DACs for Naim systems

Posted by: Rockingdoc on 09 April 2018

I have been a full on Naim amplification user since the 80s, but since moving to a house with a bright, reflective listening room, have struggled with digital sources. Always overbearing and fatiguing, just a bit bright.

As a long-time lurker on this forum, I am aware that this overbright presentation of some Naim systems is widely reported. After the speakers, I think third party DACs is one way to go, and I went from DacMagic to Teddy DAC to Hugo in search of the nice noise.

I thought the Hugo was pretty good, and much better than my previous efforts, but got fed up with its connection and battery foibles in a static system. Couldn’t afford  the Chord Dave, so took a punt on a Matrix Sabre Pro, purchased directly from the manufacturer in China. Much the most costly chance I’ve taken on an unheard direct import, but it went seamlessly.

So to the point, even allowing for new toy euphoria, it is stunning. Simple plug and play, and it seems perfect synergy with my Naim system. Very easy to listen to, but with lots of new details apparent on familiar tracks. Easily beats the Hugo, of which I remain a huge fan in portable systems.

I am currently using the Matrix Sabre with USB input from a MacMini running Roon and Tidal, but it has plenty of inputs for other sources (and a remote to switch between them).

The Sabre Pro also has the apparent advantage of being more future-proofed for ultra high res files in the future, but who knows if I’ll ever go there.

Lots of quirky rules on this forum, so if mentioning personal imports from China breaks any, I apologise.

 

Posted on: 09 April 2018 by Filipe

Malcolm, Your profile doesn’t mention Fraim. In my experience the glass isolation shelves make an enormous difference to the sound (including your hard digital sound) along with adequate spacing of critical boxes and good cable dressing. I’ve upgraded my HiFi Racks with the glass isolation shelves.

Phil

Posted on: 09 April 2018 by Rockingdoc

Fair point. I actually use Isoblue because I’m pushed for space and two stacks of Fraim is too wide in my room.

Posted on: 09 April 2018 by docmark

Good to hear that you’ve found a DAC for your system.  They can make quite a difference to the sound quality, in a good way.  I’m using a Dave and I love it.  Of course, other factors must be taken into consideration, including room treatment, cable selection (generally, use what sounds good to your ears), power cables, and so one. I have found that there’s a lot of good advice available on the Forums.

Posted on: 11 April 2018 by daren_p

I was previously using a TeddyDAC as well, then tried a Metrum Acoustics Musette to very their house sound was what I was after, to these ears was exactly what I was after & an easily noticeable change from any DAC I have previously used (which up to that point sounded more or less the same).  Upgraded to their Menuet & don't have any complaints, sometime down the road I may move up to their Pavane level 3.