UnitiServe vs HDX

The hdx is a complete digital source. It rips CDs and stores them on its hard drive. It includes a DAC and takes the files and converts them into an analogue signal that can be output into a standard amp.

So, say you have a Naim amp, you just connect the HDX to it and off you go. To use a UnitiServe, you must either connect it to a DAC, or use it as a server to serve files to a streamer, such as the NDX. It actually works best as a server.

A look at the product pages will explain in more depth what each can do.

I see, it's a music streamer plus having the functions of the UServe.

Bud

HDX has a nice friendly front screen, a browser interface and a draw mechanism which doesn't come into contact with the playing/reading surface of a CD. The latter is very important to me. With CD playback, iRadio, serving and streaming it's a bit of an audio Swiss Army knife. Not that you couldn't do it cheaper if you wanted to. Which is true of most things. It's analogue out is very good for its price point IMO and you can bolt on a DAC. Not bad for one box.

Calling it a swiss army knife pretty much describes it.  Add an SN2 and you are good to go.

Bud

I'm disappointed that the primary remote interface appears to be the Desktop Client that only works on Windows machines.  nStream is something I couldn't be without.

Bud

HDX can be used with nServe which is an Apple app and an excellent interface

In my view it's better than nStream. Clearer graphics/resolution, more intuitive and less clunky. It also gives a display of bit depth and sample rate on playback, which nStream hasn't managed yet. The lack of development of nStream is irksome but the replacement to coincide with Hugo launch is probably the reason. Let's hope they nail it in September.

Yep, everything has been said. HDX is a very achieved piece of kit. Stated as the "X" series, it is true swiss knife, ripping flawlessly, serving flawlessly, ... etc interface more achiebed till now facing Nstream. Some other feel it like a very expensive computer...

Now, it is certainly one of the best server on the market. Once you own one, it becomes quickly very difficult to live without...

Compating to the Userve, it really depends on theuse you will have with it. Is you plan to stream, Userve is the box for you, if you go for a stand alone source, then HDX is to consider with all the upgrades possibilities...

Cheers

We ran an HDX for a couple of years, maybe three before the NDS launched. When the time came to move to NDS we kept the HDX because it had been so easy and reliable in operation. We could have clawed back some money and gone for a NAS based server, but it just didn't seem like it was worth the potential effort. 

I have both nStream and nServe.  I use nSteam 100% of the time.  

I love my HDX mainly for it's 'all-in-one' concept; I'm not that good with computers. Now I dont have to worry about which ripping software, which settings I have to use. Just put a CD in, rip it and enjoy!

I've bought soo much more music since the HDX is here...

Regards,

Michel

HDX and UnitiServe compared at bottom of chart.

I've loved having a  HDX  for about 4 years. It's versatility, upgradability and control (Userver) are great. The NDAC and a 555PS really made it sing.  Two months ago it went dark.  I've had a ND5XS filling in between the NAS and the DAC and I just can't get on with it as well.  I find it harder to find my music and generally more fiddly.Its Nserve over Nstream everyday for me I'm afraid.

Is the nStream app for the HDX the same as the nStream app for the UServe/NDS kit?  If it is, I'm confused because nStream is what makes Naim streaming work for me.  I never use nServe with my streamer.

Since I got nStream I've taken over my wife's iPad Air.

Bud

Naim made it easy to remember what goes with what. The HDX and the UnitiServe are both servers, so they require the nServe app as the control point. By analogy then, the nStream app goes with the .........

As for your wife, do the manly thing and give her back the iPad air. Then buy yourself an iPad mini to run the Naim apps.  

Jan

Do you mean HDX instead of NDX? I use nstream with the NDX which is NOT a server.

Definition of a split-second : The time required for a forum member to spot a typing msitake.

You did draw attention to yourself by underlining stuff. :-)

OK. I'll use different tactics from now on.

Now just might be the time to mention the NS01...

Drawer load, internal back up (2 x 2GB HDD), works just like a UnitiServe. Or like an HDX without the screen display. Works with DTC, nServe and nStream. 

...or maybe not. 

So you can operate the NS01 using nStream or nServe? That's interesting. Which do you prefer?