N-DAC against Linn Klimax
Posted by: Hans Vereecken on 22 October 2009
This week-end, I heard the N-DAC (with and without 555PS) --> Hi-line --> Supernait.
I also had the opportunity to compare this to a HDX (without PS) (--> Hi-line --> SN).
Results :
* the DAC outperforms the HDX.
* With the 555PS, the DAC sounds MUCH better
I already have a HDX.
My question. Since the HDX + DAC + 555PS costs almost as much as a Linn Klimax DS, has anybody compared the two systems? What are your findings?
Should I sell my HDX and go to the Klimax or should I upgrade my HDX?
Hans
I also had the opportunity to compare this to a HDX (without PS) (--> Hi-line --> SN).
Results :
* the DAC outperforms the HDX.
* With the 555PS, the DAC sounds MUCH better
I already have a HDX.
My question. Since the HDX + DAC + 555PS costs almost as much as a Linn Klimax DS, has anybody compared the two systems? What are your findings?
Should I sell my HDX and go to the Klimax or should I upgrade my HDX?
Hans
quote:The NAIM DAC has a "Signal Ground Switch" (it says in the manual) which can be used to switch the earthing between Chassis or Floating, so perhaps this will help with earthing issues with non-naim sources.
Likesmusic, thanks for note. I didn't know about this feature. This is a very serious step from naim towards the outer world.
But it will not help JYOW
JYOW, to understand if you have an earthing problem between Naim and Weiss/Mac combo switch your Naim preamp to the non-connected input and crank the volume knob at max. Now plug/unplug firewaire cable from Weiss and listen if the noise level and spectrum changes. In my case (USB DAC) it rises up substantially and spectrum changes form uniform thermal to the bright with multiple resonant freqs including 50-Hz modes.
If you don't have this problem pls publish the details of your setup and contacts of the Weiss DAC dealer
Still has to carry a ground. In this case the 4 pin carries it on the case from pin 2 of the 6 pin effectively making it a 5 contact connector.quote:Originally posted by james n:quote:Did you check if it happens to Weiss/Firewire?
If you're using 4 wire firewire rather than 6 wire then this shouldnt be a problem. (only the 4 data lines rather than carrying power and ground between the devices too)
James
This is to protect against noise from multiple ground paths, not eliminate inherent ground noise that may or may not be generated by a device with a fixed ground. Having another proper earth can actually help remove some noise from a bad one though perhaps not the optimum arangement overall.quote:Originally posted by AMA:quote:The NAIM DAC has a "Signal Ground Switch" (it says in the manual) which can be used to switch the earthing between Chassis or Floating, so perhaps this will help with earthing issues with non-naim sources.
Likesmusic, thanks for note. I didn't know about this feature. This is a very serious step from naim towards the outer world.
But it will not help JYOW
JYOW, to understand if you have an earthing problem between Naim and Weiss/Mac combo switch your Naim preamp to the non-connected input and crank the volume knob at max. Now plug/unplug firewaire cable from Weiss and listen if the noise level and spectrum changes. In my case (USB DAC) it rises up substantially and spectrum changes form uniform thermal to the bright with multiple resonant freqs including 50-Hz modes.
If you don't have this problem pls publish the details of your setup and contacts of the Weiss DAC dealer
Weiss may have addressed this in some other way. Don't know. On a TC that uses the same interface as Weiss, the dig out is decoupled so no ground issues with the following device. Even a quiet HDX decouples it's DIG out. I would think Weiss is doing the same on their INT202 dig interface which isn't far off at about $1300. They're now showing it on their site in the NEWS header.
Weiss is good but not special unless used via firewire. That JET interface is available via other means incuding TC, Lynx and the INT202 mentioned earlier. In theory, a PCI and not firewire interface would be best for computer audio but I haven't found an outboard PCI solution that's as good and yes, they do exist. I'va also heard other firewire interfaces that were mediocre. I know Ferenc likes the Lynx inboard card via pci over it's JET/firewire inteface but I don't have experience with it. What actually works best has more to do with engineering than interface. Some have advantages but even USB should be enough to engineer around. Haven't found the USB device that rocks me yet but I suspect that there's one out there. After all, a drive hooked up via USB to your computer sounds fine played via a Weiss, TC or direct dig out etc. 
yep. Wasn't for me. We try lots of things and If I had to buy a DAC now, it would be a Nagra VI recorder folowed by the LB if price was a consideration. I wont do either until I hear the Naim as I have high hopes. I'll personally own something serious of this type before years end. I hope. I've listened to just about all the DAC contenders except a Berkeley.
I've listened to just about all the DAC contenders except a Berkeley.In this case it has to do with how the PC may be effecting the DAC itself besides system ground. Proof is always in the overall sound and this is clearly the interface of choice for your DAC so all may be well.quote:Originally posted by james n:
JS - Good point - not sure how the firewire shield is handled within the Weiss. Must take another look inside.
AMA - just tried your noise experiment - no difference whether the firwire cable is in or not - that's with a 282 and Weiss DAC2 so i'm happy that Weiss has thought this one through.
James
System ground optimization will not necessarily decrease overall idle noise but can effect replay sound. Listening to tunes with devices plugged and not from the pre is the best method to check. In other kit that this is not considered important, the ground is generally prebuggered with the first connection.
Of couse sometimes it's just not mentioned and care gives similar advantages.