Adding a Cd/streamer to my elderly Naim/Linn system

Posted by: GTB-Buckaroo on 01 March 2018

My system, that has served me very well since I bought it all in the late 80's now needs bringing into the 21st century.

It comprises of a LP12/Ittok/Troika; NAC62/Hi-cap/140 with a Naim FM tuner and Spendor speakers [these were recent replacements].

I have had all the kit factory serviced and upgraded here and there over the years, cartridge rebuilt,etc and to my ears, it sounds as sweet as a nut. I used to have a Marantz CD player coupled though that is playing up at times and I like some DAB radio but of course this is denied with the current FM set-up.

So, I am looking at buying a streamer with, perhaps, a CD player built in. [I would prefer a one box solution to save a little space] However, from visiting a couple of dealers recently, I had information on the new Uniti Star which seemed good, though I'd presumably require a phono-stage for my Troika, and also a piece of kit called Plato, which incorporated a MC input and a HDD to store music too, which seemed useful.

Whilst both these seemed ok, I can't help but get the feeling that neither will sound as good as what I already have plus of course, will incur a fairly hefty increase in budget. What do you think, upgrade completely or just buy a lesser brand CD/streamer unit which can connect to my current system? If the latter, any thoughts on a piece of kit to do the task?

Many thanks!

Posted on: 01 March 2018 by Guinnless

Assuming you have a computer you can rip your CDs to a NAS and then use say a Naim ND5XS to stream your CDs and from Tidal (obviously with a subscription) . No need to replace any of your existing kit.

I'm not sure what your budget is but used ND5XS's are around £1500 ish.

Posted on: 01 March 2018 by Ardbeg10y

Question is if you'd like to stream from the internet, or only local (cdrips / hires downloads).

Posted on: 01 March 2018 by ChrisSU

The big decision you need to make is whether or not to rip your CDs. Then you store them on a NAS, discreetly tucked away in a cupboard somewhere, and just add a streamer to your system. Keep everything else as it is. With new models set to arrive this year, you might get a good deal on the current range - an NDX or ND5XS.

If you want a CD player, the only Naim streamer to offer this is a Star, or its predecessor, the Uniti.....or just buy a replacement CD player.

Posted on: 01 March 2018 by Perol

Soon market will have plenty s/h discontinued NDX to grab.

Linn streamers seem to have plenty of happy owners

Get a separate cd-player is my advice, depending on budget get a Apollo/R or Isis

Or CD5/CDX series or higher up

Just to name a few

I would avoid having several functions in one box

Posted on: 01 March 2018 by The Strat (Fender)

Given that you have such an excellent system I would do as Guinnless suggests.

Posted on: 01 March 2018 by Pcd

I used a NDX into a Olive system it sounded superb, I did dabble with a couple of non Naim streamers but the NDX really showed what streaming was all about as others have said there should be some bargains coming up when the new range hits the shelves.

Posted on: 01 March 2018 by GTB-Buckaroo

Thanks everyone! I've booked an audition on an NDX to see how it sounds. [ He said that its nigh discontinued and could do a decent deal on the demo one if I liked it ]

When I rang my dealer and discussed what I wanted, he suggested, for CD ripping/storage, a Bluesound Vault 2 unit that will connect to my NAC62 as he says the Bluesound has Analogue connectivity with 3.5 mm input and RCA outputs. One thing that has occurred to me is that my 62 has 3 inputs [tape,tuner and aux] so I can connect, assuming I like it, the V2 to Aux and the NDX to the tuner input? I must admit that I hadn't considered ripping/storage over just playing cds, so this idea appeals plus its not going to give credit card meltdown issues overall ...

So, if all goes well, then will I have reached my Valhalla?

Posted on: 01 March 2018 by alan33

Others will surely jump in, but you wouldn’t be well served to have both the NDX and the BlueSound. With the NDX you’d add a simple network attached storage (NAS) and rip your CD collection on pc/mac, Store them and serve them via upnp from there. It’s unlikely the BlueSound DAC (used to convert its stored music and send to your preamp analog input) is in the same league as the NDX, so you’d pick one or the other but not both.

Regards alan

Posted on: 01 March 2018 by Pcd

GTB-Buckaroo posted:
Thanks everyone! I've booked an audition on an NDX to see how it sounds. [ He said that its nigh discontinued and could do a decent deal on the demo one if I liked it ]
When I rang my dealer and discussed what I wanted, he suggested, for CD ripping/storage, a Bluesound Vault 2 unit that will connect to my NAC62 as he says the Bluesound has Analogue connectivity with 3.5 mm input and RCA outputs. One thing that has occurred to me is that my 62 has 3 inputs [tape,tuner and aux] so I can connect, assuming I like it, the V2 to Aux and the NDX to the tuner input? I must admit that I hadn't considered ripping/storage over just playing cds, so this idea appeals plus its not going to give credit card meltdown issues overall ...
So, if all goes well, then will I have reached my Valhalla?

Since I've had my NDX and ripped all of my CDs I have dispensed with a CD player. I am purchasing far more CDs these days than ever before they are so cheap second hand.

Enjoy your journey.

Posted on: 01 March 2018 by The Strat (Fender)

Arcam offer a CD/SACD player with streaming. No idea as to quality or cost.

Posted on: 01 March 2018 by seakayaker

If you are going with the NDX then rip your CD's to a NAS and use the functionality built into the NDX via the NAIM app (UPnP). There are a number of threads you can search on the forum which discuss the use of a NAS with NAIM streamers and there proper set-up for best performance.

Currently my system is pretty simple and have about 1400 CD's ripped to a NAS and also use TIDAL (hi-fi) subscription to listen to music through my NDX. .....and has been mentioned by anther member listening to TIDAL has had me buying new CD more often than before.

Good luck with your decision.

Posted on: 01 March 2018 by Paul Quigley ie

For a one box solution a used HDX is good value?