NDX vs Linn DS?

Hi Tonkis,

my 2cents...you need a KDS to beat a NDX+XPS...

I audit KDS, ADS, NDX, MDS....the NDX has outstanding VFM!

Naim plays full coloured and a punchy bass

Linn plays clear, never ending highs and got an outstanding soundstage (even with big orchestra music, you can hear every single instrument). The dynamic power upgrade is very good!

Ralf

Tonkis

They are all very good and ultimately, boring though it may be to say it, it really does come down to personal taste I think.

For what it's worth though, I switched from an Akurate DS to an NDX. However, I am possibly the only person on the planet to have done so!

Steeve

Thanks for you replies

I guess that NDX and ADS/dynamik i quite close in SQ, moore a mater of taste, then you can add PSU to NDX for extra enhancement.

Most other posts on NDX are way too complicated for me to understand or add to but if you guys can help me understand a few things I'd appreciate it.  I have CDX2/555PS, Roksan FM tuner, and LFD NCSE pre/amp which only has RCA inputs in the back.  I have a Samsung TV and Bluray player that use the 2 AUX. All played thru Harbeth SHL5 which I love.

I'm very interested in the NDX with FM added because of the other streaming options.  I'm an iMac guy and trying to figure out iTunes (I don't use it much as my stereo is 30+ feet away) and I haven't bought any more mac products except my iPhone.   I figure it would be better to have my Bluray and cable TV into NDX with it's DAC.  But then I still have to get from the NDX to RCA to LFD.

Currently I have new cable set with my router by the TV and stereo and it does WiFi to my computer in dining room to stream Netflix.  Thats as technical as I can get. I'm in an old apartment and installer thought it best this way.

Also, I could boost the NDX with the 555PS, but will the CDX2 plug into the NDX? or should I do a dedicated server?  I know the Hi-Rez  revolution is coming.  Maybe I should wait.  I also don't have to have every last detail of music like some guys.  I sold my 52/300 because it was just too much.

Anybody have some clarification for me?  Thanks in advance.

Hi Mudwolf -

In addition to network connectivity, the NDX has only digital inputs: S/PDIF and USB.  And unless it was modified, your CDX2 only has analog output.   So the answer is no.

Naim did have a program to modify the CDX2, and turn it into a digital transport, but I do not recall many owners opting to do that (you may recall that you lose the CDX2's analog outputs...permanently).

When you are ready to start ripping and streaming, I would recommend trading your CDX2 in on the NDX.  Once you've experienced how easy and convenient it is, all controlled from an iPad running N-Stream, I promise that you will have lost all interest in physically playing CD's.  

Perhaps the best thing for you to do is to visit a Naim dealer and see the demo?

Good luck!

Hook

Thanks Hook, didn't expect a reply so fast.  Yes I thought I'd just be trading in the CDX2.  Way back I had a Mac Mini and started ripping CDs but realized at that stage equipment and formats were all over the place.  I can't do it now but I was thinking Christmas and Birthday are 4 days apart every year.  Gives me some time to plan and save.

I'll look into all the mac stuff, I have friends who are always upgrading I might be able to buy one of their older pads.

I might be in for a good birthday present.  If my CDP would get half value (i looked at values at audiogon) or a bit more on NDX the little iPad is quite affordable as a server.  This opens up a whole new option and can clear out my CD drawers.

I compared a bare NDX to the new ADS in a 100% Naim system and I prefered the NDX a lot. The ADS simply sounded boring and uninvolving and I was able to hear many more details, deeper bass, more transparency and PRaT with the NDX. The NDX makes the music happening right in front of you whereas the ADS makes you believe that you took a seat in the last row of the concert hall - not my taste at all but some may like it and say that the ADS offers a deeper soundstage.

I heard that comparison, LINN = last row and naim = first row in the concert hall.

I wonder where other brands sit, in the lobby?

mudwolf,

You can not use iPad as server, it is just a control point for playback; you will need to have your computer on at all times. If you're not wiling to integrate your computer to your music system, which is "30+ feet away" and "not hard-wired to the network", and your priority is to "clear out your CD drawers", I would recommend to consider HDX instead of the NDX. It has a perfect ripping machine and store location on board, and if you will have hi-res downloads in the future, it will also be able to play them. The interface on iPad will be uServe instead, which has a newly added playlist functionality. The internal dac of HDX is not the best in Naim range (it should be more or less on a bar with your CDX2) , but you can upgrade it later with an external dac. That you already have a 555PS, will speak for a nDAC when the time for external dac comes.

Hmmmmm  I'll have to look more into this,  I know I had a Mac Mini I'd started downloading all my CDs to lossless.  Then realized I was in over my head and stopped.   A year later gave it to a friend who had to move to downsize to tight quarters.  He Loves my old Mac stuff. I've had 2 PC friends switch over and they love em.

Might get another Mini.   I guess hard wired is better than trying to stream wifi.

Somehow I need to see a diagram of all this.

I've read that the NDX doesn't work with Lossless and other wave or flac files are better. I'm wondering if the next OS5  with iTunes will address this?  Well now I'll have to really start reading more in the Streaming Forum to try to catch up.  I gave up over a year ago when the numbers and formats were flying all over.

or just go for the HDX and forget about those numbers and formats...

Sorry but that is not true. 

With the iPad/Phone, with PlugPlayer App (for one example), you could serve from your iPad to any wireless UPNP renderer.  This assumes the music you want to serve is on your iPad

It can also be a renderer with the same app, then USB out to your nDAC or NDX. This assumes a UPNP server somewhere (HDX, Serve, NAS).  Limited to 24-48 if memory serves.

And in either case no computer needed.

-Patrick

I think you can have your UPNP server transcode to WAV or something for the NDX.

Also, i think you will want to look into Vortebox or Asset for a Mac friendly Server.  Tog can fill you in on what to do there.  It doesn't sound like there are very many decent options.

-Patrick

Thanks guys for all your ideas.  This has me really thinking and researching.  I do know a new OS5 is coming this fall I wonder if iTunes will also be upgraded.  I would put all my music from main iMac onto iPad and have it by my couch or could dock it in my system since I'd be getting rid of aTuner and CDP having 2 shelves free and they pretty much pay for the NDX.

If I did an all Naim system I'd buy a Userve and of course put the 555ps on the NDX.  Access to the dac was my main goal when I started reading about the NDAC and it's streaming.

Patrick,

Thank you for correcting me. I am not sure if it's the best option to store your music on iPad, but it's good to know about this possibility at least for temporary purposes.

The second case you mention is partly in line with my recommendation. Since HDX and UServe incorporate also a renderer, they don't need the iPad or anything in btw to deliver the bits to the dac - although UServe profits substantially from the addition of NDX.

Thanks Patrick and aysil.  I have been wondering about the synery of all Naim Userve into NDX. Selling my Tuner and CDX2 would free up a lot of space and I like those shoe boxes.  Then I'd put 555PS on NDX.

You sure? You mean that the NDX puts different bits out on SPDIF than it receives? It modifies the rip?

Hi - Can you clarify this, please?  Do you mean that the Unitiserves will be able to access internet radio?