NDX and DSD 128 Files

Posted by: mackb3 on 17 December 2016

I have searched some forum threads concerning this topic but seems still open. The NDAC processes DSD 128 as others do but the NDX will not pass through. Can someone in the know advise what is preventing? Hardware, software or combination and is Naim able to correct to allow DSD 128 and possibly above.

Posted on: 17 December 2016 by Simon-in-Suffolk

Its hardware limitation caused by DSP chipset implementation and the max speed of the SPDIF and UPnP interface on the streamers when carrying DoP

Posted on: 17 December 2016 by Mike-B

As Simon says,  the NDX does not have the hardware for DSD128.    I have listened to DSD64 & 128 on a friends system,  its like the difference between 24/196 & 24/96,  I really cannot detect a difference worth the extra.  I suspect the next big change will be when we have 32-bit PCM,  that sends kHz rates up significantly,  just do the math;  bit rate x sample frequency x channel.  Question is - can our ears hear the difference,  or do we need to clone a human with a bat.  ???  I joke but its getting close to that,  the system limitation we face now (IMO) is speaker & room interface.  Dare I say Linn might be on a potentially better track. 

Posted on: 18 December 2016 by mackb3

Simon and Mike, appreciate the information. I am just experimenting with 128 files and was wondering since the NDAC will process seems logical the streamer should pass the data stream. I'm one that can hear very small differences between the PCM sample rates and it's not a global experience as many are indistinguishable. More of the quality is in the recording, microphones, space, engineer etc. I've played in various blues/rock bands for 30+ years and have live and stutioish recordings using my Zoom recorder 44.1 and 96 for archiving and study which many are stunning as long as the environment lends to good acoustic results. Like wise, I have a Scottish friend who has been in the states for decades recorded us using reel to reel that produced extremely high quality results.

Thanks again.

Posted on: 14 February 2017 by Chambermusic_friend

Hello, for NDX I convert my DSD128 files to 24/192 wav.  With AudioGate 2.3. It is time consuming, but I can hear them in the best quality of the NDX. Don't try to go to DSD64. I tried and it sounds similar to 24/96.  Losing stage, dynamics and detail.