DAC V1 + 282

It would definitely work, the real question is would it be any good?  I've never used the DAC-V1 in anything other than fixed output mode, and with just two different integrated amps, currently an SN2, which is course a good couple of notches down the performance ladder compared to a NAC 282 / NAP 250DR set up.  I've noted a couple of forum members suggesting the V1 performs better as a fixed output DAC than as a pre-amp, but can't comment on that personally, I don't know.  Feeding an SN2 though, it's pretty damn good, and I don't doubt feeding your proposed amp arrangement it would sound even better, but that level of amplification probably deserves better.  The problem is that if you want a Naim DAC with async USB, it's your only option, and one thing the DAC-V1 does really well, amoung many things, is USB.  

Yeh this is my thinking exactly with regard to the asynchronous usb, feedback on it is really good but it seems the general feeling is the pre amp in the V1 is good but not good enough for the 250dr. I had thought about ndac but as you say, no asynchronous USB. 

One things for sure a definite home demo is required.

Sell V1 and just get 272 if budget allows? Surely this would be better than 282 + V1? Just a guess though.

I've read good things about the V1 and wouldn't be in a rush to spend more money. Is there something wrong with how things sound at the moment?

Remember that the 282 also needs a Hicap, and even if you get it the system will still be fed by the V1 DAC. And you'll own two preamps, which seems a bit odd. Do you need to use the asynchronous facility (I have no idea what that means) or would the better nDac be possible? Would you consider streaming the music from a Nas, in which case the 272 would be ideal, and costs less than a 282. Have you done the setup optimisation, such as a good stand and dedicated mains? 

At the moment the asynchronous input is useful because it's fed from either my iPhone or through a MacBook from Tidal. 

Would own 2 pre amps if went that route yes and I guess is odd...lol. But my concern was the V1s ability compared to the pre amp in the 282 and the gains it may have. Still allowing me to take advantage of the USB input on the V1.

Does the 282 require a Hicap as well as the NAPSC it comes with then?

Forgive me but does the 272 have the ability to have a mac plug into it? I've just always preffered to be wired over wireless you see. 

Havent done dedicated mains yet no, currently the 250dr is plugged into the wall using the PLL it came with and the V1 is also plugged into the wall but without a PL or PLL.

Yes, the 282 won't work without a Hicap if you use a 250. Well, a flatcap would work, but not as well. Remember that the 272 can access Tidal directly, and you can connect a phone to its USB. But the best sound comes from streaming CD rips or hires from a nas. Even cd rips are better than Tidal. And you can plug a computer directly into its DAC. I've no idea if this round be better than a V1 but it's worth a try. Do you really want to add a preamp and two power supplies? Just tread carefully!

Yeh I get what your saying, I've got a lot to think about that's for sure...

I like the MacBook with Tidal as I can download MQA stuff to offline playlist which is just convenient to be honest. 

Thats also why I wanted to keep the V1 as seems to work really well with mac...

If u really want to keep asynchronous USB using laptop as source (I can fully understand that as that's what I do) then V1 is only Naim option. As you only seem have a single digital source then I'm not sure a Naim preamp would be worth the substantial cost.

My own view is that if you only have a single digital source then you are best with a DAC with remote volume\preamp built in straight into either power amp, or even better, active speakers for best sound quality. This is what u already have. I also have this setup but I use Hugo TT into ATC SCM40A speakers.

You could consider using 272 with laptop but you may need USB to spdif convertor such those offered by Audiophilleo (I think V1 actually has this inside build in).

The point about the 272 is that in addition to replacing the V1, you would no longer need the Mac either in order to stream Tidal. I can't see why you would want to keep both. There are, of course, other Naim options such as NDX/282. Have a listen if you can, and decide if this gives you a worthwhile improvement in sound quality for the money.

Remember that the current Naim streamers can't store Tidal music for offline playback, and there are other streaming options that a DIY solution such as a Mac Mini can provide, which a Naim streamer might not. 

DAC-V1 is good, but I felt it was the bottle neck in my system going into a SN2. I must say that this was before the firmware update which has apparently made a big improvement. If you wanted to keep things the way they are but improve on the DAC-V1, I would be tempted to look at USB DAC's from other brands or alternatively, go for a Naim DAC with a USB/SPDIF converter in between. The Gustard U12 USB/SPDIF converter is a ccomparatively cheap option which seems to be well thought of.

Richard Lord (who founded REL subwoofers) used a DAC v1 with a NAP 300.

Not sure what he uses now.

I don't particularly think DAC V1 is holding back a NAP 250 DR. Especially after the software upgrade

But yes maybe you won't get a bigger 3d soundstage that the 282 is capable of, but you have to pay for that. some 4000 GBP for a NAC 282, and then the Hicap.... 

