hdx better than cdx2 ?

@ glevethan: I do not believe in Hifi magazines. Otherwise I should have bought the Akurate DS
I only trust my ears and my ears told my that by comparison the CDX 2 is way ahead of a Linn Akurate DS (with the same ripped CDs) in a full Naim system. And the same ears tell me that I think my HDX is ahead of my CDX 2 in a full Naim system - otherwise I would have not spent the money on it.

I have heard the HDX with a 555PS and I think it is better than a CD555. A new dawn and it makes me wonder if I really need a Superline.

/Erik

@ munch: I do not think that Erik needs new ears! Last weekend I heard the HDX with a XPS 2 at my dealer and although the HDX alone is amazing it gets even better with a XPS 2. To me the HDX/XPS 2 seems to be superior to what I remember from a CDS 3/XPS 2 demo. May be since I prefer the rather precise voicing of the HDX, but what I heard is as good as it gets with digital play black in my oppinion.

But you should not care about the HDX since you seem to have found something even better for your personal use and listening is very subjective. So please accept that there is a growing number of people who are convinced HDX users.

Before buying my HDX I tried PC into a Krell DAC and there are a lot of variables: Different CD/DVD drives used for ripping always sounded different although I used EAC (after trying out several other ripping programs) and the software used for playing back my WAV files sounded always different although all of the used programs were "neutral" - no volume control used and no upsampling, no oversampling, pp

To my the HDX is a great one box solution (may be a two box solution soon by adding a XPS 2 )which avoids all of the above mentioned problems/variables and I really appreciate this.

From my very own experience after long hours of trying out different PC solutions I know how much everything influences the sound and therefore I can only smile when it is stated that MAC and DAC sounds so good when none of the settings is mentioned. With the "wrong" ripping program and the "wrong" software a good CD can sound like a poor MP 3. PCs are always different sounding depending on their power supplies, the motherboard, the chipset used, the soundcard, pp and this is only the hard ware... And although I have no experience with MAC I know that not all MACs are the same. A G 4 is surely different from a Mini, pp

Do not get me wrong: I know how good a PC/DAC combination is able to sound and I know that studio DACs sound good and are rather cheap by hifi standards, but I now how good a HDX can sound, too. And to me the HDX is nothing other than a PC with an excellent ripping process, a great user interface and what I love most - great Naim sound at the DIN output and all this is packed in a nice box which looks great in my rack.

So in the end I think that all should accept that the Naim solution is great and so is the PC/MAC/DAC combination, too, when done right.

quote:

Originally posted by munch:

quote:

Originally posted by Erik:
I have heard the HDX with a 555PS and I think it is better than a CD555. A new dawn and it makes me wonder if I really need a Superline.

/Erik

You need new ears

Or You might need an more open mind

Luckily, we live in a free world. I have had the Cd555 for a couple of years in my humble system and so have a friend. I heard the NS01 in his system and was thrilled of the "rightness". The HDX with a PS555 added made me forget about CD-players and realize that HD based players is the future. I have sold my trippel5 and my only concern is if I should wait for a "HDS" or buy the HDX.

/Erik

great ..finally something happens on the hdx front discussion...

i am looking forward to hear one...hopfully soon...


still once again...can a hdx be powered by an xps 1 with an burndy ( not s- burndy ) ?

Moved to "Lavry presentation

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Erik:
I have heard the HDX with a 555PS and I think it is better than a CD555./QUOTE]

During the Naim Summer Promotion I've heard the combination HDX/555PS as well. It sounded absolutely fan-tas-tic! I've never heard the CD555 myself, but the person from Latham who did the demo mentioned he did the comparison. He told me they were both in the same league!

No need for new ears though, Erik!

Regards,
Michel

quote:

Because they are not in the same league.

What HDX/555PS is even better - wow now you've made me want one.

I'm fascinated on the variability of the reporting on this one! NAIM have clearly tuned the HDX considerably since its first rounds earlier this summer.

IMHO needs to be at the level where HDS/555 where it is clearly challenging the 555. It's price / performance, considering build quality and NAIM's after sales service, then make it quite attractive.

It also hold out the hope that the subsequent HDS will provide a new level of performance.

At present I'm content to dabble with computer audio, once my Lavry arrives - and wait to see the the above predictions come to pass.


Cheers

Richard

do naim have an opinion as to where hdx sits in relation to naim cd players?

ok its going to be one of those round about answers sorry, in my case I have a full LP12 rig,a 555 with x2 555ps and the hdx with a 555ps, well I would wouldnt I?
I use all three sources, I have some great records I always play on the Linn no cd versions, some great cd's almost always played on the 555, the hdx I use for hi-res music files which are amazing I think, and for bringing music from other places around the home and for my family, playlists are great for many uses, parties are just wonderful with the hdx so you can see for me its more about how you listen to music, when and who with.
On hi-res the hdx takes some beating after all you cannot play them on the lp12 and 555.

quote:

Originally posted by 151:
do naim have an opinion as to where hdx sits in relation to naim cd players?

