Firmware 4.3 - "all players now ...can use Spotify Connect..."

Posted by: gert on 29 June 2015

"...all players now support the higher resolution BBC Radio HLS format, can use Spotify Connect in multiroom mode and benefit from a host of minor bug fixes. "

 

does this include the uniti 1 without the streaming hardware upgrade?

 

Will I dare to upgrade my uniti 1 after bricking it the last time? Who is trying a uniti 1 upgrade first? 

Posted on: 30 June 2015 by John Bailey
Originally Posted by Paul Stephenson:

       

Yes I think there are many who will know exactly what I mean and how valuable the naim servers are.


       

Paul,

Lots of us love our HDX, Unitiserves etc... its just we feel a bit left out in the cold with the latest developments. Maybe Naim will show as a little love. Maybe not.

John
Posted on: 30 June 2015 by HiFiman

Thought I would report in, just upgraded my UQ1 192 all okay took about 15 minutes to complete.

 

 

Posted on: 30 June 2015 by supmario
Originally Posted by Wat:
Originally Posted by supmario:
Originally Posted by Phil Harris:
Originally Posted by supmario:

 

Update done on my NDX. I was not as easy as i had to install USB drivers from "strange" website (as per instruction). I was worth doing. The DSD file ripped from CD sounds significantly different than FLAV/WAV of the same file. I will test how many of my CSs will be converted to DSD. I am happy to have finally  opportunity to listen to DSD files.

 

 

Are you ripping your CDs (which are PCM) to DSD?

 

Phil

I am planning to. I have received few files ripped from CD to FLAC/WAV/DSD and DSD sounds different (like more "analogue" to me) but I will see in other files/songs.

You cannot rip an ordinary CD to DSD - you can rip it to PCM and convert to DSD: however, you do lose some data in so doing: it may, of course still sound better. You can rip SACDs to DSD with an appropriate workstation or a modified Universal Media Transport which can output DSD over HDMI. However, you may be circumventing copyright so 'nuff said.  

Dear All, I am quite ignorant in this matter. I tried to use JRiver media center - while ripping I can choose DSD encoding and receive DSF files. I do not know how they are coded, encoded etc. I will investigate if the sounds suites  me or not

Posted on: 30 June 2015 by supmario
Originally Posted by Wat:

J River Media Centre is ripping normal to PCM and then using one of its DSP algorithms to convert it to DSF (DSD file with tags). You do lose a little bit of information during conversion, but it is really not very much. The Naim streamer is using its DSP to turn your DSD back in to PCM. 

 

It will subtly change the sound, but the change may be for the better: may not be a purist approach, but who cares if you like what you hear. 

 

In a recording studio they often go from DSD to PCM and back again as editing is easier with PCM. They use 32 bit PCM (DXD). I have access to a professional program that does PCM to DSD conversion and I'm not convinced it is better than J River even though it costs 30 times the price. 

 

My DSD files are nearly all Playstation rips from SACD to DSD64. So in that respect genuine DSD (though they may have gone through a process similar to what you're doing in the studio). 

 

If sounds right then it is right 

I am aware that it is not original DSD as this should be purchased (titles that i am interested in are not available as Pink Floyd) or ripped from SACD but it gives space to chose between Flac/Wave and semi DSD

Posted on: 30 June 2015 by mackb3
Originally Posted by Bert:

I'm afraid we like to believe that this firmware upgrade will improve SQ, but let's ask Phil.

 

Phil Harris,

1. Will downloading Firmware 4.3 have any impact on sound quality when playing existing flac/wav/oggs/mp3 files on existing NDX/NDS/272 etc?

 

2. As noted before, Naim clients are confused by the different formatting of firmware on the device and the app: On the devices, the Firmware version is shown as 4.2.00 or 4.3.00, while on the Naim app the same version is shown as 4.02.000 or 4.03.000. 

Can you please rectify this to avoid confusion and misunderstanding?

 

Regards

Item 2. Different devices so different software versions.

 

M

Posted on: 30 June 2015 by totemphile
Originally Posted by Paul Stephenson:

Totem- too much tosh I am afraid, go and use a pic with eac or whatever enjoy I for one of many are very happy with the naim ripping server.

 

Paul, 

 

It was nice to meet you at the High End in Munich.

 

Is it really tosh? I would argue it is how quite a few HDX owners out there currently feel.

