NDX, HDX, and Core as digital sources

Can't offer any insight but would be very interested to hear of your results

Stefan, what digital coaxial interconnects are you using between the sources (when connected via coax s/pdif) and Hugo TT?  This may well be critical to the end result.

Melco USB - Hugo2 USB- 272 analog in is what i have in mind......

Am i the only one thinking that apart from Option 3, the 272 is a bit of a strange choice ?

These 'I'm planning X, what will I find?' questions always strike me as odd. Why not just try it and report back? It also raises a question of why bother with a 272 if there is an NDX, HDX or Hugo TT in the picture? Surely using them with a standard preamp would make more sense, unless the objective is to collect as much overlapping equipment as possible. 

james n posted:

Am i the only one thinking that apart from Option 3, the 272 is a bit of a strange choice ?

No. Could have been a typo, the 8 key is next to the 7.

Stefan Vogt posted:

I'm planning some comparisons of digital sources next week, and wonder what (subtle) differences I should expect - any hints would be most appreciated! 

 

 

I wouldn't be expecting the differences to be subtle at all. 

It strikes me that you'd be looking for a 3-4cm lowering of the noise floor with these options, even more as Richard points out with optimised cables. 

There also quite likely to be 50-100 nm frequency difference in the blackest blacks  which should be perfectly audible at a decent volume but are less perceptible at lower volumes.

Musicality is the other major factor here to be aware of, I'd be expecting overall a difference of 17-21bs in the musicality spectrum.

do let us know how you get on  

.sjb

Stefan Vogt posted:

I'm planning some comparisons of digital sources next week, and wonder what (subtle) differences I should expect - any hints would be most appreciated! So far, I'm expecting similar results for all setups below, though the top (NDX) is possible 'best', and using the 272 in UPnP-mode might be the 'worst':

1a. NDX -> Hugo TT (using Coax; the NDX would stream from the Core) -> 272 analog-in

1b. Core -> Hugo TT (using Coax) -> 272 analog-in

2a. HDX -> Hugo TT (using optical) -> 272 analog-in

2b. HDX -> Hugo TT (using Coax) -> 272 analog-in

3. Core ->  272 using UPnP and the 272's internal DAC 

you have not the 1a option with ndx streaming from the hdx. or i have read wrong ?

I would place the 1a for best sound quality...

Thanks, Richard, I'll use the naim DC1 digital interconnect. Between Hugo TT and 272 I use a Chord Signature.

Yes, the 272 can do the streaming/DAC very nicely on its own. It's the only preamp I have, but then I do like the Hugo TT, which led me to the options above...

S.

Didn't read the post, just came in here to lament how much I miss Core after having it on home demo.  Tidal is a blah-fest since.