Stream from Laptop to DAC

Hi, the Naim DAC does not have USB input for use with a computer, it's only for memory sticks. I think the simplest solution for you would be to add a USB to spdif converter. So that's laptop - USB -> converter -> spdif - Naim DAC.

There's a thread on this forum that mentions a few options:

https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...b-to-spdif-converter

regards, Robert.

Lots of info here about this, if it's a MacBook I can recommend using Audirvana+ linked with iTunes via JKenny Ciunas USB/SPDIF converter into the ndac. If its a windows laptop I understand JPlay works best with the Ciunas.

I rip using iTunes AIFF, some say XLD is better or EAC for windows but whatever, to me it sounds quite a bit better than my cd player into the dac so if cd is your main source I think you will find it worthwhile.

Hope it goes well.

I think that your best bet, as others have said, is to get a good usb to spdif converter.

Actually the Naim Dac DOES allow you to stream music via USB. I know, because I have one, and I do it via my Mac Book Pro in my second system.

I use the Audiophilleo One converter to allow me to stream via iTunes (also use Audirvana on the Mac) 

Works great, either with my music files on the Mac itself, or on a backup iTunes library with all ALAC files on a NAS drive.

Happy to share more details.. 

Best option without doubt - Audiophilleo gear is excellent and Audirvana is superb.

Tog

Naimthatune, correction the Naim DAC (aka unofficially as NDAC on these forums) does NOT allow you to stream via either of its two USB interfaces. You can mount a USB memory device and play from that such as a USB memory stick, but it does not support asynchronous audio transfer through its USB ports.To do that you will need a third party device such as a USB to SPDIF converter as mentioned above. 

The Naim DacV1 however does support audio streaming via USB directly.

Simon

Thanks for the clarification on the NDAC terminology Simon  

I'm a little confused on the above, as I plug a USB into my Mac, and via the Audiophilleo1 I plug a second output USB to the rear of my NDAC and get wonderful sounds into my 252/300 setup.

When you say its unsupported, are you saying its not 'supported' but works, or that its not physically possible? The Audiophilleo 1 does Asynchronous output via USB, as I'm sure you know.

BTW, I really value all the contributions you have made on the forum, been a wonderful source of info for me as I try to move to the streaming domain.

Thanks for all the comments.

One further thought.  Everyone has talked about streaming from the USB output and using a USB to SPDIF converter.  As mentioned at the outset, however, I also have an HDMI output on my laptop.  Is there anything I can do with this?

Not into a Naim device, as far as I know.  Although there are threads on here that discuss stripping digital audio from HDMI -  but its no walk in the park.....

As its not a primary source and as its a laptop, I would get an airport express. Infact I did just last week and use it into the supernait with an spdif cable and spotify, it sounds scarily good.

Gary - it does 

I'm streaming Spotify straight into a V1 and it seems really very much better than it has a right to be.

Tog