Dissapointed with Naim DAC V1
Posted by: eazyryder on 27 April 2016
Purchased the Naim DAC V1 from my distributor for use with my Nait 5i-2 and eagerly waited a couple of weeks for delivery.
Initial impressions IMO where a smooth but dark presentation with an over emphasised bass and the DAC seemed to exaggerate certain areas of individual songs, also changing between tracks on different albums produced an irritating couple of second audio delay at the beginning of each song.
Naim addressed my issue with a "FIX" of forcing SRC mode on the unit at power up, which naim told me would lower sound quality but it would probably be inaudible.
Forcing SRC mode did work but locked sample rate frequency and then the unit would not automatically switch between different tracks SRFs.
The DAC V1 has now been returned to my dealer and replaced with the Chord Hugo, which I think needs no introduction.
The Hugo has been the most positive and significant change I have made to my setup in years and deserves all the praise and attention its been receiving.
In my opinion the DAC-V1 isn't bad... it's just that the Hugo is ridiculously good.
Unfortunately, the only place where I have read V1 praise is in this forum.
Having heard Chord products, I have to say that DACs from Schiit sound even better for the same or less cash. Schiit pairs very well with NAIM.
The Schiit Gungnir Multibit is on my short list as well as the upcoming (and more expensive) Resonessence Veritas.
Yeah but who wants to listen to a piece of Schiit 
Sorry, it was begging to be said and got out of the way.
Indeed, if you subscribe to the DAC first mantra the inevitable conclusion would be Schiit-in Schiit-out.
Seriously though, I've heard mostly positive about any pieces of Schiit, good VFM, and the name is quite an attention getter. That's half the battle in marketing. Brilliant!
Have to say I'm absolutely delighted with my DAC-V1, NAP200 system. For me the DAC-V1 when used with the asynchronous USB and the latest software update is just superb.
Additionally it did take quite a while for mine to really open up.
Ian.
I don't get all the Naim DAC V1 bashing, it is a pretty good DAC, and has the Naim sound.
If it were as bad as described here, I would have sold it, I have a Hugo, but the Naim DAC V1 still sounds very musical for me, and that's is why it is a keeper.
I use a V1 as a digital preamp/DAC in a second system and although not as good as my Chord, it's nevertheless a very worthy DAC and is a joy to use. Like all such things, how one perceives it is not only down to personal preference but also to the system in which the V1's being used.
tonym posted:I use a V1 as a digital preamp/DAC in a second system and although not as good as my Chord, it's nevertheless a very worthy DAC and is a joy to use. Like all such things, how one perceives it is not only down to personal preference but also to the system in which the V1's being used.
I'd agree with that Tony. I feel my current system of DAC-V1, NAP200 has wonderful synergy and is perfectly balanced.
Ian.
I use the DAC-V1 (f/w v1.16) in fixed output mode via the USB input and find it very satisfying. It is cable sensitive and system context obviously plays part, not to mention the obvious personal hearing/music preferences. Hugo no doubt has its charms, as does the now discontinued TEAC UD-501 which I found even more 'NAIMlike' and clocked many more hours here!
The original Naim DAC is better though isnt it??
Good value second hand too
sprintgtvgus posted:The original Naim DAC is better though isnt it??
Good value second hand too
https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...tter-than-a-naim-dac
Better than DAC V1, not necessarily Hugo.
Neither the V1 or NDAC are that convenient for lugging around while on the move. Both are quite big and heavy, and the amount of expensive mains cable required to go any distance is insane. Disappointing for a modern DAC, and I don't know why we put up with them. There is unquestionable evidence that the Hugo is better in this respect. Must be another reason......hmmm....what could that be?
DynFan160 posted:Unfortunately, the only place where I have read V1 praise is in this forum.
Having heard Chord products, I have to say that DACs from Schiit sound even better for the same or less cash. Schiit pairs very well with NAIM.
I did quite an extensive evaluation of DAC's last year, including the nDAC and Hugo, and ended up choosing the Schiit Yggdrasil. Far more enjoyable sound to my ears. And, yes, being less expensive didn't hurt either.
