UnitiServe SSD vs HDX SSD

Chris,

We're all waiting for input on these issues. Certain authority figures in the Naim hierarchy have intimated that the HDX is superior to the UnitiServe, even if you don't utilize its DAC and analogue output sections.

The NDX hasn't been released yet, as I understand it.

So how's the demo going? Compared to the 555, for example?

My current thoughts must be tempered by the fact I am breaking-in a pair of S-600's right now. (that's another thread)

I've heard the NS01 and UnitiServe in a friend's NBL/500 system for the last several months. The results were quite good. Overall, I hear many of the Naim virtues we all love, but with more detail than I am accustomed to. There is a linear quality to the music as well. Tracks from bands like Massive Attack are astonishing in their detail and depth. I was overwhelmed by the experience. The hard disk makes a wide sound. Other albums, like some chamber music favorites fall flat, and sound thin. Perhaps hard disk playback is more suited to electronic music?

The concept of hard drive playback is very compelling to me in how simple it is to rip and play back.

The CD555 is better. It has a more emotive sound, bigger drive, grounded. It can make those chamber pieces sound amazing.

I very much want to know if the HDX is the better player or the upcoming NDX. I hope a true 500 series streamer is in the works. I can see keeping the UnitiServe downstairs next to a large NAS (for ripping) and having a 500 series streamer on the fraim. I'm not ready to sell off the CD555, but that day will come.

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The results were quite good. Overall, I hear many of the Naim virtues we all love, but with more detail than I am accustomed to. There is a linear quality to the music as well. Tracks from bands like Massive Attack are astonishing in their detail and depth. I was overwhelmed by the experience. The hard disk makes a wide sound. Other albums, like some chamber music favorites fall flat, and sound thin. Perhaps hard disk playback is more suited to electronic music?

I think you'll find this to be quite different with the NDX, which, IMHO (and when fed from a UnitiServe, NS0x or HDX), possesses the same organic quality that you find with a naked Naim CD player, even with standard 44.1 kHz/16-bit material.

David, does the NDX sound better on its own or are you still sending the signal out to the nDAC for conversion?

I see the NDX can take a 555ps, does this make the nDAC superfluous?

I have yet to try it with the DAC. Seriously.

David,

which naked Naim CDP do you refer to?

I find it to be close to a CDS3, by my recollection, and certainly better than CDX2 by direct comparison, IMHO.

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Have a look at my recent threads, through the nDAC, I have found the Qute, Serve SSD and part upgraded HDX (PCI card/RAM but not SSD) to all sound exactly the same. This in a 500 series system and S600's.

Cheers

Allen

Allen, do you plan for the hi-res tests for nServe vs INT202 (or HDX) through nDAC?

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since I don't own any

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THIS is the future.....

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quote:

It's already happening.

What I meant was artists releasing their own works on their own sites in high res.

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Originally posted by David Dever:
I find it to be close to a CDS3, by my recollection, and certainly better than CDX2 by direct comparison, IMHO.

I assume (perhaps incorrectly) that this observation applies to analogue out as opposed to feeding them into a DAC? I suppose it must but it never hurts to ask the obvious. The mention of something sounding CDS3 like still evokes shivers. I'm on a different path and know I'm getting music at a very high level but there's just *something* about the CDS3.....

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Originally posted by AllenB:
Hoping to do this at the weekend

Allen,

When comparing the Serve with INT202, I would also be interested in your comments on the same files fed directly to the nDAC by USB stick i.e. how does USB stick fit into the SQ hierarchy, in your opinion?

I ask this not that I see a USB stick as a credible way to routinely deliver music to the nDAC, but because it’s a sort of benchmark that anyone with a nDAC can recreate (assuming variation between USB sticks is relatively small).

Lots of demands on you Allen! Come on, pull your finger out, lives are at stake here.

Gav

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Originally posted by pcstockton:

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It's already happening.

What I meant was artists releasing their own works on their own sites in high res.

“The future is already here – it is just unevenly distributed.”

William Gibson

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Originally posted by Harry K:

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Originally posted by David Dever:
I find it to be close to a CDS3, by my recollection, and certainly better than CDX2 by direct comparison, IMHO.

I assume (perhaps incorrectly) that this observation applies to analogue out as opposed to feeding them into a DAC? I suppose it must but it never hurts to ask the obvious. The mention of something sounding CDS3 like still evokes shivers. I'm on a different path and know I'm getting music at a very high level but there's just *something* about the CDS3.....

I have only used it via the analogue outs–haven't had a chance to try it with the DAC, as I've been busy visitng retailers the last month or so.

David,

I assume your NDX performance rating is based on it being powered by a 555PS?

Bare–unfortunately, I lent it to Charlie Krone in our office to get familiar with this week, so my Rush air guitar will have to wait....

Bare NDX equal to a CDS3? I am curious what the 555PS will do?

Makes is sound like a CDS3 on a 555PS? I'm curious.

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I doubt whether I will do any hi-res stuff, since I don't own any - never found anything yet that I like especially

Allen, I should say that you own a treasure in the form of nDAC.
This is fantastic machine for hi-res replay.
In terms of smoothness it's darn close to vinyl and much smoother than 16/44 replay.

There are many free downloads throughout the web.
You can start with The Nordic Sound 2L.

Try Ola Gjeilo, Stone Rose at first -- stunning! Don't miss this opportunity!