When asked at the Summer Show - the bare player was described by one of the Naim team as "between CDX2 and CDX2/XPS2", using rips of the same CDs.

Seemed about right when we then heard it.

I haven't heard one in a domestic situation. I'd like to, and compare it with other server type options. If anyone has one in the SE and fancies shooting it out - let me know. Buyer's of it don't appear to have compared it to anything other than Naim's own CDPs, so far. Dealer's seem reticent about comparisons with the Linn solutions (where they sell both), unless I've missed any posts along those lines.

Steve

quote:

Originally posted by Steve S1:
Dealer's seem reticent about comparisons with the Linn solutions (where they sell both), unless I've missed any posts along those lines.

Steve

Well they would wouldn't they It wouldn't be the greatest career move ever to express an open opinion on a public forum would it?

Gary

dbl's active 3x500.
I would maybe wish to keep records if only they kept making them. I love new music so its tough

@ Steve S 1:

Short before the production HDX came out I compared CDX 2 to Linn Akurate DS in a full Naim system. I was very curious due to all the good reviews of the Linn DS products. It took me and the dealer about 5 seconds to hear that the CDX 2 is far superior than the Akurate DS. And the following tracks showed that the very first impression was right. That demo made my think that streaming might not be the way to go. Then came the HDX and a comparison to the CDX 2 in a full Naim system showed to me that the HDX is the way for me to go. I do not want to repeat here again why I think that the HDX is better than the CDX 2. What really makes the HDX sing are high resolution files (24 bit) via USB memory stick. But do not get me wrong, the HDX is fantastic wit Redbook CDs, too. The latter is very important for me due to the fact that most of my music collection is CD.

Hi John,

To be fair, Naim's guys were talking about ripped CDs. I'm sure you are right about 24bit, but then I've heard that on a number of DACs etc. It certainly shows all but the very best of CD recordings a thing or two. But I get the feeling that it's more because all demo 24 bit stuff is superbly mastered.

You wait and see if the mainstream get it. Shabby masterings will still sound bloody awful in 24bit.

Regards,

Steve

This is the first time since I have been a member of any forum that I have been interested in a new format/product and I find the comments in these "Distributed Audio" threads fascinating but also a bit disturbing.

I too have compared the Linn Accurate DS to the various Naim CD players and contrary to John R's comments above, I absolutely loved it. In my opinion it simply wiped the floor with all but the very top end players and certainly left the CDX2 sounding a very poor second.

The Linn was so smooth and very captivating and had none of the courseness associated with CD replay. I have an LP12/Ittok/lingo, so maybe I am more accustomed to the Linn sound, but nevertheless I struggle to understand some of the comments made on here.

How can we all disagree so much?, unless the demo equipment was poorly set up? This is the only explaination I can find. I know the Linn has had a recent software upgrade, but both the auditions I've had so far were using units prior to this, so this doesn't explain it.

I haven't heard the HDX in a proper demo yet, only at one of the Summer Sounds events, but from what I heard at that particular event, it didn't really leave me wanting to hear it again. Then again there is talk of the production units being better, well they certainly need to be to even come close to the Linn.

I've now sold my trusty CDX/XPS and it will soon be decision time. I'm just waiting for Naim to sort out my 52/SC which is in for repair and then I will be able to concentrate on finding a new source.

Gary

quote:

Originally posted by Gary S.:
but nevertheless I struggle to understand some of the comments made on here.

How can we all disagree so much?,

Ive been thinking the same. Since I first joined the forum I have encountered this divergence of opinions.

My second or third post was an inquiry into what DACs Naim users had in their kits. It was evident that no one was really doing this nor thought it to be capable as a high quality source.

I said in one post;

"With a properly set-up PC or Mac, and a decent DAC, one could put together a source that could rival some of the best CDPs out there..."

This was of course heresy beyond belief. It even elicited a response from dD that basically said 'You might wish that but it is sadly untrue'... or something to that effect.

I dont think the the perceived "differences" are all that great. It is just new and people tend to resist change. How the hell did Bush get re-elected!!!!!!

My guess is that people who have spent upwards of $10K on a CDP will have a hard time finding a PC/DAC suitable. Others who cannot afford a CDX2 with XPS might not hear a big difference between that and their Lavry or B-ford.

In the end I think they are all pretty good in the very least. It is analogous to the Olympians we just watched. It a race the person finishing last is SO FAR behind the winner. But that last person is the 10th fastest person in the entire world. We are comparing the best of the best. The differences, seemingly large, need to be taken OUT of context.

See the "Perceived System Differences" thread over in the real forum. This is the kind of power the mind has. Bad day? The kit sounds bad. Not wanting a $200 DAC to sound good? DAC not good. The human brain is quite powerful.

