Feedback on HDX-SSD vs HDX-HDD?

In general, you will likely notice a slight improvement in responsiveness, due to the faster throughput with the SSD disk.

If you have not yet had the PCI / RAM update done, this will also improve matters!

I am sure the PCI / RAM update improves the sonics, but I am not sure if it's a good thing to get rid of the internal storage. It is a very good storage location. Even if SSD drive improves operational responsiveness, I don't think it has any positive sonic effect. If your reason is not about capacity insufficiency, I would keep the internal storage.

I think you will get varied responses to your question. I don't own an HDX nor have I compared the two options myself. However, fwiw, I have had a conversation on that exact same question with one of the chaps from the German Naim importer, he owns the on board storage version and took that decision on purpose, also with a view to sound quality. YMMV, etc. hence best to audition yourself before taking the plunge. If I was getting an HDX, I would go for the 1TB version. The more time I spend on this whole streaming stuff, the less I am interested in all the various options, including getting a NAS, setting up the network, etc. I just can't be asked. I like my CDP and still enjoy putting on physical CDs. I have not taken a final decision yet but I just might go for a US in the end and keep my other files on my MBP. Simples. It may not be the ultimate solution for best sound quality but so what. I am sure it will sound just fine, my Sonos ZP90/MBP/nDAC already does.

Good luck

tp

totemphile,

It's interesting for me what you report about the chaps from Germany. I also made the experience, that HDX playback quality is higher playing a file stored on board, than playing the same file stored elsewhere.

Same here. I don't know why but music streamed from the internal HDD of the HDX sounds more direct and involving to me, as if 1 meter closer to the listener than streamed from an external NAS. My problem is that the normal HDX heats up too fast in my room so that after every 30 minutes of playing the super noisy fan starts to work and spoils every listening session. That's the reason I'm desperately waiting for a full SSD version of the HDX resp. an upgrade kit. 400 GB SSD are affordable right now and would be more than enough for my favorite CDs. The rest could be stored on NAS.

The fan is super silent for me! Maybe, you want to have it checked?

That's interesting, Aysil. I didn't buy a HDX yet but my dealer said that the loud fan noise is normal. Maybe the fan is temperature-controlled and has different speeds?  Or are there different types of fans in HDX?

Thanks to all the posts so far... Any SSD advocates out there?

I upgraded my HDX to SSD but as I upgraded PCI/RAM at the same time I can't answer your question :-)

Reasons the SSD may sound better I can think of - no vibrations from the disk and lighter load on the PSU (although I think the digital/disk subsystem has its own PSU so it is probably no big deal).

On the other hand the integrated solution was really convenient. But I already had a NAS with ripped movies and with documents from the computers so it was easier to have one common storage solution for the house and one backup routine.

I heard no difference. The unit is faster in operation and importantly for me takes a noisy HDD out of the box. Of potential importance for me is HDD failure. I much prefer being able to manage HDDs on a NAS than be faced with the prospect of having to send the HDX back to base to have my music recovered.

According to the newsletter which featured the HDX-SSD, this machine offers the best possible sound quality and is thought by some to sound best. If there is a difference my ears or system have not been able to detect it.

I'm looking intp movies on NAS now. Would you mind sharing wisdom on what you use to get them off DVD and play them back?

Thanks