Unitiserve expectations

Posted by: Kage on 13 May 2014

After ripping all my CD's via XLD to my Synology NAS in wav format, I've been told a US would improve things further-better rips, storage, tagging, playback etc.

 

i must admit, my sound is a touch 'hard' so an improvement in this area to a slightly softer, natural presentation would be welcome.

 

i have a demo lined up next week to hear the benefits of attaching a US to my ND5XS/XP5XS+Lavardin IT. Prior to hearing the effects for myself, has anyone heard the difference a US makes to a ND5XS? I'm certainly looking forward to hearing it all for myself next week. I'm not looking forward to potentially re-ripping my whole CD collection!

 

Many thanks

Posted on: 13 May 2014 by Christopher_M

Sorry, can't help.

 

You still knee deep in Basmati?!

 

Chris

Posted on: 13 May 2014 by Jan-Erik Nordoen
Originally Posted by Kage:

> has anyone heard the difference a US makes to a ND5XS? <

No, but I have heard the differences it makes to a Naim DAC, an M-DAC, a UnitiLite, a UnitiQute and a Hugo DAC, compared to a laptop Windows computer source. If you're looking for a softer, more natural presentation, it is the right way to go if you want to stay within Naim. Note that addition of a third-party linear power supply to the US increases these benefits.

 

Jan

Posted on: 13 May 2014 by Kage

Thanks Jan. That's positive.

Posted on: 13 May 2014 by hafler3o
Originally Posted by Jan-Erik Nordoen:
 If you're looking for a softer, more natural presentation, 

Hi Jan, can you clarify how the ULite & UQute were connected to the UServe? I'm assuming it was dig. out to the DACs you mentioned, but the streamers..?

Posted on: 13 May 2014 by Jasonf
Hi Kage,

I have the 2TB HD U-Serve connected to the ND5 via Ethernet but I also have a HiLine in my system, see profile for details.

In comparison to streaming from a NAS, in my case a WD My Book Live, the sound is not sharp but it is cleaner and more open. Now it's difficult to give an accurate summation because the differences are very slite. Also note that my NAS is a very basic one as it is soley used for back up duties and was never intended to substitute the U-Serve in any conceivable way.

"slightly softer natural presentation", I don't know!

You also have an XP5 on your ND5, could that be part of the problem? I don't know as I have not heard one on mine. But the HiLine has certainly cleaned things up on my system which I like, but others here say they found it 'hard' in their system.

So, that has not helped you at all has it? Sorry, but I don't think you will really know until you hear it.

Jason.
Posted on: 13 May 2014 by Jan-Erik Nordoen
Originally Posted by hafler3o:
Originally Posted by Jan-Erik Nordoen:
 If you're looking for a softer, more natural presentation, 

Hi Jan, can you clarify how the ULite & UQute were connected to the UServe? I'm assuming it was dig. out to the DACs you mentioned, but the streamers..?

Digital out from the US to the digital in of the Qute and the Lite. Similar observations when comparing a NAS vs the US into the streamers, via UPnP.  

Posted on: 13 May 2014 by Jan-Erik Nordoen

Kage,

 

Before dropping cash on a US, have you experimented with using a network switch to isolate your audio traffic from other network traffic ? Also, have you tried different ethernet cables ? I have no experience with exotic ethernet cables, but others here have reported good results.

 

Jan

Posted on: 13 May 2014 by garyi

you'll probably have to re rip simply because wav tagging is hard so various software developers handle it differently. i.e. the server probably won't see the was ripped by XLD.

 

If you honestly believe wav ripped by  XLD will sound different to wav ripped by Userve, your money would be better spent with a doctor.

Posted on: 14 May 2014 by Kage
Originally Posted by Jasonf:
Hi Kage,

I have the 2TB HD U-Serve connected to the ND5 via Ethernet but I also have a HiLine in my system, see profile for details.

In comparison to streaming from a NAS, in my case a WD My Book Live, the sound is not sharp but it is cleaner and more open. Now it's difficult to give an accurate summation because the differences are very slite. Also note that my NAS is a very basic one as it is soley used for back up duties and was never intended to substitute the U-Serve in any conceivable way.

"slightly softer natural presentation", I don't know!

You also have an XP5 on your ND5, could that be part of the problem? I don't know as I have not heard one on mine. But the HiLine has certainly cleaned things up on my system which I like, but others here say they found it 'hard' in their system.

So, that has not helped you at all has it? Sorry, but I don't think you will really know until you hear it.

Jason.

Hi Jason

 

The XP5 XS took the edge off the ND5 XS. It also seemed to reduce 'noise'.

 

I have also fitted an aftermarket network cable. It's by Audioquest and after comparing to my standard Cat5, it certainly reduced a bit of sharpness. However, unless you try it you probably wouldn't notice any issues beforehand.

 

Many thanks

Posted on: 14 May 2014 by Kage
Originally Posted by garyi:

you'll probably have to re rip simply because wav tagging is hard so various software developers handle it differently. i.e. the server probably won't see the was ripped by XLD.

 

If you honestly believe wav ripped by  XLD will sound different to wav ripped by Userve, your money would be better spent with a doctor.

Garyi

 

I'll believe it when I hear it! Otherwise, yes it sounds crazy.

 

Regards

Posted on: 14 May 2014 by Jasonf
Originally Posted by Kage:

       
Originally Posted by Jasonf:
Hi Kage,

I have the 2TB HD U-Serve connected to the ND5 via Ethernet but I also have a HiLine in my system, see profile for details.

In comparison to streaming from a NAS, in my case a WD My Book Live, the sound is not sharp but it is cleaner and more open. Now it's difficult to give an accurate summation because the differences are very slite. Also note that my NAS is a very basic one as it is soley used for back up duties and was never intended to substitute the U-Serve in any conceivable way.

"slightly softer natural presentation", I don't know!

You also have an XP5 on your ND5, could that be part of the problem? I don't know as I have not heard one on mine. But the HiLine has certainly cleaned things up on my system which I like, but others here say they found it 'hard' in their system.

So, that has not helped you at all has it? Sorry, but I don't think you will really know until you hear it.

Jason.

Hi Jason

 

The XP5 XS took the edge off the ND5 XS. It also seemed to reduce 'noise'.

 

I have also fitted an aftermarket network cable. It's by Audioquest and after comparing to my standard Cat5, it certainly reduced a bit of sharpness. However, unless you try it you probably wouldn't notice any issues beforehand.

 

Many thanks


       


Thats interesting kage.

Hmmm. that you hear your ND5 without any "noise", if you heard mine you will probably take one step back It's funny with the upgrade game, I will only hear an improvement once the XP5 is on it, otherwise all is well.

I think I am with Gary, at the moment, and suggest you try other less expensive tests first...although you do say you will demo the U-Serve anyway. So please report back once you have as I would be interested in your conclusions and how it sits with the XP5.

Jason.
Posted on: 14 May 2014 by hafler3o
Originally Posted by Jan-Erik Nordoen:

Digital out from the US to the digital in of the Qute and the Lite. Similar observations when comparing a NAS vs the US into the streamers, via UPnP.  

Thanks for the details Jan-Erik.