Where has the NDX into Hugo thread gone?

Posted by: Simon-in-Suffolk on 19 June 2014

Any ideas? 

There were some heated debates, but no more so than other recent exchanges on the forum, and those threads are still there...

i can only think of negative defensive reasons which I don't associate with Naim at all.. I hope it wasn't to do with that..perhaps the thread can go back into padded cell? It was a fairly useful resource for those wanting to use their Naim equipment with a Hugo source..

Posted on: 09 July 2014 by PhilP
Originally Posted by GraemeH:

I'm sure they are on it.  I for one would love a £2k Hugo beater in a nice matching naim box.

 

 

G

Sounds great but I'm sure it would take a £5k+ external PS to get the best out of it

Posted on: 09 July 2014 by Foxman50

How long would a DAC take to develop from scratch. Not a quick to market product i doubt

Posted on: 09 July 2014 by Simon-in-Suffolk

Graeme, unless they were already working on it, it will take a time.

 

Wat.. Holland 2.. Argentina 1 ... We shall see.

Posted on: 09 July 2014 by Tabby cat
Totally agree with you Wat .
 
I always enjoy reading your comments.Very calm and rational.
 
Reading the Hugo thread before it was taken down.In places I could'nt believe what I was reading.I could imagine visitors to the forum being quite put off .
 
Thats what I like about Pink Fish Media and The Wig Wam.No one cares what you have equipment wise. There just into equipment of all sorts  with alot of enthusiasm.
 
Getting a Hugo for home dem this weekend well excited.
 
It was also refreshing to see some posters who don't use Naim speakers and amps.I have a NAT 01 tuner and have had Naim amps in the past .Originally Posted by Wat:
Originally Posted by Hungryhalibut:

Why does this thread, and its predecessor, seem to bring out the worst in people? It's only Hifi, not worth being grumpy to each other about. 

I don't understand that either. All I can say is Hugo sounds better than my Naim DAC 555PS to me. It does not annoy in any way that it does nor does it upset me that i bought a Naim DAC or a 555PS. i understand even less why anybody should be in the least concerned that I am moving to my preferred digital front-end. Should not everybody chose what's best for them. 

 

I did hope for an improved Naim DAC, but i may be alone in that desire and one can hardly blame Naim for not creating products just for me. Also the Hugo price means Naim would have to launch the SuperDAC at a much lower price than the DAC 555PS and a V2 would anger doodlebuggers. 

 

I find it strange people who have never heard Hugo are continually raising arguments about why Hugo cannot sound as good as what they have - as if anybody really cares. No point telling me Hugo doesn't sound better than my DAC 555PS as hearing it proves it does to me. Perhaps, it doesn't to anybody else: though that does not seem to be so. Not having heard the majority of systems posters here use then i cannot say if is better for them. 

 

So lets hope for a more friendly discussion to emerge. Jan seems a thoroughly decent bloke to me and no reason for some of the negative reaction. 

 

So lets all agree this is the best DAC available 

 

 

and be happy.

 

 

 

 

Posted on: 09 July 2014 by Camlan

Gentlemen, do you not think this is becoming a bit tedious?

 

I have not heard a Chord Hugo so I can't and wouldn't comment on sound quality nor would I be critical of anybody who finds it has transformed their listening pleasure. If it has however, perhaps it would be as well to go and listen to it rather than constantly eulogise it on this forum.

 

For what it is worth, and I accept it may not be a lot, I got into hifi some 40 years ago and have seen panaceas come and go. The reason I went with Naim in the first place and have stuck with them since is that they offered a holistic approach married to excellent support for their whole range. In my eyes they continue to do so and experience suggests that any technological breakthrough will be back offered by Naim to their existing customers.

 

I guess what I am saying is to beware of every short term fix that comes along, in my experience you will find it very frustrating and very expensive in the long term. Please do not take this as criticism of your individual views and preferences, I would not dream of doing that, but more as a gentle reminder that sometimes all that originally glistens does not always turn out to be gold.

Posted on: 09 July 2014 by Simon-in-Suffolk

True, but we are only talking about hifi here not a new religion. Borrow the unit for a couple of weeks if you can.. If you like it buy it, if you don't then don't. In fact I would suggest that is good practice for any high value hifi component. It is a matter of taste.. There is no absolute.

