Where has the NDX into Hugo thread gone?

Ah, no worries Hugh.

But the bargain-hunter in me is intrigued at the possibility that bare ND5 XS + Hugo into 282 might be a worthier source than ND5 XS/XP5 XS (or even NDX/PS555) into 282.

I reckon my amps and speakers are now "future-proof" (ie should pretty much see me out), so I like the idea of a digital streaming source with an outboard DAC which I can upgrade as and when - not so much to upgrade (famous last words of course!!)

I can't comment about either comparatively into a Hugo but into an ndac I thought the NDX was better.

G

Hi nick.

I use a bare ND5XS into the Hugo and it is superb. I tried the XP5XS on the streamer before i bought Hugo and whilst it improved things it was nowhere near what i have now.

Originally posted by nickpeacock:

"But the bargain-hunter in me is intrigued at the possibility that bare ND5 XS + Hugo into 282 might be a worthier source than ND5 XS/XP5 XS (or even NDX/PS555) into 282.

I reckon my amps and speakers are now "future-proof" (ie should pretty much see me out), so I like the idea of a digital streaming source with an outboard DAC which I can upgrade as and when - not so much to upgrade (famous last words of course!!)"

Nick, I can't comment on the relative merits of the ND5/Hugo vs NDX/Hugo, but I can advise you that the ND5/Hugo combination is very good indeed. As you infer, digital streaming via the ND5 into an external DAC gives you the advantages of the Naim streaming software & functionality along with the prospect of a potentially better DAC.

Incidentally, I briefly auditioned the ND5XS with an XP5 XS (and also with an nDAC) and didn't detect any significant improvement with either. I later added a TXPS and to my surprise this did significantly improve the sound. I still have this connected, but suspect that now I am using the Hugo as a DAC, the TXPS won't really be adding anything of value. I'm just too lazy to experiment.   

Aleg - I use Eichmann Bullet phono plugs at both ends - and I assign one pair of RCA connectors on the 282 to be used for the Hugo.

Simon

What will you use as a UPnP 'front end' (client) if you get rid of it?

Ah of course. I always forget there are also two RCA pairs on the 282.

i'm always looking at using a DIN on the 282, but that's not required of course.

thanks for reminding me ;-)

I had the XP5 XS on the ND5 XS.

The Hugo is in another league.

G

Simon.

I assume you think its better to go straight to the RCA's rather than use a DIN adapter?

Peter.

Peter, I do, adapters really are a last resort and in my opinion should be avoided wherever possible. The physical interconnection is probably the weakest point with interconnects.

if the Hugo was designed with a common signal ground for left and right channels on its interconnect then it would have used DIN, but it doesn't. If I had a MA6 phono to DIN I would use that and remove one physical connection, but I don't, and anyway the phono to phono into the 282 sounds incredible as it stands.

Simon

Thanks Simon. I'm trying it out now without the adapter. It seems the same but I'll give it a week to settle and then see if there's any difference. 

Peter.

Peter, good stuff, what is the rest of your system you are using for your trial?

Let us know how you get on.. Do try different interconnects and different plugs, when connecting the Hugo to my NAC 282 they certainly don't sound all the same.. and on the whole silver plated copper stranded type cables into copper bullet plugs seems to sound the most natural and even with my 282/250.2/ATC SCM19mk2 setup.

Simon

I am using a Tellurium Q Black RCA interconnect in-between the ND5XS fed Hugo and SN2, speakers are PMC 23's. I have had this cable for a couple of months but I've been using a DIN adapter as the long standing consensus is DIN all the way. I was tempted to go immediately into the RCA's but old habits die hard and i had an adapter. I really like TQ cables , i started with the black speaker cable , the DIN interconnect onto the Blue mains lead. My test will be a with/without the adapter once i've used the RCA input for a while.

Peter.

Could the Hugo delayed the Naim DAC release? 

The DAC/Digital future looks very exciting. I for one am enjoying all the developments, who would of thought eighteen months ago that a portable DAC would change the whole game? It seemed that Chord cables would be the next big noise...pardon the pun!!

Loaned my friend's Hugo into my 202/HCDR/200 powering a pair of Harbeth. I was quite disappointed with Hugo overall sound of being harsh, laziness, bass light and sounding thin compare to my nDAC/TXPS combo. The unit was left cold in the drawer for nearly 3 months before I took it from my friend to power it up in my system. On second day, the Hugo transformed into a totally different DAC with a lush and delicate vocal that is so natural and lifelike. Instruments are rendered with rich texture without losing the boogie factor. This Hugo has the ability to envelope listener and at the same time providing an insightful into the recording which render the soundstage very holographic feel. The bottom end is not overly emphasised but in fact, deep and controlled. I will be conducting further listening session with the Hugo and it is hard to imagine how the sound has progressed after leaving it powering on for 2 days. The unit has been used for few weeks before leave it idling in the drawer for over 2 months. If this Hugo continues to impress me in my system, I may buy it to replace my nDAC/TXPS combo.       

I had an email from a friend today who had a demo of the Hugo and is now selling their NDS/555PS. They also found the Chord Signature USB, with converter, made a big difference over the stock USB cable.

Does this mean to your friend's ears Hugo can better NDS/555ps for pure performance? But NDS come with a music streamer. What streamer do your friend use?

I don't know which source they are going to use but they were suitably impressed with the Hugo to decide to sell the NDS.

Well , there's nothing wrong with the RCA inputs on the SN2. I have had time this morning to reconnect the DIN adapter from the Hugo. It didn't take long before i put the adapter back in the drawer. It was definitely holding things back , a bit like having the hand brake on a little. The best way i can describe the music now is an increase in depth , detail and emotion. The only thing is that i feel slightly silly in not trying this before but as a Naim user for 25 years i wanted to stick with a DIN connection. I am certainly not starting a DIN/RCA debate but in this case and as Simon stated earlier the adapter was definitely a weak link. 

Peter.

+ 1 to that, especially when using Eichmann bullet plugs. I've moved to BIS cables for most interconnects.

Could do with some advice please. I've a ReadyNAS Duo with music files stored as WAV, what would I need in order to play these files through a Hugo into my system? Ideally I'd like to use an IPad to search and select albums stored on the NAS.

Thanks Wat. Something to consider.

I am using my Hugo from my NDX to 252.

In first place I used an old RCA to RCA cable and the difference between the bare NDX and the HUGO was huge.

Then I got a standard CHORD cable from RCA to DIN and the difference between bare NDX and NDX plus HUGO are a lot less noticeable.

I wonder if this is due to the bad quality of the chord cable (RCA to DIN).

I am waiting to test a HILINE (RCA to DIN) to see but I must wait as I am trying to find a HILINE to test before I buy it.

Would it be better to get a HILINE RCA to RCA?

I have always found Din connections to be best (have experimented with my cds3)- i currently have my hugo attached to my 52 via a Ar Lunar and its sounds very impressive indeed