Musical differences: UnityQute vs ND5XS as streamers into DAC+XPS?

Based on what i heard today then i prefer what you have to what you are contemplating. You probably knew I'd say that. Snow Leopard is great OS for music, as it supports integer mode natively with core audio. if i were you I'd use iTunes with Bit Perfect.

Audrivana is superb, but is not really at its very best with Firewire. It uses Izotope and this requires USB audio to work in integer mode. Hence my recommendation of BP. i've not used Amarra. Audrivana sounds great with a Stello U3.

Good luck whichever you choose. I hope your auditioning goes well. I think the DAC V1 is something of a turning point for naim and if they follow it will lead to some very nice products.  

Thanks Guy.  I know you are a fan of the Mac mini.  Have you tried a home dem of a streamer into the nDAC + PS?

I have Lion, and have not thought seriously of going back to Snow Leopard.  I have music on a USB drive on the macbook, so am reluctant to use USB for music out.  My Firewire I/F has decent ADC for use with PureVinyl to rip my vinyl collection, and sounded better than the HiFace (before integer mode came out - maybe should try that again?).

PS:  I tried BitPerfect a few months back, but was not impressed compared to PureMusic or Audirvana.  Maybe I did something wrong?  

So I am weighing the options, as I will likely have to do something:  buy new Mac mini?  move music onto network and get Audiophillia? Naim streamer?  To be honest, the many options all can sound very good and I am tiring of fretting over it.  I played with nStream on friends iPad with UQ, and find the enjoyment of music is enhanced by the ability to browse info about musicians, etc and discovery of similar music.  Thus my post of this thread.  And perhaps others are interested as well?

Cheers,

Charlie

Charlie, there definitely are a lot of options.  I think it comes down to personal choice as to whether you want to continue using a Mac etc. as your player, vs UPnP from your nas to a Naim player.  I have an NDS, and certainly enjoy both the sound and the experience using nStream to play music. 

I do think that the "experience" of playing music is one part of the equation.  If you've tired of your current experience it makes sense to look at the options.  Only if you do listening tests totally blinded, you'll probably inject the experience into your views of which you prefer. 

If you're OK with your current experience, a new Mac Mini to replace that Macbook would be the most seamless and cost-effective solution I think!

Thanks, Bart.  Yes, a new mini was my first thought (though not an urgent need).   And it is the "experience" that partly motivates me to explore streaming.  If i were to move to a Naim streamer, what are musical differences between using a UQ vs an ND5XS (second hand, similar price)? given that I would be using digital out from either.

I was impressed by what I have heard from the UQ.  It has musical soul, if not the last word in "transparency" or "organic" or "sound staging."  I used a borrowed UQ in various combinations back when I had a Lavry DAC.  This led me to get the nDAC to replace the Lavry.    So I will report back after home auditioning, but that may be many weeks from now.  In the mean time, any one with experience to share?

Charlie

I run a CDX2.2/nDAC/555PS into SN/HCDR as my main source. I also have a MBP (2010) with AIFF files ripped using iTunes and XLD. Connection is WWSN6 and cheap €10 plastic optical cable. I struggle to tell one apart from the other, whichever way I connect into the nDAC. Had an ND5XS at home for a month or two, sold it again cause to these ears it was no better than the MBP.

IMHO the nDAC is a great leveller and differences, if you can hear them at all, are minute. IMV you're talking about a factor of < 3% in SQ.

I guess at the end of the day, it really comes down to what interface & delivery method you prefer. IMV the Mac mini would be a great choice, both from an interface and VFM PoV.

FWIW, I preferred the UQ into the nDac/XPS-2 than the NDX into the nDac/XPS-2. Gelled better with the NaitXS/HiCapDR. Probably because it sounded a little softer.

Having said that, my nDac is gone. I'll just do ND5XS/XPS-2. Doesnt sound as good, but one box less, and I won't notice the difference. Money saved goes into a Fono stage.

One thing with the UQ though: you can't use automation. You won't be able to use the iPad to control volume. So, from a convinience perspective, you should do the ND5XS.

(Charlie from Seattle, no?)

Yes.  Hi Mohit.  Interesting comment about automation - I hadn't thought of that.  Can you say more about differences between NDX and UQ as streamers?  What did you like more about the UQ?

The UQ is just a little softer and more diffused. The NDX a little harder sounding.

I suspect the Naim Dac sort of takes over the characteristics of the source/transport - even though it's the great equalizer.

In your case, I'd really recommend just sticking with what you have. Maybe get the newer mac.

The nDac really is the best Dac.

Thanks, shivoham.  I will not be letting go of the DAC anytime soon.  I am just looking for alternative sources to feed it.  I would add that i am enjoying my system a lot, and do not feel urgent need for improvement.  I am just looking ahead...   in the mean time, i am enjoying the music!

It is not so easy to audition these alternatives, so opinions on this forum can be helpful.  I can likely borrow or home demo a naim streamer, but maybe not so easy a mac mini.  Also, one may balance the value of sound quality vs the user experience of selecting and playing music.  Highly subjective, both. 

Cheers,

Charlie