Simon

 

Posted on: 09 July 2014 by Camlan

Simon

 

I guess you have summed it up. To read some of these frankly repetitive posts you would think it was a new religion!

 

I will wait 12 to 18 months and if the 'noise' remains I will have a listen. A more likely outcome is that the next 'best thing ever' will replace it in c3 months time and we will all be encouraged to race off there. That's what I mean about expensive and frustrating.

 

Again, I mean no criticism of anybody else's clearly strongly held views in saying this.

Posted on: 09 July 2014 by Simon-in-Suffolk

Almost certainly there will be and am sure there are subjectively/objectively better devices now. I feel however there was a genuine price-performance break through here, rather than one dominantly invented by the marketeers.

if I am honest there is the mad inventor aspect to this that appeals to me as well. It was developed by a freelance engineering designer as a side line to his main line of work. Being an engineer designer myself, that fills me with respect... Call it supporting the under dog.

Simon 

Posted on: 09 July 2014 by Jan-Erik Nordoen
Originally Posted by Wat:

Hello Jan 

 

Have you heard the Mirus: the design looks a bit like the ExaSound which I really liked, but not enough to persuade me it was better than young upstart Hugo the Game Changer. The other very impressive DAC was from Antelope. 

 

Be interested if you have any views on these or the MSB or even the Playback Designs stuff that i definitely cannot afford. 

 

Some of the DACs from Canada and the US are hard to find in the UK. Even for PS Audio kit, I am not blessed with local dealers. 

 

Many thanks, Wat

Hi Wat,

 

I have the Mirus for review. It has about 70 hours on it and according to the designer, it needs another 30 to come fully on song. I've not begun any serious listening. I can post impressions later on if there is interest.

 

Take care,

 

Jan

 

 

Posted on: 09 July 2014 by Jan-Erik Nordoen
Originally Posted by Simon-in-Suffolk:

Almost certainly there will be and am sure there are subjectively/objectively better devices now. I feel however there was a genuine price-performance break through here, rather than one dominantly invented by the marketeers.

if I am honest there is the mad inventor aspect to this that appeals to me as well. It was developed by a freelance engineering designer as a side line to his main line of work. Being an engineer designer myself, that fills me with respect... Call it supporting the under dog.

Simon 

+1

 

Is the Hugo a collective hallucination, a flavour of the month or a genuine breakthrough. I think the latter, for the reasons Simon has stated. The Naim DAC lasted me four years. I can easily see the Hugo staying around for at least that long.

 

Jan

Posted on: 09 July 2014 by Camlan

With all due respect I'll wait.

 

But can we please reconsider the knee-jerk response of certain posters to any relevant (or not so relevant) question of 'get a Chord Hugo'. As a minimum listen to a Chord Hugo may be the better advice.

 

 

Posted on: 09 July 2014 by Foxman50
Originally Posted by Camlan:

With all due respect I'll wait.

 

But can we please reconsider the knee-jerk response of certain posters to any relevant (or not so relevant) question of 'get a Chord Hugo'. As a minimum listen to a Chord Hugo may be the better advice.

 

 

Don't think anyone has said get one. And certainly not without listening first.

Posted on: 09 July 2014 by Steve J

I bet he uses an NDS.

Posted on: 09 July 2014 by Camlan

Graeme

 

You did in the thread below although you qualified it later.

 

Steve J

 

A brief look at my profile would confirm that.

 

Ever read Lord of the Flies, if not I commend it.

Posted on: 09 July 2014 by Simon-in-Suffolk

Gentlemen, perhaps we can all agree the NDS is a fine DAC / network streamer?

I certainly had a lengthy home demo of one when I was in the market for a new streamer  which is what I suggest before any significant hifi purchase, it was very good but I decided it was not for me.. and I moved on. 

Simon

Posted on: 09 July 2014 by Foxman50
Originally Posted by Camlan:

Graeme

 

You did in the thread below although you qualified it later.

 

Steve J

 

A brief look at my profile would confirm that.

 

Ever read Lord of the Flies, if not I commend it.

