Who'd you rather? NDX vs Akurate DS

Posted by: Obsessed1 on 04 November 2010

I'm looking to add a better streamer to the big rig in the living room (currently using Sonos and Lavry DAC). As per title, is there any reason I should be looking at NDX over Akurate DS, or vice versa?

Obviously, it would be nice to try both at home and decide, but this will not be possible with my local dealers. So, sound quality aside (which will be subjective - and few NDX currently available), what about features?

Other important bits: Music will be streamed from an N-Serve (1TB) hooked into the network in the den via a gigabit switch into an Airport Extreme. I will NOT be able to hard wire either NDX or Akurate into the network.

Posted on: 08 November 2010 by rich2513

John, thanks for that, very interesting.

I had the same sort of experience with the Linn Klimax DS through my Dynavector L300mkii. It just sounded broken. Through a Klimax Kontrol it was like a completely different beast.

I have read that the Cantata matches the Klimax for resolution and detail so it must be pretty good. I suspect it's system matching. It's possible that it works far better with non-naim electronics.

Posted on: 08 November 2010 by David Dever

quote:
Originally posted by Obsessed1:
Given that the NDX has wireless capabilities, I would like to give it a try. I know wired is better, but WTF? The Sonos works fine, so I would expect the NDX to do equally as well.

I know of quite a few custom integrators who hard-wire their Sonos installations in New York (specifically Manhattan) for the very same reason, even though it is more tolerant than others due to its mesh networking topology.