HDX and hi-res recording

Posted by: Amer on 04 March 2018

Hi, I'm thinking of getting a HDX, but wanted to check if it would be possible to download hi-res audio directly onto it without the need of a computer interface.  The other option to spend less money on an Astell & Kern recorder - but while they do sound good, I'm sure it won't be better than a HDX.  Or maybe Hi-Res on an A&K will sound just as good as CD quality recording on the HDX.

Any ideas/thoughts gratefully received.

Thanks

Best wishes Amer

Posted on: 04 March 2018 by aht

No, you can't download files directly from the internet onto the HDX.  Normally one would download these onto a computer, and then transfer the files to the HDX "Downloads" volume on its hard drive, via your local network.  But surely you own a computer, Mac or PC?  The HDX needs to be connected to the internet via a local network anyway, in order to identify ripped CDs--or were you planning to enter track information and such manually?

As an aside, the HDX is a fabulous digital source, surely better than the UnitiServe due to its robust power supply, etc.  But its analogue output is just okay, to really shine you need a quality external DAC (nDAC, whatever).

Posted on: 04 March 2018 by Adam Zielinski

Perhaps a NAS is an option?

Plus a streamer form the ND range and you are all set. I’d see this as a more flexible solution.

Posted on: 04 March 2018 by seakayaker

Following Adam's train of thought...... For the price of an HDX you could have a new NDX and a NAS at about 2/3 of the cost, or a new/use NDS (end of the year sales pricing) and NAS for close to the price of a new HDX.

Worth exploring with a dealer.

JMHO - YMMV

Posted on: 04 March 2018 by ChrisSU

If you really want to avoid the use of a computer, you could look at one of the Innuos servers. These claim to be able to download music files directly from online sources, and add them to their music stores, controlled by an iOS app. Naim servers can't do this, and neither can any regular NAS that I'm aware of.

Posted on: 04 March 2018 by ChrisSU
seakayaker posted:

For the price of an HDX you could have a new NDX and a NAS at about 2/3 of the cost, or a new/use NDS (end of the year sales pricing) and NAS for close to the price of a new HDX.

 

I very much doubt anyone is paying anywhere near full price for an HDX, as it has been discontinued.

Posted on: 05 March 2018 by Amer

Thanks for all your comments - plenty of food for thought.  I do have a computer, but was hoping to avoid this additional link, not only to simplify the process but also with it's possible adverse effect on sound quality.

Many portable hi-res recorders allow for direct down loads, so I thought/hoped Naim would also have this facility - especially as they've imbedded links with on line music providers for Muso, which I do use.  With the tuner module for the HDX I thought it would be a logical option.  But as Chrissu says the HDX has been discontinued - I must have missed that bit of information when Naim told us!  

Best wishes Amer

Posted on: 05 March 2018 by ChrisSU
Amer posted:

Thanks for all your comments - plenty of food for thought.  I do have a computer, but was hoping to avoid this additional link, not only to simplify the process but also with it's possible adverse effect on sound quality.

The computer is only needed to download music, and edit metadata. Once the files are stored on the HDX, the computer doesn't even need to be turned on, so there is no effect on sound quality.