I've only auditioned V1 in my own setup briefly. It was a demo unit and well burnt in machine. I think the DAC-section was very good, coming close to the classic Naim DAC (which I've used for several years). The pre-amp section is where the V1 falls behind and compared to SN2, sounded quite bad. But the DAC with USB-input worked very well. Also, please remember to burn in the unit if you audition it as brand new.
Patu posted:I've only auditioned V1 in my own setup briefly. It was a demo unit and well burnt in machine. I think the DAC-section was very good, coming close to the classic Naim DAC (which I've used for several years). The pre-amp section is where the V1 falls behind and compared to SN2, sounded quite bad. But the DAC with USB-input worked very well. Also, please remember to burn in the unit if you audition it as brand new.
Bit of a sceptic when it comes to DAC burn in, IMO its all a matter of your ears recalibrating over time.
My hugo has sounded fantastic from first power on, and after a couple days use still sounds the same to me.
Patu posted:I've only auditioned V1 in my own setup briefly. It was a demo unit and well burnt in machine. I think the DAC-section was very good, coming close to the classic Naim DAC (which I've used for several years). The pre-amp section is where the V1 falls behind and compared to SN2, sounded quite bad. But the DAC with USB-input worked very well. Also, please remember to burn in the unit if you audition it as brand new.
Same view here, in that the synergy of the V1 (as a DAC only) partnered with the SN2 is damn impressive. I am sure it can be bettered, but enjoyable enough that I can't be bothered with changing until the product I really really want comes along. And I really hope Naim will be the ones to deliver it. I am still waiting, Naim. Where's the NDAC 2 complete with async USB please?
I thought the Naim dac was pretty good and could happily have lived with it, until I went down the Mac Mini route as my source at least, but side by side the Hugo was just better all round and despite a real desire to stay Naim and have my kit all match up I couldn't ignore that. If Naim brought out a dac with USB input that bettered the Hugo I'd change as soon as I could and keep the Hugo for portable use but I haven't heard a digital Naim source yet that matches it.
eazyryder posted:Patu posted:I've only auditioned V1 in my own setup briefly. It was a demo unit and well burnt in machine. I think the DAC-section was very good, coming close to the classic Naim DAC (which I've used for several years). The pre-amp section is where the V1 falls behind and compared to SN2, sounded quite bad. But the DAC with USB-input worked very well. Also, please remember to burn in the unit if you audition it as brand new.
Bit of a sceptic when it comes to DAC burn in, IMO its all a matter of your ears recalibrating over time.
My hugo has sounded fantastic from first power on, and after a couple days use still sounds the same to me.
I agree, while there may be an initial warm up period of a few minutes/hours, anything improvement beyond that is mostly marginal or perceived. I also would tend to think that buying direct can offer better VFM than paying distributor and retailer markups on more established brands. I don't need fancy case work or logo as I usually keep the DAC and associated hardware out of sight.
Patu posted:I've only auditioned V1 in my own setup briefly. It was a demo unit and well burnt in machine. I think the DAC-section was very good, coming close to the classic Naim DAC (which I've used for several years). The pre-amp section is where the V1 falls behind and compared to SN2, sounded quite bad. But the DAC with USB-input worked very well. Also, please remember to burn in the unit if you audition it as brand new.
Funny thing is that the V1 headphone amp is better, from my experience, than the SN2's headphone amp. Do any of you know if the HICAP is supposed to improve the SN2 headphone amp? Just curious.
Kevin Richardson posted:Patu posted:I've only auditioned V1 in my own setup briefly. It was a demo unit and well burnt in machine. I think the DAC-section was very good, coming close to the classic Naim DAC (which I've used for several years). The pre-amp section is where the V1 falls behind and compared to SN2, sounded quite bad. But the DAC with USB-input worked very well. Also, please remember to burn in the unit if you audition it as brand new.
Funny thing is that the V1 headphone amp is better, from my experience, than the SN2's headphone amp. Do any of you know if the HICAP is supposed to improve the SN2 headphone amp? Just curious.
Him, good question, I have an SN2 with a hicap dr and I thought the headphone amp was pretty good until I plugged the same headphones into my Hugoo which was hugely better. The SN2 was darker and slower but the Hugo was crystal clear, fast and emotional. I haven't tried my SN2 without the hicap dr