Naim streamer

Posted by: nimrodmr2p on 10 June 2017

I am thinking of going along the streaming route to store and access my CD collection

A Naim dealer has suggested the following:

Naim ND5 XS

QNAP HS-251+

Western digital 'RED' storage

DEVOLO dLAN 650+ for use with my mains cabling

using dBpoweramp to rip discs

Are there any cheaper ways of getting a good result

Would I be right in thinking it is the quality of the Naim streamer and its DAC which will give me the quality I am looking for and retaining the PRaT I already have

Current system is CD5 XS, Nait XS, ProAc D1

Posted on: 12 June 2017 by ChrisSU

Sounds like an HDX is what you're actually asking for. 

Posted on: 12 June 2017 by Eoink
ChrisSU posted:

Sounds like an HDX is what you're actually asking for. 

Although I wouldn't have said that the HDX CD player is CDX class, I felt it wasn't as good at pure CD playback as my CD5X.

Posted on: 12 June 2017 by Huge

That fits as he's got a Nait XS.

Posted on: 12 June 2017 by ChrisSU
Eoink posted:
ChrisSU posted:

Sounds like an HDX is what you're actually asking for. 

Although I wouldn't have said that the HDX CD player is CDX class, I felt it wasn't as good at pure CD playback as my CD5X.

Once you've found out that ripping, then playing a CD is only very slightly more hassle than just playing it, I don't think that's really an issue.

Posted on: 12 June 2017 by nimrodmr2p

I think what I really need is an updated version of the HDX addressing its limitations

Posted on: 12 June 2017 by Eoink
ChrisSU posted:
Eoink posted:
ChrisSU posted:

Sounds like an HDX is what you're actually asking for. 

Although I wouldn't have said that the HDX CD player is CDX class, I felt it wasn't as good at pure CD playback as my CD5X.

Once you've found out that ripping, then playing a CD is only very slightly more hassle than just playing it, I don't think that's really an issue.

Agreed, I haven't played a CD as a CD since I got the HDX (and now NDX).

Posted on: 12 June 2017 by Huge
nimrodmr2p posted:

I think what I really need is an updated version of the HDX addressing its limitations

No can do.  The limitations are inherent in the type of system.  Yes it could be improved a bit, but it will never be able to match an ND5 XS.

Posted on: 12 June 2017 by ChrisSU
nimrodmr2p posted:

I think what I really need is an updated version of the HDX addressing its limitations

You may need to be patient - once the Core teething problems are ironed out, perhaps HDX2 will be in the pipeline.

Posted on: 12 June 2017 by nimrodmr2p

A new HDX sounds good

One essential requirement for me would no slot for CDs it has to be a drawer of some form

When will manufacturers realise a slot introduces the risk of a scratched disc with every insertion

Posted on: 12 June 2017 by Huge

It's most likely that any new HDX, should it ever arrive, will be based on the Uniti Star platform (electronics even if not the new casework).

It may be possible for Naim to use a draw type computer CD drive with that, but I wouldn't hold my breath for them doing the extra product development work needed.

Posted on: 12 June 2017 by ChrisSU

Never had a problem with a slot loader myself, but anyway, the HDX doesn't have one. Now is probably a good time to hunt out a good deal on one.

Posted on: 12 June 2017 by Klout10

How much I've loved my HDX, to be honest, I don't think Naim will release an HDX2. Assume the Uniti Core does it's job nicely (after the bugs have been solved) ... Then - with iRadio, Tidal, etc. implemented in the streamers - I don't see any need for an HDX2. 

What I expect is a new series of streamers, based upon the new Uniti platform.

Posted on: 12 June 2017 by ChrisSU
Klout10 posted:

To be honest, I don't think Naim will release a HDX2.

That's what everyone said about the Unitiserve.

Posted on: 12 June 2017 by Klout10

That's correct  

Posted on: 12 June 2017 by hungryhalibut
nimrodmr2p posted:

A new HDX sounds good

One essential requirement for me would no slot for CDs it has to be a drawer of some form

When will manufacturers realise a slot introduces the risk of a scratched disc with every insertion

If you go for a streaming solution, CD playing effectively becomes redundant. If the price of an HDX is in your sights, why not just follow the dealer's good recommendation? Get the ND5, rip the CDs and see if you still want to keep the CD5. It's also worth considering that if a CD player with a proper drawer is a key requirement, and given that you have it already, streaming might not be your thing. You could always forget about it and enjoy spinning your silver discs. 

Posted on: 12 June 2017 by Huge

My system has a couple of spinning silver disks, it's just that I never get to see them!  

Posted on: 12 June 2017 by MangoMonkey
hafler3o posted:
MangoMonkey posted:

Do NOT get the cheapest NAS - the NAS makes a huge difference in SQ.

Also get a iFi psu for the ethernet switch.

But the OP asked if there were 'cheaper ways of getting a good result'. A 'huge' difference in NAS is hyperbole. The removal of cheap switched mode supplies is more of an issue.

I recommend the qnap 253. At $400, it's not the cheapest, but won't break the bank. Not hyperbole - I got the emotional connection back once I moved to it from the symbology nas.

Posted on: 12 June 2017 by hungryhalibut

I've got one too. Nice and solid and works well. 

Posted on: 12 June 2017 by Innocent Bystander
Huge posted:

My system has a couple of spinning silver disks, it's just that I never get to see them!  

How do you know they are silver?

Admitedly the only HDs I've seen have all been silver, nicely polished, too, but not an absolute certainty...