HDX vs NS03 ?

Hi

The sound quality of the HDX is vastly superior and you can add an external power supply, the NS-03 you can´t.

The HDX only has 1 analogue output, the NS-03 has 4. The NS-03 is slightly less expensive, about 300€.

So unless you need 4 analogue outputs the HDX is the obvious choice.

Gordon

The HDX are a better sound with a external power supply : it's just normal .

But without external power supply , it is again better ?

So yes , why ?

quote:

Originally posted by nicolas7:
The HDX are a better sound with a external power supply : it's just normal .

But without external power supply , it is again better ?

So yes , why ?

Because the DAC is so much better!

I didn't think it was a case of the DAC being better - which incidentally is the same unit to be found in the Snait - so much as the treatment of the analogue out stages...?

quote:

Originally posted by SC:
I didn't think it was a case of the DAC being better - which incidentally is the same unit to be found in the Snait - so much as the treatment of the analogue out stages...?

It´s not exactly the same DAC found in the Supernait.

Yes it is a case of the DAC/analogue output stages. They are not even similar in design nor construction!

By the way the DAC does not just refer to an IC, it is the complete analogue to digital conversion out stage.

Gordon

Yes Gordon, good comment. I think that most people in their discussion of the DAC are thinking of only the chip and not the complete output stage. A reason why I think there is much confusion about price/performance of these devices.

quote:

I think that most people in their discussion of the DAC are thinking of only the chip and not the complete output stage. A reason why I think there is much confusion about price/performance of these devices.

Doubtful - a handful of components in the output stage aren't exactly expensive either. Price / performance of the complete device is the issue.

quote:

Originally posted by james n:

quote:

I think that most people in their discussion of the DAC are thinking of only the chip and not the complete output stage. A reason why I think there is much confusion about price/performance of these devices.

Doubtful - a handful of components in the output stage aren't exactly expensive either. Price / performance of the complete device is the issue.

That's what I was implying

quote:

Originally posted by Gordon McGlade:
It´s not exactly the same DAC found in the Supernait.

Forgive me for my error, I was merely repeating what I had read in Connection.

“In terms of its separate internal elements, the HDX employs analogue output stages derived from the NAC 552 with relay switched RCA and DIN output options. The seven pole analogue filter stages are on a separate board. The DAC is the same Burr Brown component as used in the SUPERNAIT and sensitive circuit elements benefit from triple regulated power supplies..." - Gary Crocker, Connection Winter 08/09

Apparently the HDX uses an entirely different audio board. Also the deal with the power supply.

I have wondered if the digital out sounds the same, as the audio card wouldn't really matter then.

quote:

Originally posted by Cjones:
Apparently the HDX uses an entirely different audio board. Also the deal with the power supply.

I have wondered if the digital out sounds the same, as the audio card wouldn't really matter then.

The HDX digital out does improve with the addition of an external power supply–and still sounds better than a stock NS01 / 02 / 03.

Dave, you mean that the dig.coax out of HDX without external PS sounds better than dig.coax out on the NS players? By some or a bunch?

quote:

Originally posted by connon price:
Dave, you mean that the dig.coax out of HDX without external PS sounds better than dig.coax out on the NS players? By some or a bunch?

By some - depends on DAC, digital interconnect (type), system, grounding configuration, etc.