NDX - Secondhand buy?

Posted by: CharvilJon on 27 August 2013

First post, been offered an NDX Network player second hand, 2 years old. Question - has the NDX been upgraded in the intervening 2 years & can the resolution be upgraded to 24/192 as i believe the unit is 24/96 currently. Thanks. 

Posted on: 27 August 2013 by pcstockton

I wouldn't hesitate if it is from a dealer.  They will probably pass along a little warranty.

 

Otherwise be careful.  Look for one at a dealer.

 

Or take your chances.

Posted on: 27 August 2013 by Simon-in-Suffolk

Yes, the NDX can have the streamer boardI updated. It's a simple procedure your dealer can do, but you will need to pay for the upgraded board. The main benefits of the updated streamer board that I am aware of are increased upnp file resolution as you say, and increased play list storage memory.

Other than that the only visible change I am aware of is the update port has evolved from RS232 to USB.

The firmware can be user updated via this port. New firmware tends to arrive every 6 to 9 months. 

The NDX is a fine player with or without the new streaming board. 

I consider it a sweet spot in the portfolio.

Simon

Posted on: 27 August 2013 by ragman
Originally Posted by Simon-in-Suffolk:

Yes, the NDX can have the streamer boardI updated. It's a simple procedure your dealer can do, but you will need to pay for the upgraded board. The main benefits of the updated streamer board that I am aware of are increased upnp file resolution as you say, and increased play list storage memory.

Other than that the only visible change I am aware of is the update port has evolved from RS232 to USB.

The firmware can be user updated via this port. New firmware tends to arrive every 6 to 9 months. 

The NDX is a fine player with or without the new streaming board. 

I consider it a sweet spot in the portfolio.

Simon

Rs232 to USB for update is an advantage.

But I don't understand why it is not possible via the network!

Posted on: 28 August 2013 by CharvilJon

Guys - thanks, appreciated

Posted on: 28 August 2013 by Simon-in-Suffolk

Ragman, I guess the micro controller architecture used doesn't support this.. It does appear the firmware is updated into mutiple devices on the streamer.. So a network update would require an aux system and memory to control and store the firmware in the upgrade process to the various sub system micro controllers without using a client.. This may indeed add cost / complexity / componentry and potential electrical noise.

The DAC however has a simpler update process as it appears to have a simpler architecture, and can simply read the new firmware from the memory drive with no apparent client loader. 

 

Simon

Posted on: 28 August 2013 by ragman
Originally Posted by Simon-in-Suffolk:

Ragman, I guess the micro controller architecture used doesn't support this.. It does appear the firmware is updated into mutiple devices on the streamer.. So a network update would require an aux system and memory to control and store the firmware in the upgrade process to the various sub system micro controllers without using a client.. This may indeed add cost / complexity / componentry and potential electrical noise.

The DAC however has a simpler update process as it appears to have a simpler architecture, and can simply read the new firmware from the memory drive with no apparent client loader. 

 

Simon

Thx for explaination