 

Personally, I use a Dr. Gert Volk modified Sonos ZP 90 to feed my Naim DAC/555PS. It offers a choice of 36 music streaming services and counting. Tidal, WiMP, Deezer, Amazon, Spotify, take your pick. 

 

Isn't it ironic that top notch Naim owners need to look to alternative solutions in order to access music streaming services with their Naim servers and btw. also Naim streamers? Often times using a €350 Sonos Connect of some sorts with their HDX and even NDS/555PS. A streamer / PSU combo that costs around £14,000 or €21,000, excl. Burndys. I suppose HDX owners should feel content, after all they only paid €6,500. A bargain. 

 

More worryingly? Based purely on a sound quality point of view it is hard, if not impossible, to distinguish between the modified Sonos and my CDX2.2, when used as a transport. Both are connected via a DC1 to the Naim DAC/555PS. That's a €700 modified Sonos being on par with a €6,398 CDP - at current pricing.

 

Others on here have found their modified Sonos, when feeding lossless streaming services into their NDS/555PS, to sound just as good as the NDS playing lossless files from their NAS. Or mightily close at least, enough to not worry at all. 

 

I was contemplating an HDX when it came out. However, based on the acoustic performance of the modified Sonos, coupled with my experience of the CDX2.2 feeding the Naim DAC, I decided against it. In hindsight I am happy I did not go down the HDX path. Like many Naim owners I need to think about how I spend my Euros.

 

I assume most here understand that coming to grips with streaming services is not an easy task for Naim. It provides challenges, no doubt. People love the brand and would love nothing more than being able to access streaming services via their Naim streaming / server solutions. Naim owners tend to be a loyal and patient bunch. That's great and well deserved. However, what people find difficult to deal with is uncertainty. If someone who has been loyal to the brand for 35 years decides to part with his Naim distributed audio solution, this surely must be a sign of things not being quite right. Now, imagine how someone new to the brand might feel. And all this primarily because of non communication on behalf of Naim. I would argue the mere information of "Yes we will bring music streaming services to our servers" (as you have stated for Naim's streaming products) would convince many people to stick with their HDX long term. It would also make the server products more attractive to new potential buyers. As it stands I get the feeling people are selling off their HDX, at least going by the number of second hand units floating around the market place. Maybe that's what Naim wants, people switching to their streaming solutions. However, unfortunately, some aren't quite so happy and are opting for streaming solutions of other brands instead. 

 

As Chairman though, more happy Naim customers surely can't be a bad thing.

 

Best regards

Daniel

 

 

 

Posted on: 30 June 2015 by Bart

I've been using my UnitiServe for 3+ years now . . . When I bought it, the max. internal hdd was 1 TB and there was no provision for storing files that were not ripped on it.  About a year later, Naim released a big upgrade and started selling UnitiServe with a 2 tb hdd and ability to store downloaded files.  The week the new version shipped, retro-fits for older models were available.  I do not recall the total cost, but at the time I thought it a good deal.

 

 

Posted on: 30 June 2015 by totemphile
Originally Posted by AllenB:

The servers are computers, I fail to understand why they can't do streaming services if they can do iRadio. Especially as they generally have 24/192 streaming boards. It may well be the proprietary of the software and operating platform, plus the guys are far too busy with streamer software in any case.

 

That's what I was thinking, given the 24/192 streaming boards, services should technically be feasible. Thus, in all likelihood, it comes down to whether Naim wants to offer streaming services on the HDX or not. 

 

Personally, I think offering music services on the HDX at least would make it a much more compelling product in its own right in today's market.

 

But what do I know, I am just a consumer. 

 

 

Posted on: 30 June 2015 by adca
Originally Posted by Lorenz:

My Status after updated to 4.3:

 

Qute 24/192:

 

1) clock is correct again (although NO offset can be chosen despite being this option being mentioned on the display  but hey: ist works).

 

NAC-N272:

 

1) clock is correct again (although NO offset can be chosen despite being this option being mentioned on the display  but hey: ist works).

 

2) Mute by pressing the illuminated device logo works again.

 

So far: no issues and two annoyances solved.

