INT202, Lavry DA-10

Gary, this is a review of Wadia transport, not nDAC. It does not say anywhere that Wadia works better with nDAC than Ipod directly into nDAC. In fact this review came in 2008 whereas nDAC came on stream at late 2009.

Anyway, the question itself is still viable -- if iPod/Wadia sounds better than iPod/USB through nDAC?

quote:

Originally posted by AMA:
Gary, this is a review of Wadia transport, not nDAC. It does not say anywhere that Wadia works better with nDAC than Ipod directly into nDAC. In fact this review came in 2008 whereas nDAC came on stream at late 2009.

Anyway, the question itself is still viable -- if iPod/Wadia sounds better than iPod/USB through nDAC?

I'd say highly doubtful (that the iPod+Wadia+nDAC would sound better than the iPod+nDAC)

Given that both the Wadia and the Naim are direct digital out from the iPod motherboard, the Naim has at least 2 things going for it:

1. The Wadia is only power by a rudimentary wall wart power supply, unlike Naim who has full metal jacket power supply and even more serious power supply if external PS added.

2. The Wadia has to decode the signal and pass it on via S/PDIF to the nDAC, how could that be better? The best it can do is equal to.

Perhaps JS will chime in on this one. At Promusica they are using the Ipod/Wadia/NDAC and not the Ipod/NDAC. I'm not sure if the nDAC has direct access to the digital files the same way that the Wadia does. While there is a USB connect, it may still be relying on the ipod's internal music player.

We improve the Wadia supply with a psc2, use a DC1 cable with .wav files and I have always slightly preferred the SPdif in to the USB when everything is lined up right. Of course, the interface just went to over $1k in the process. The Wadia also still uses the internal Ipod touch player. We use 24/96 vinyl recordings downsampled to 16/48 in Wavelab with appropriate dither. It's a bit of cheating but great source to dem with on Ndac or SN. Have your favs in pocket to just drop into a dock. No HiDef and 64g max drive size etc. so it's limited but informative enough to hear turning off the ipod display for instance.

The comment from js was very abundant and detailed and ... not relevant to the question asked

I tend to believe (based on js remarks) that iPod/USB-nDac does not sound very different from extended iPod Wadia/DC1/ExternalPsu/SPDIF/nDAC combination

It's better and somewhat costly but feel free to assume what you like. I only answered because I actually was asked and even mentioned that it probably wasn't appropriate for the OP. I gave my personal recommendation of a streamer early on and followed with an even more detailed explanation so I don't know what you're on about.

js, calm down -- you know how highly I value your opinion. It was a friendly taunt

Seriously, can you tell me in binary (YES/NO) way on what is YOUR personnel experience with IPod/Wadia/nDac across iPod/nDac -- do you find the first setup to be superior?

I generally prefer the SPdif with most all sources when everything is properly sorted.

quote:

I generally prefer the SPdif with most all sources when everything is properly sorted.

Thanks! Sorry for getting it long And sorry for my poor joke.

js, do you have any insider information on whether UnitiServe will be on par with HDX or CDX2?
If it is - I shall allocate some funds to replace my Logitech TP for UnitiServe in July (or August?).

And also if I recall you told before that HDX bitstream output is better than CDX2?

Well, untill heard, it's hard to say but my guess is that both will be a step forward with the new PCI board. Perhaps the HDX benefitting more from a more generous layout and better supply. Proof will be in the listen. I believe this will become an upgrade for HDX users so one would think it noticable.

quote:

I believe this will become an upgrade for HDX users so one would think it noticable.

Sounds promising as design-wise UnitiServe is perfect partner to my DC1/nDAC/XPS system. As I can see I will be able to control UnitiServe with iTouch and some custom Naim software or what?