Wont split hairs with you. As the post above had already stated to audition. I was agreeing by stating my choice out of those options

 

As i said i don't think anyone has said get a Hugo. If however someone is looking for an upgrade it should be on their list, if SQ is an important factor

Posted on: 09 July 2014 by Camlan

With respect it's not splitting hairs. Your original response was 'option 2' not listen to option 2 which is exactly what I am talking about.

 

Having said that I am not, in essence, being critical. You clearly have been greatly impressed by what the Chord Hugo has given you and I respect that totally. 

 

In any event I respect it more than Steve J's comment. My experience suggests that I will be enjoying my NDS long after the Chord Hugo is history but if I'm wrong then hey ho.

 

 

 

 

Posted on: 09 July 2014 by Foxman50
Originally Posted by Camlan:

With respect it's not splitting hairs. Your original response was 'option 2' not listen to option 2 which is exactly what I am talking about.

 

Having said that I am not, in essence, being critical. You clearly have been greatly impressed by what the Chord Hugo has given you and I respect that totally. 

 

In any event I respect it more than Steve J's comment. My experience suggests that I will be enjoying my NDS long after the Chord Hugo is history but if I'm wrong then hey ho.

 

 

 

 

As you say my response was "option 2". i cannot see where i said buy option 2 without listening. I think you are well aware of this.

 

May i ask how many sources you tried when you purchased your NDS, or did you buy to fit in with your existing Naim system. Thats if you have a Naim system, i have not looked.

Posted on: 09 July 2014 by Steve J

No disrespect intended but the main reason this thread has gone on ad infinatum is because people come onto this thread questioning the virtues of the Hugo who haven't heard it, or have any intention of hearing it because deep in their hearts they don't want the Hugo to be better than what they have invested in. I may feel the same way if I'd bought an NDS. After all a streamer is only as good as it's DAC.

 

 

Posted on: 09 July 2014 by Camlan

Graeme

 

Please, I am not being critical nor do I wish to rubbish your opinion. Clearly you have been greatly impressed by the Chord Hugo. How can I do otherwise when I haven't heard it. Look at my previous posts, that is not my intention.

 

As regards your second paragraph, please feel free to look at my profile and my previous posts.

 

 

Posted on: 09 July 2014 by KRM

Lord of the Flies? Wasn't Simon killed by the by the other boys after he had a vision?

Posted on: 09 July 2014 by Camlan

Steve 

 

It would really help if you read what I've said.

 

I cannot rubbish the Chord Hugo if I have never heard it.

 

If it really is a game changer then I will see what Naim's and the markets response is and make a decision then. Give it 12 to 18 months and we'll see.

 

 

 

Posted on: 09 July 2014 by Camlan
Originally Posted by KRM:

Lord of the Flies? Wasn't Simon killed by the by the other boys after he had a vision?

I knew a literally analogy would end badly!

Posted on: 09 July 2014 by Camlan
Particularly as I can't seem to spell
 
Originally Posted by Camlan:
Originally Posted by KRM:

Lord of the Flies? Wasn't Simon killed by the by the other boys after he had a vision?

I knew a literally analogy would end badly!

 

Posted on: 09 July 2014 by Foxman50
Originally Posted by Camlan:

Graeme

 

Please, I am not being critical nor do I wish to rubbish your opinion. Clearly you have been greatly impressed by the Chord Hugo. How can I do otherwise when I haven't heard it. Look at my previous posts, that is not my intention.

 

As regards your second paragraph, please feel free to look at my profile and my previous posts.

 

 

I have not taken your replies as such. Yes i have been greatly impressed by Hugo, as i am sure i would be by an NDS. However my numbers will need to come up before i can afford one.

 

My question was asked because i have made an observation while posting on this and the original thread. This may be correct or not, but it seems those that are less likely to accept, or want to accept, Hugo is as good as those that have it say it is. Are those that move up the Naim black box ranks. 

 

i don't understand why Hugo should be a problem for these people, but it seems to be as far as i can see.

 

everyone is entitled to spend their money as they choose and enjoy their hifi as they choose. As in the other thread i posted, option 2 would be my choice for SQ bang per buck. However if they are after putting together a complete Naim system in a fraim, then go with the psu. Its just not for me and i could not suggest that option, when i think another option would be best. If you want a piece of art thats fine, but thats not music, at least to me.

 

as always and to be honest it really should go without saying. Demo at home for an extended period of time and let your ears decide. 

 

Graeme