 

I have just upgraded a 1st gen Uniti (w. 192/24 board) an an Unitiqute2. In both cases, I now have the same isues as reported by Lorenz under 1), with the difference that the time is not correct (UTC + 1, instead of CEST).  Is anyone else facing the same issue ?

adca

  

Posted on: 01 July 2015 by Phil Harris
Originally Posted by totemphile:
Originally Posted by AllenB:

The servers are computers, I fail to understand why they can't do streaming services if they can do iRadio. Especially as they generally have 24/192 streaming boards. It may well be the proprietary of the software and operating platform, plus the guys are far too busy with streamer software in any case.

 

That's what I was thinking, given the 24/192 streaming boards, services should technically be feasible. Thus, in all likelihood, it comes down to whether Naim wants to offer streaming services on the HDX or not. 

 

Personally, I think offering music services on the HDX at least would make it a much more compelling product in its own right in today's market.

 

But what do I know, I am just a consumer. 

 

 

 

...but the servers don't have the 'streaming boards' in them that the streamers have.

 

They have audio outputs (S/PDIF only in the case of the UnitiServe) but they have no streaming hardware in them in the sense that the streamers do and 'playing' a URL for an internet radio station is a very different proposition than - say - accessing Spotify or A.N.Other streaming service.

 

Remember that the original 'analogue' Uniti's and the 24/96 Uniti, UnitiQute and NDX units also cannot access Spotify without having their hardware updated. 

 

Phil

 

Posted on: 01 July 2015 by totemphile

Ok, point taken Phil. Thank you for your reply.

 

BUT couldn't the Hardware of the HDX be upgraded so it can access / replay streaming services?

 

I suppose in some ways people would understand, if the UnitiServe were left as is. The HDX on the other hand, at its price point and concept, cries out for streaming capabilities. I would transform it into a stellar product!

 

You know it makes sense. 

 

 

Posted on: 01 July 2015 by John Bailey
Originally Posted by totemphile:

       

Ok, point taken Phil. Thank you for your reply.

 

BUT couldn't the Hardware of the HDX be upgraded so it can access / replay streaming services?

 

I suppose in some ways people would understand, if the UnitiServe were left as is. The HDX on the other hand, at its price point and concept, cries out for streaming capabilities. I would transform it into a stellar product!

 

You know it makes sense. 

 

 


       


Spotify Connect will run on a laptop.

No streaming boards required.

Just the will to do something.
Posted on: 03 July 2015 by totemphile

You might be right there John. I guess the issue for Naim would be sound quality. Maybe not.

 

 

Btw. I meant to write: "It would transform it into a stellar product!"

 

Posted on: 04 July 2015 by Bert
Originally Posted by MartinKocurek:

I amlistening to music I know very well and it is really much better. Better bass and I can hear now more details esp. electric guitars.. good job Naim :-)

Sorry Martin,

it's just an illusion

Posted on: 04 July 2015 by John Bailey
Originally Posted by Bert:

       
Originally Posted by MartinKocurek:

I amlistening to music I know very well and it is really much better. Better bass and I can hear now more details esp. electric guitars.. good job Naim :-)

Sorry Martin,

it's just an illusion


       


Putting [us] back in all this confusion?
Posted on: 04 July 2015 by gert

I now have updated my uniti1 without hardware upgrade from 3.22 to 4.3. Everything seems to work fine. Don't know if the sound became better, but it surely is not worse. Maybe it is the hot weather that makes the speakers sound warmer But the whole systems seems to react more snappier: UPnP-connection, iradio-Connection, the reconnect from the naim app...

Posted on: 28 July 2015 by Sloop John B
Originally Posted by gert:

I now have updated my uniti1 without hardware upgrade from 3.22 to 4.3. Everything seems to work fine. Don't know if the sound became better, but it surely is not worse. Maybe it is the hot weather that makes the speakers sound warmer But the whole systems seems to react more snappier: UPnP-connection, iradio-Connection, the reconnect from the naim app...

 

 

can the 3.22 to 4.3 be done in one step?

 

 

 

SJB

Posted on: 28 July 2015 by Mike-B
Originally Posted by Sloop John B:
can the 3.22 to 4.3 be done in one step?

YES

 

Naim note:  Please note: the streaming product must already be on version 3.00 before updating. 

Posted on: 30 July 2015 by Brilliant

UQ (ver. 24/96) on v 4.3 -upgrade from 3.22 sounds better to me. More transparent (clarity, def, speed) Good stuff NAIM - DSP change?