What do you plan to feed your Naim DAC?

Posted by: novelty on 05 November 2009

1s and 0s wise that is.

I'm curious what those of you who intend to purchase the DAC will have in front of it.

My plan is to rip my library using XLD (either WAV or ALAC not sure yet)and storing the library on a 1 TB Lacie Drive connected to a macbook pro.

Initially I will use the AE express to stream to the DAC via digital mini tos. I understand the AE express is limited from a sampling (?) standpoint but I figure CDs are limited as well so it's a wash. I suppose whether or not the AE express introduces noise into the stream is another matter. I like the AE option since I won't need to keep the macbook pro/lacie drive in the same room as my HiFi. And I have a Ipod Touch to use as a remote, even better.

Anyone who has read my posts knows I'm new to DA. The primary appeal to me is gaining more efficient access to my library but HiFi is still important. I was under the impression the setup I detailed previously would produce HiFi at least equivalent to my CDSII and may surpass it (DAC w/ XPS of course). But, the more I read and talk with people, I'm suspect what I will be feeding the DAC will be sufficient to produce the HiFi I expect.

Are my expectations out of whack here?
Posted on: 05 November 2009 by Roy T
A few more ideas for you to ponder.
Posted on: 05 November 2009 by Eloise
As commented before, if you are using a Mac and iTunes then go for either AIFF or ALAC (Apple Lossless). WAV support in iTunes is limited.

If you're going to use the Airport Express, then go with ALAC as everythig has to be compressed to this format to be sent to the AE. My personal experience is that ALAC and AIFf are identical in quality.

Eloise
Posted on: 05 November 2009 by novelty
quote:
Originally posted by Eloise:
As commented before, if you are using a Mac and iTunes then go for either AIFF or ALAC (Apple Lossless). WAV support in iTunes is limited.

If you're going to use the Airport Express, then go with ALAC as everythig has to be compressed to this format to be sent to the AE. My personal experience is that ALAC and AIFf are identical in quality.

Eloise


I appreciate the comments Eloise.

So do I rip with XLD and then use iTunes for playback?
Posted on: 05 November 2009 by DHT
Sound quality wise I would try a firewire interface to connect the mac to the Naim dac, Weiss are going to make one that has a master clock built it, it even has a remote control for volume.
Posted on: 05 November 2009 by DaveBk
Slim Devices Transporter will be my source.
Posted on: 05 November 2009 by Eloise
quote:
Originally posted by novelty:
So do I rip with XLD and then use iTunes for playback?

That's the route I take. Properly ripped I don't think there is any sound quality difference, but XLD reports back where iTunes doesn't so I can have confidence the rip has been done correctly. XLD also supports SecureRip so it checks your rippig results against others for added confidence.

Eloise
Posted on: 05 November 2009 by GrahamFinch
I am ripping my cd collection with DBPoweramp which was actually recommended by Linn. If you get the reference version of the software you can rip simultaneously in multiple formats using their multi encoder.

I am ripping wav, flac and Apple lossless to three separate folders, one for each format, on an external hard drive. It has a secure rip option and also allows addition of artwork from a scanner if the meta data search does not locate it. Not bad for £26.

I stream the music from my PC via a Sonos wireless system to my Naim system downstairs. I am currently using a Cambridge Audio Dacmagic with upgraded power supply and this works well considering the relatively low cost. It is certainly a convenient solution but for ultimate sound qualityI am looking at buying the new DAC, which I have heard a few times now with various power supplies. I am sure it will blow the dacmagic away!
Posted on: 06 November 2009 by Hans Vereecken
quote:
I am looking at buying the new DAC, which I have heard a few times now with various power supplies. I am sure it will blow the dacmagic away!


Were you able to compare the DAC with an XPS2 and with an 555PS. Was there a difference in sound quality?
Posted on: 06 November 2009 by Willie B
Graham
i would be interested to know what your improved DacMagic power supply is and how much of an improvement it makes. I recently bought one of these dacs and am very pleased with it although the power supply does look very cheap and nasty. Have you experimented with the filters?

Willie
Posted on: 06 November 2009 by DaveBk
quote:
Were you able to compare the DAC with an XPS2 and with an 555PS. Was there a difference in sound quality?

Someone told me the XPS2 is about 75% as good as the 555PS on the new DAC - I can't remember whether it was a post here or face to face at a show.
Posted on: 06 November 2009 by Peter Dinh
quote:
Originally posted by DaveBk:
Slim Devices Transporter will be my source.

The TP is also a DAC. Look like you compromise yourself? Not quite sure why would you want to do that? Is it because you can stream music to it? If it is the case,I suggest you get a Mac Mini or some other other sources.
Posted on: 08 November 2009 by DaveBk
The TP does contain a DAC, but it's also got low jitter SPDIF out so I don't see why this is a compromise? I also like the Squeeze family UI and other features especially the iPeng remote app. I don't see any need for a MAC at this point.
Posted on: 10 November 2009 by realhifi
Naim is coming out with a DAC?
Posted on: 11 November 2009 by Guido Fawkes
Great looking DAC matches the rest of my kit well - another bright green logo in my rack - helps me save money on room lights.
Posted on: 15 November 2009 by novelty
quote:
Originally posted by Eloise:
quote:
Originally posted by novelty:
So do I rip with XLD and then use iTunes for playback?

That's the route I take. Properly ripped I don't think there is any sound quality difference, but XLD reports back where iTunes doesn't so I can have confidence the rip has been done correctly. XLD also supports SecureRip so it checks your rippig results against others for added confidence.

Eloise


Can anyone recommend settings for XLD or is it ready to rip from the download??
Posted on: 22 November 2009 by J.N.
quote:
Sound quality wise I would try a firewire interface to connect the mac to the Naim dac


There is no Firewire input on the Naim DAC.

John.