NDX BC SW version

Posted by: Krilin on 12 April 2015

Hello all,

 

I bought my NDX in nov. 2011. I never updated the firmare and its version is 3.7.0.0.

 

There are 2 kinds of information from Naim regarding the compatibility of this unit with 4.1 firmware version (and previous ones also I suppose):

- https://www.naimaudio.com/updates: the unit is compatible if firmware version is already in version 3.0.0.0.

- https://www.naimaudio.com/news...ives-naim-streamers: the unit is compatible if BC SW version begins with "3D"

 

My BC SW version is 11883. Does it mean my unit is not compatible? For information, it is able to play 192kHz/24bits files. So the board is 192kHz/24bit compatible.

 

I thought there were only 2 HW versions of the NDX: with and without 192kHz/24bit capability. Isn't it? Mine is 2011 and it is the year the change has been made from Naim (when I bought it I take care to have the new HW version).

 

Anyone has a non "3D" BC SW version with a 4.1 or 3.22 firmware version?

 

Is there a sound quality improvment to expect by updating to the new firmware versions from a 2011 version?

 

Thanks

Posted on: 12 April 2015 by Mike-B

 

You are good to go to install the latest f/w, it includes Spotify

3.7 was the last rev before 4 series & it installs right over the top

 

There is even more to come in a short while, so I advise to do the upgrade & experience how to do it, then wait in anticipation for the next upgrade - it really is worth the wait 

Posted on: 12 April 2015 by alan33

Hi Krilin -

 

There are two places to get te version info: within the naim app (gear icon->"about") and from the front panel (wrench button->"factory settings"->"system status").

 

I have a SuperUniti, not an NDX, but maybe it's similar.  In the (latest) app, it says "3D APP" and lists just the number (for me, it's 13479.66). On the front panel, it says "BC SW" and then lists the code as 3D13479. Perhaps you will see something similar. 

 

I also have an original UnitiQute (not upgraded to 24/192 board). This is the so-called "2D" equipment. I don't know if firmware before v4 actually showed the difference, but it does now. I think you are good to go, but also note that you can install the new firmware and get stability and other improvements even if not all new features are supported By all hardware levels. For example, I have Spotify on the (3D) SU but not on the (2D) UQ; I anticipate DSD for the 3D SU when that is released, but not for the 2D UQ.

 

It it is definitely a good idea to upgrade the firmware. Take your time, follow the instructions carefully, and stay calm as it uploads, installs, re-boots, and so on.

 

Regards, alan  

Posted on: 12 April 2015 by Mike-B

3D is the latest spec, it has 24/192 etc

Posted on: 12 April 2015 by Krilin

Thanks for your answers Mike and Alan. I never use nstream as the wifi is always disconnected at home. I just connected it to see and with nstream the BC SW is displayed entirely: it is prefixed by 3D. So good news...Thanks for your help.

I will try to update the firmware next week, I just have to buy a USB/RS232 converter...

Posted on: 12 April 2015 by Mike-B

Krilin,  please double your actual NDX upgrade connection type,  the later versions have a mini-USB connection, not RS232.

 

If it is a mini-USB,  you will need a USB Cable - Type A (Male) to Mini B (Male)

These are normally included in all sorts of mobile phone & camera packages

 

 

Posted on: 12 April 2015 by Krilin

I have just checked, and it is what I thought, unfortunately, it has only the RS232 connector...