jones voice on Classic FM is as warm and cuddly as I remember from the UK.

I've already ordered a Welborne power supply for it and plan to borrow the Naim Dac to see how it might improve. By the way I've also tried piping through some audio tracks from my Mac mini server to the unit which were ripped using Apples lossless format in itunes making use of the logitech server and they don't sound too bad.

Cheers

Tim

quote:

Originally posted by RudiNee:
Hi Totemphile,

I also read all the comments on the combi of the 150x and the model 1 sig-1s. My experience is that in my room (3,5 by 5m) it sounds brilliant. It was a huge step up from the Arro's and I completely fell in love with it.

The guys from totem in Canada adviced the 202/200 combi as the ideal partner (also in their rooms used), but in small rooms the 150x works fine.

I'm one happy guy here ;-)

Hi RudiNee,

That really is quite interesting feedback because the European importer told me that the Mod1Sig needed a 250 or ideally a 300 to get the best out of them. So for Totem in Canada to recommend a 202/200 combi as the ideal partner is in some ways quite the opposite and opens up new options. Glad they sound great on your 150x. Just goes to show you need to hear things for yourself and make up your own mind. We can write/read all we want on this forum and it can still be misguiding. I am very happy with my Forest but would like to hear the Mod1Sig one day. I have decided to stick with my SuperNait for the foreseeable future now rather that go the pre/power route and concentrate on my source instead. Will add the nDAC to my CDX2.2 and possibly an XPS well down the line but not sure yet. The plan is to then stay there for a very long time, we'll see. So potentially the SN should be a good fit for the Mod1Sig as well. Thanks for that insight! Still haven't sold my Arro though, somehow I don't seem to want to part with them. They were the first Totem I owned and I still think they are great. May keep them for a second system one day or play them form time to time...

quote:

Originally posted by RudiNee:
I'm sure this discussion has been held before here, but I could need some help. My current system consists of:
- Sonos ZP90, connected with a
- Audioquest Eagleeye to the
- Naim Dac, connected via the
- Naim Highline to the
- 122x/150x/fc2x to a pear of
- Totem Model-1 Sigs.

What could improve mu source the most without spending foolish mone. I kind of think the nServe is a bit too much (3k euro). I use XLD as a ripper and have a QNap nas, so I oly need a decent streamer. Alternatives could be:

- Mac Mini with M2 highface (I tried the Ayrewav palyer on my current mac and that sounds great).
- Linn DS Majik or Sneaky (Is there a difference between them through digital out?)
- Olive 4HD?

- Or something else????
I at least want to reach the level of my old cd5x/fc2x or higer ;-)

Cheers.

The UnitiQute surely. A super bit of kit that includes a very good radio.

or wait for the new Naim streamer due soon

quote:

Originally posted by Rockingdoc:
or wait for the new Naim streamer due soon

Feel like we have been waiting for years for this!

quote:

Originally posted by Occean:

quote:

Originally posted by Rockingdoc:
or wait for the new Naim streamer due soon

Feel like we have been waiting for years for this!

I second that. But Rockingdoc, do you know anything we don't?

ASenna04

The best option IMHO if you are on limited budget would be:

PC Laptop with Windows 7 x64 Home Premium
M2Tech HiFace (M2Tech Evo if your budget will stretch)
Foobar2000 (J.River Media Center 15 at additional cost is better)

I figure that digital systems are still pretty much in their infancy. The technology is going to go through big changes in the next three years. I wouldn't commit too much money at this early stage.

The above components and software will significantly outperform the CD5. If however, you have a CD5i and use it with your DAC, you will get a much better result.

CD5i and nDAC? thats a new one on me, are you sure?

quote:

Originally posted

The UnitiQute surely. A super bit of kit that includes a very good radio.

Sure but then one must ask what servers are the best and actually work well with the Qute.

I am trying to be interested in this product but I haven't the slightest clue other than the assumption that the Naim servers work well, which the op might not be interested in.

Is a Naim server required to guarantee seamless operation?

What servers has Naim tested with their streaming product and the app?

quote:

I figure that digital systems are still pretty much in their infancy. The technology is going to go through big changes in the next three years. I wouldn't commit too much money at this early stage.

Doctor, for the last 25 years I don't remember a single year when the growth of audio technologies had flattened out

I advice all to enjoy the music continuously and keep experimenting with the new gears.

quote:

Originally posted by AllenB:
Qute, acting as streamer only?

Best VFM, IMHO.

Allen, did you finish the tests between Qute and INT202?

I'm surprised with your findings and wait for the possible disclaimer from your side

MacBook Air with M2Tech hiFace - with music on SD cards is the direction I'm going in. No moving parts and easy removable storage.

quote:

Originally posted by Mikeie:
CD5i and nDAC? thats a new one on me, are you sure?

Think the Doc means CD5XS or CDX2-2

quote:

Originally posted by AllenB:
Qute, acting as streamer only?

Best VFM, IMHO.

Really VFM with all that amplification wasted?

Anybody tried one of these

Occean, it's not about redundancy. It's about the market value against the other gears with similar functionality. Qute is less than 2,000 USD -- what are the options for the top-quality digital transports/streamers for this price?
Logitech Transporter, PC/INT202, CDX2-2, S/H CDX2/mod, NDX, Majik DS or american Mark Levinson 31.5, McIntosch MCD1000 -- all go for the higher price (and I'm not sure better SQ). Some people claim Qute is on par with HDX through dig out.

quote:

What could improve mu source the most without spending foolish mone. I kind of think the nServe is a bit too much (3k euro). I use XLD as a ripper and have a QNap nas, so I oly need a decent streamer. Alternatives could be:

- Mac Mini with M2 highface (I tried the Ayrewav palyer on my current mac and that sounds great).
- Linn DS Majik or Sneaky (Is there a difference between them through digital out?)
- Olive 4HD?

- Or something else????
I at least want to reach the level of my old cd5x/fc2x or higer ;-)

What about the cullen mod for the zp90? There is some great feedback about this combined with a DAC....

Any views.

quote:

Originally posted by ROTF:
Anybody tried one of these

I am sure it would sound better with some music on it, toung in cheek.

quote:

I am sure it would sound better with some music on it, toung in cheek.

LOL

quote:

- Linn DS Majik or Sneaky (Is there a difference between them through digital out?)

I looked into this option about a year ago and asked question on the Linn forums, Linn confirmed there were the same digital circuitry for the two.

quote:

Borrowed HDX & Qute have to be returned. But new Qute, and Serve are picked up today

Expect a few postings over the next week or so

OK!