Leave it as is and enjoy the music.

But if you have that itch that just won't go away...this is what I would do - assuming funds are not an issue

Sell the DAC v1 and Buy a 172 or 272 (as they are self powered and don't need a Hicap) , and run a brand new Chord Hugo 2 into that.... 

That will set you back a few thousand pounds, (2000 GBP for 172, 3400 GBP for a 272, and then 1800 GBP for a Chord Hugo 2)

expensive, very expensive..... see what I mean.

I'm using an iMac with DAC-V1 connected to SN2 and find it to be pretty good match. Just enjoying music. I reckon computer based system gets generally speaking software updates most often and soonest. Now using Roon and thinking that it makes my iMac + V1 quite a good streamer

I also think that the V1 got better with the latest software update.

Cheers

Analogmusic - my V1 is on the original firmware! My god need to sort that first by the sounds of it 

I'd forgotten about the firmware update, seems like so long ago now, but yes, that is definitely worth doing IMO. I was really surprised when I did the upgrade on mine, because the improvement in sound quality was not only significant and quite obvious, but also entirely unexpected in my case.

I briefly tried V1 as preamp into a 250Dr (B&W CM1 S2 speakers) and really liked it. This however was done prior to the latest firmware update which changed the tonality of the V1. I have since tried comparing the V1 as preamp vs Dac only and find the V1 sounds grand as a Dac only (Dynaudio M10 speakers). V1 as Dac also beat the Audiolab M-Dac Plus (latest model) and even a chord 2 qute. A lot of people love the Chord but I am one of those rare cases as I find the 2Qute fatiguing. 

Get the firmware update done then Dan and your problem may well be solved!

YiannisK posted:

A lot of people love the Chord but I am one of those rare cases as I find the 2Qute fatiguing. 

You're not the only one Yiannisk... I and a few other forum members have reported similar. Some do enjoy the 2Qute though so its very system dependent I assume.

My V1 says:

App V1.6

DSP DAC V0.0.52

DSP DAC BOOT V1.0.1

Can anyone confirm this is the older firmware?

Thanks.

Yes, App1 V1.6 is the original firmware, there has only been one update taking it to version 1.16, which is downloadable from the DAC-V1 product page on the main Naim website.  For what it's worth, I thought, and I wasn't alone, the numbering was a bit weird, but then someone pointed out that 16 was a higher number than 6.  At which point I felt like a muppet.....so I got one.  I think I was expecting 1.7, or maybe 1.6.1, but 1.16 is perfectly logical too.   Anyhoo, 1.16 is the one you're after. 

To the OP, the thing to consider is where you want to end up with your system. 

The V1 and 282 gives flexibility, with the 272 you lose  flexibility for perceived low box count initially (I.e. You'll get an off board PSU for it in the end and you love Ned a NAS instead of a computer)

Having auditioned  a 272 and V1-282 combo with no external PSUs into a 200, not much to choose between them in terms of SQ. However as the PSUs ere added, the 282- V1 combo came put on top for me.

Do the auctions if you fesl like.  after upgrading the few on the V1.

Jude 

V1 + 282 + SC2 + 300DR has given the biggest musical experience to me.

I have also Hugo. V1 is more dynamic and gives stronger more natural bass in my system. Hugo sounds cleaner to me. After several months I can not say if V1 or Hugo is better

Tuomo

Hi all,

Thanks for the replies, in terms of where I want to go with the system....well, it will probably be something I keep working at and doing upgrades here and there for quite some time all being well. 

In terms of a NAS I am not sure this is the route for me as I like to download all my Tidal music to offline play list and don't think I can use a NAS for this? I may be mistaken?

With the above in mind, I like the mac. But may be unaware of NAS possibility or Mac mini etc.

Enlighten me?!

I use auduravana with my Mac for playback of downloaded and rippd tracks and internet radio (not forstreaming from the likes of Tidal) 

However, Audirvana has the capability to stream from Tidal, Qobuz and HighResAudio.   Not sure about off line play lists and whether this is essential if you can stream on demand.

Take a look at the Audirvana site, I believe you can still download a free trial version.

Enjoy

Jude 

The reason I like to download is because I prefer to have the copy outside of streaming it, I just figured this would be a more direct route as such although there may be nothing in it. 

Is Audirvana a way into the streaming platforms like Tidal etc or is it a platform itself as well, as in has its own library? 

Got it te downloads.

Audirvana has its own library for use with downloaded files on a local drive or a cloud (such as Tidal). Audirvana is focused on getting the bedt SQ from Mac OS.

The best way is to trial for yourself :-)

The V1 pages on the Naim sites shows how use the V1 with Audirvana and other similar software.

Jude