HDX will not start

You need to post in Streaming Audio, not the forum for discussing general music tastes, genres, artists etc. A boffin or two will then spot it and hopefully be able to help. If there's a moderator on hand the thread might get moved by them 'magically', otherwise you could be in for a long wait. Sorry to hear your HDX is unwell.

Sorry, my mistake. I did mean to post in the Streaming Audio. Thanks to the moderator who has moved this.

Matt

Probably a silly question but I'll ask it anyway. Have you powered down the whole network, right back to a hub reboot and having got it up and running again from the hub outwards, started the HDX last of all, from cold, not standby?

I can see Phil Harris potentially looming in your future. This BTW is a good thing.

Not a clue what to try next Wackymatt, but very interested to know how you got into the BIOS settings on an HDX ?

Hi Harry, I didnt try that until this morning. I switched everything off including the BT router which dishes out the IP addresses. I then switched the router on first followed by the switches and then finally the HDX.

The HDX did something very odd when I first switched it on, a buzzing sound was coming directly from the unit. I think it was coming from near the power supply (maybe some noise from the switching PSU?), it was changing in pitch slightly as well. The HDX did seem to be starting up. I switched the power off anyway after 30 seconds as there as was clearly some sort of fault.

I tried the power again, no buzzing and unfortunately the unit is still failing to start and reach the home screen.

To get into the BIOS use just need to connect a monitor via the composite/VGA out on the back along with a keyboard with a PS2 connector. When the HDX starts up press the delete key a few times. You'll be presented with the BIOS. Its pretty much locked down with the only real option to load default settings.

That sounds like a sick unit. The rear power switch on my HDX can buzz and fizz like hell. Sounds like you could have some big amps on the loose. Whatever it is, it needs to go back.

An HDX has 2 IP addresses (one for the unit, one for the display).

Disconnect your network cable and start it again. Does it start normally?.

if yes, power it down from the front panel. re-plug the network and start it again.

No more info on the monitor?

When I disconnect the network and restart the unit, the front panel displays 'waiting for network' for a few minutes then switches to 'Starting' for another minute then on to 'Please wait' indefinitely, so this is slightly different as with the network cable attached I at least see the front panel momentarily before showing the 'Please wait'. The monitor output just displays the CD symbol and doesn't offer much insight into the problem. I can see both HDX IP addresses are assigned by logging on to my router and I can ping both IP's from my PC. Both these IP's stop responding when I power down the HDX, the standby button on the front still works. 

Yep, I think it needs to go back. Its done some other odd things in the recent past like emitting a buzzing sound through the speakers!! That happened whilst I was there fortunately as I normally leave everything permanently switched on. I thought it was the amps initially but turned the HDX off first and sound immediately stopped.

Unfortunately my 2 year warranty expired a few months ago and I didn't register for the 5 year parts cover so I am hoping this is not going to cost too much to get fixed, the upside to this is that I'm in the process of re-discovering my vinyl.

Let the unit on in the ''Please wait'' state with network attached during the full night. Your unit may be rebuilding its database; normally it is written on the display, but I have seen situations where it isn't.

BTW, can you access the HDX's download folder from your computer?

After that night, if it hasn't come back, call Naim tech support, Phil may be able to log in and fix it from his desk...

Given it's probably got to go back anyway, I'd be trying to re-load the firmware - if it fooksup you're no worse off, but if not, you may have the solution.  Dig out your 7.?  CD and stick it in the drawer and boot up... oh and keep all your fingers crossed.

I suggest this on the basis that it's a Windows PC under the hood and it could be that a part of the opsys has become corrupted - standard PC type action for this would be a re-load of the software.

Well, it's gota be worth a try, eh ?

"Bon chance" as they often say down in Salisbury  

I have this exact same problem with my HDX following a recent mains dip! The display following the same sequence you describe! My dealer had a look via his PC/ Mac,contacted Naim who told him it would need returning to them for repair.

So there it is. I have been told I will have to pay for the repair! If I do I shall be arguing that the HDX should be robust enough to withstand power outages!

Peter

Wackymatt

Just read your further posts and can confirm I also had a buzzing noise when switching on via the  power switch! It sounded to me like arcing or electrical sparking! The mains switch is rather smaller and seems flimsier and less robust than those on my other Naim boxes.

I made my dealer aware and hopefully this has been passed onto Naim.

Peter

I've just had Phil from Naim take a look at my unit remotely. He has diagnosed a faulty Hard Drive so its time to return it to be repaired. I hope it wont take too long. I was very impressed by the whole process of having Phil log in and take a look himself.

Nothing has yet been built by anyone which can be guaranteed to withstand a power outage.  But at least Naim aren't being disingenuous about it.

Well I've arranged to have it dropped off at my local Naim reseller tomorrow and I've enquired about having the duff HDD replaced with the SSD option which will hopefully enhance the reliability and sonic qualities of the HDX.

I can confirm that the sonic qualities of the HDX will improve with SSD. Experienced this move from HDD to SSD last year. Enjoy!

I am also of the opinion that going SSD will improve the musical communication, have had mine converted some time back. I wouldn't like to make any predictions on reliability though.