Help choosing DAC : nDAC or DAC V1 ?

Posted by: TomSer on 25 June 2016

Good evening,

I would like to ask for help concerning the choice of a DAC.

Currently I have the following system:

CDX2 --> SuperNait 2 + HiCap DR --> JMR Abscisse

I am very pleased with the sound it produces which I find clear and detailed.

My aim is to use my PC to play the flac version of my music library, but hesitate between two options:

Options A :
PC ---> Naim DAC V1 ---> SuperNait 2 + HiCap DR --> JMR Abscisse


Options B :
PC ---> Naim nDAC ---> SuperNait 2 + HiCap DR --> JMR Abscisse


For option B, how should I connect the PC to the nDAC ?

Which option is best, keeping in mind that my taste in terms of sound goes to clear and detailed music reproduction? I mostly listen to classical (baroque) and jazz music.

Thank you very much for your help and advises,

Thomas

Posted on: 26 June 2016 by NickSeattle

Pity there is no Digital Out -- BNC or TOS -- on the V1.

Nick

Posted on: 26 June 2016 by Innocent Bystander
NickSeattle posted:

Pity there is no Digital Out -- BNC or TOS -- on the V1.

Nick

Erm, bit pointless, a DAC with a digital output, I suppose other than split the signal in the. Digital domain... 

Posted on: 26 June 2016 by Jude2012
p. posted:
Jude2012 posted:
Jude2012 posted:

I'm kinda intrigued to compare the customised Audiphilleo 2 in the V1 with, Auphilleo 2 plus Purepower connected to the NDAC.  

I understand  that it is possible to connect the Audiphilleo 2 and Puerpower combo directly (via BNC) to the NDAC, is that correct ? (If so takes one of the complexities /variables out of the way).  

Jude

I mean Audiphilleo 1

Nice comparison, curious to hear what you find out. Yes a direct connection via BNC-connector is possible and brings sonic benefits over the digital cables I´ve used until now.

Thanks Will be sometime before I'm able to organise this, so don't expect anything soon.

Posted on: 26 June 2016 by Richard Dane
Innocent Bystander posted:

Richard Dane is currently evaluating the Gustard U12 abd Yellowtec PUC2 (search of forums will find)

Yes, currently with the Gustard U12 - very good indeed, and certainly a way ahead of the m2tech. Very good value. However, these are my own personal thoughts and certainly cannot represent those of Naim. 

Posted on: 26 June 2016 by nbpf
Richard Dane posted:
Innocent Bystander posted:

Richard Dane is currently evaluating the Gustard U12 abd Yellowtec PUC2 (search of forums will find)

Yes, currently with the Gustard U12 - very good indeed, and certainly a way ahead of the m2tech. Very good value. However, these are my own personal thoughts and certainly cannot represent those of Naim. 

Interesting, thanks! Do you mean ahead of the M2Tech hiFace, of the M2Tech hiFace Evo or of the M2Tech hiFace Evo 2?  And, in the second and in the third case, with which PSU? Best, nbpf

Posted on: 26 June 2016 by Richard Dane

Sorry, I was referring to Hiface original. 

Posted on: 26 June 2016 by nbpf
Richard Dane posted:

Sorry, I was referring to Hiface original. 

Thanks Richard, then it was likely the plain USB stick bridge powered by the USB port. The Gustard U12, the M2Tech hiFace Evo (1 and 2) and the Audiophilleo -- in particular when powered by clean PSUs -- should easily outperform USB powered interfaces. What would be interesting to test is whether (relatively) new devices like the FPGA-based Hydra Z (with its linear capacitors-based PSU) and the Yellowtech PUC2 bring any advantages over these devices. Another interesting option that was mentioned in this forum is the XTOS Converter from EC designs. This is a pure USB to optical bridge. In principle, it should provide the ideal connection as originally recommended by Naim for the nDAC. Best, nbpf