HDX question

Posted by: Jason on 12 April 2011

Not sure if best asked here or on hifi corner but will try here first!

 

I'm considering computer/hard disk music options and looking at differences/benefits between NDX and HDX.

 

Answered what I need to know about NDX, but have a couple of questions on HDX (NOT SSD version):

 

Firstly, can you add downloaded music from internet, put on flashdrive, then save this on an HDX?

Secondly, if this does work...will the HDX play HD tracks?

Lastly (honest), when you rip a CD to the HDX, can you delete certain tracks if you don't want the whole album on it?

 

The benefit of any knowledge here would be much appreciated.

 

Jason.

Posted on: 12 April 2011 by aysil

This is certainly the right forum, not hi-fi corner.

 

firstly, you can play from a flashdrive connected to HDX but not save the content on HDX. HDX does not support file import. HDX can also play your downloaded music directly from the computer, as long as they are on the same network. You don't need the flashdrive.

secondly, the supported formats and resolutions are listed on the Naim website

lastly, yes you can delete single tracks with the Desktop Client, the user interface on Windows. In fact I deleted one of my valuable tracks now as I was trying this! It did not ask me a second time "if I was sure".

Posted on: 13 April 2011 by Jason
Ooops, sorry Aysil, hope you have a back up of that track
 
Thank you for answering those for me, i've tried reading through the bumpf for the hdx but couldn't confirm that.
 
So in effect then, the HDX can also be used as a streamer.....just not with wireless?
 
Also, do you know if the browser/desktop client software would allow you to create a playlist which comprises music from a computer and music ripped to its hard drive, or can music on computer only be selected to play separately from music on hard drive?
 
Sorry to keep asking but this is quite important to me to be able to mix/match playlists and want to ensure I would have access to all music I have for purposes of playlists.  I can't get these answers in the literature!
 
Many thanks.
 
Jason
 
Originally Posted by aysil:

This is certainly the right forum, not hi-fi corner.

 

firstly, you can play from a flashdrive connected to HDX but not save the content on HDX. HDX does not support file import. HDX can also play your downloaded music directly from the computer, as long as they are on the same network. You don't need the flashdrive.

secondly, the supported formats and resolutions are listed on the Naim website

lastly, yes you can delete single tracks with the Desktop Client, the user interface on Windows. In fact I deleted one of my valuable tracks now as I was trying this! It did not ask me a second time "if I was sure".

 

Posted on: 13 April 2011 by Klout10

Did you know that, when deleting a track via the DTC, it goes to the "recycle bin" so it is possible to recover it?

 

Unless you've emptied the recycle bin of course ;-)

 

Regards,

Michel

Posted on: 13 April 2011 by aysil

Thanks Michel, good to know! I keep the original cd's for occasional listening on cd-transport, but I use no back-up.

 

Jason,

I am not sure if it would be exact to use the term "streamer" because the method of sending the data is not UPnP streaming. But, yes, you can use it exactly like that, reach all your music, mix/match playlists and queues. The only difference of NDX in this respect is the possibility to download different UPnP Control Point software and try different user interface options on your computer and not be limited to Desktop Client or browser. The internal dac of NDX should be somewhat better, but in that case, you don't have the ripping solution at hand. I think HDX is a good option to start with.

Posted on: 13 April 2011 by Jason

Aysil,

 

Thank you for your time.  When we had a choice of just CD, tape or Vinyl it was easy.  Now however,  there are many options when it comes to digital storage and replay that it makes it a bit difficult to work out whats best sometimes!  Just looking at options and whether to stick with CD for a bit or go with something new which should provide more of an easy and more usable solution to music replay.

 

Just wondering how my computer ripped CD's (using itunes lossless) played through NDX would compare to quality of CD's ripped to and played by HDX?  I think I'm correct in saying that NDX is probably the better player based on given the same quality rip, but then the HDX is very good at the ripping bit, better than itunes and my computer...swings and roundabouts??

 

All the best

 

Jason.

Posted on: 13 April 2011 by aysil

 

Oh oh, when you start to ask these questions, it really starts to get "difficult to work out", as you say. I am sure you will get many different answers to these questions, and it's better to try and get your own answers, but then you will be spending too much time on these testing stuff and be drifted away from the pleasure of listening to music...

Posted on: 13 April 2011 by Jason

Aysil,

 

Yep, as I say, it's all a little confusing and difficult to know what to do for the best....too many variables at the moment, which is why I'm researching and looking at options only...which also includes just keeping my CDX2 and adding an XPS!

 

I think a trip to my dealer beckons for some demos and clarification!

Posted on: 13 April 2011 by Frizzlefry

Jason.

 

The NDX will not play Apple Lossless (ALAC) over the network, you either need to use WAV or FLAC - try using DBPoweramp to rip CDs, and media monkey as a library/editor - however, the HDX and UnitiServe will,. The NDX is also limited to 24/96 HD tracks while the HDX/Serve will render 24/192.

 

Have you considered a UServe and NDAC ?

Posted on: 14 April 2011 by Jason

Hi Frizzlefry,

 

I have given it some thought but it would really need an ipad or computer connection to use it. The bonus of NDX or HDX for me is that they both have the control screens for navigation and quick use rather than having to fire up the computer or another screen to use it.  

 

I do understand though that there may be sonic benefits for the DAC unitiserve route, but it's a balancing act really over quality and ease of use.  I guess being a typical consumer, I want my cake and want to be able to eat it!  Ie: Unitiserve and dac quality sound with the HDX ease of use package.