I think self-fulfilling prophecy, expectations, and closed minds (on both sides) are to blame for the depth of the chasm between the two digital sources.

The volatility of the issue though is something else though. Not sure where that comes from.

The fact that there is a "Distributed Audio" section now is very telling. Too many posts (I am guilty here), on the technical side of things, pissed everyone off.

I still cannot understand why people dont simply avoid threads they have no interest in.

It is strange why the ultimate in tweekdom, the LP12, doesn't get relegated to its own forum as well. Although it contains different content, the Superline loading thread doesn't seem much different to me than some of the tech threads that were ultimately moved from "Hi-Fi".

ordering my Lavry very soon.

New Bersford at the end of the month courtesy of Stanley. His new model.

-Patrick

quote:

Originally posted by munch:
Gary is your kit all olive?

Yes, but the first demonstration was done in my home at the same time as I was also auditioning a 282/200, so I have heard the DS on both Olive and black gear and the results were consistent.

I should also add that a home demonstration of the Linn DS is not easy due to the requirements to have a server & media tablet to hand. During the first demonstration, the dealer brought his own laptop which was positioned next to the hifi and his own wireless router (for the Nokia meadia tablet). Since then I have installed my own wired network and so the second demonstration was done using my cabling and router etc - the results were the same. The dealer also ripped some of my own CDs and was also able to demonstrate master tape quality copies of some tracks which are very familiar to me, this was breath-taking.

Regards

Gary

I have had the opportunity to demo the Klimax DS three times - and the Akurate DS twice.

IMHO the Klimax DS is considerably better than the Akurate DS.

I directly compared (through a 552) the Klimax DS with a CDS3/XPS2 (I own a CDS3/555PS). They were just about even (as to be expected as the cost is roughly the same - actually the CDS3/XPS2 a tad more) and it boiled down to the Naim vs. Linn presentation.

If someone did not own a digital playback machine then they would be very happy with either player. If I did not own a player I would most likely go for the Klimax DS - it seems more forward thinking - no moving parts (to break) - open source and easily expandable - digital storage vs silver discs will be (is) the way of the future.

I have not yet demoed the HDX. If one were to consider it, based upon its price, then, as per my own criteria, it would need to be compared to the above mentioned solutions - the CDS3 and the Klimax. As such its performance (with XPS2) would have to at least equal that of a CDS3/XPS2 (and not a CDX2) to be considered - IMHO.

Gregg

quote:

Originally posted by glevethan:
IMHO the Klimax DS is considerably better than the Akurate DS.
Gregg

Gregg, no doubt, but at roughly 3x the price, it should be. I will not be demoing it, because I don't want to spend this much on a single source.

The great advantage of the streamed music it that you can then use other devices to stream music to other parts of the house. In our case we are considering Sonos systems for the kitchen and dining room and the kids will be able to stream using their X-boxes, furthermore, we can rip our DVDs etc and stream them to the TV - all very exciting stuff

Gary

quote:

Originally posted by Paul Stephenson:
ok its going to be one of those round about answers sorry, in my case I have a full LP12 rig,a 555 with x2 555ps and the hdx with a 555ps, well I would wouldnt I?

Slumming it, eh? Come on, Paul, give that HDX the second 555PS it deserves.

Gregg, you are very fortunate to have the ability to demo both Naim and Linn in the same setting. Unfortunately that is not possible in Chicago. Are you in the city or are you going to Dave Wilson's up in My. Kisco? This is where I first was introduced to Naim.

Even getting a Linn Demo has been frustrating as one of the dealers here had a difficult time setting up the system and the other also sells Wadia and he tries to push this over the Linn DAC as he feels is is a much better performer and VFM. People I know who've tried the Wadia did not like the presentation.

I'd be curious to know your impressions of the HDX and comparisons to the Linn system.

When are you going to "try" the Lavry? I've got one coming early next week as I've posted and hope to do an extensive comparison next weekend.

Hi Gary

I am about 15 minutes from Accent On Music and did these demos there. One of the demos I had was actually presented by Ivor T when he came over to do a road show about 4 months ago. I have not yet heard the HDX however I believe that Accent will be receiving one this coming week. In regards to "when are you going to try the Lavry" - well I already have the cables in house however I am awaiting for two pairs of speakers to arrive for demo by the end of the month. As such that will be taking priority for now - HOWEVER I do not know for how much longer I will be able to hold out on pulling the trigger for the Lavry - too many good reports on this forum not to give it a try. For my needs if the Lavry performs than it will be exactly the right solution for me - the HDX does not appeal to me due to various criteria - and the Linn user interface is not appealing. If the Lavry performs than it will offer exactly what I want. PLEASE let me know what you find out with it after you have had a listen.

Regards
Gregg