UnitiCore output sound quality

Posted by: J Novak on 21 April 2018

In the process of setting up my new system, I have chosen UnityCore as a ripper/ storage device, and put in a 4TB Samsung SSD.

I have been interested in the performance of S/Pdif vs. LAN outputs. The system used for comparison was MSB Select II with built in renderer, connected as pre into Gryphon Antileon driving Pantheon speakers. S/Pdif cable was Naim DC1 BNC to RCA, switch was Hewlett Packard ProCurve 1410-8G, ethernet cables were Audioquest Cinnamon, and TeraGrand Cat7.

We listened first to the S/Pdif connection, then both the UnitiCore and MSB connected directly to a router, and finally with HP switch connected to a router, and UnitiCore and MSB connected to the switch.

The difference was very noticeable, with S/Pdif connection being by far the worst. The sound improved in speed, transparency and weight as we moved to the ethernet connection, to culminate with additional soundstage extension and depth with the switch introduced.

One could argue that a superior S/Pdif cable could improve performance, however the difference was so significant that I do not think that would change the conclusion.

I hope you will find this useful, best, JN

Posted on: 27 April 2018 by ChrisSU
bongoman posted:
nbpf posted:
bongoman posted:

Thanks J Novak!

Can you advise please how I could set up the renderer?

That depends on the renderer or streamer that you will buy, of course. You will likely have to move to an NDS streamer (or to non Naim products) to improve against your Naim DAC. Why do you want to move away from it? If you are not satisfied with the Core's S/PDIF output (but you like the S/PDIF output of your CD5XS), you could perhaps consider another S/PDIF source.  

Thanks nbpf - I'm not entirely dissatisfied with the Core's S/PDIF output, but interested in the comments here on how sound quality is better in the upnp mode than S/PDIF. 

ChrisSU - I agree that replacing the NDAC with a 272 may not be a step up in sound quality. A NDS might be a better option as I have already have a 555PS DR (and at some point add a second).

Could be a good time to pick up an NDS at a good price, as it is being discontinued!

Posted on: 27 April 2018 by French Rooster
bongoman posted:
nbpf posted:
bongoman posted:

Thanks J Novak!

Can you advise please how I could set up the renderer?

That depends on the renderer or streamer that you will buy, of course. You will likely have to move to an NDS streamer (or to non Naim products) to improve against your Naim DAC. Why do you want to move away from it? If you are not satisfied with the Core's S/PDIF output (but you like the S/PDIF output of your CD5XS), you could perhaps consider another S/PDIF source.  

Thanks nbpf - I'm not entirely dissatisfied with the Core's S/PDIF output, but interested in the comments here on how sound quality is better in the upnp mode than S/PDIF. 

ChrisSU - I agree that replacing the NDAC with a 272 may not be a step up in sound quality. A NDS might be a better option as I have already have a 555PS DR (and at some point add a second).

or replace the ndac by an ndx2.   Or add a dcs network bridge to the ndac/555ps.....

Posted on: 27 April 2018 by bongoman
French Rooster posted:
bongoman posted:
nbpf posted:
bongoman posted:

Thanks J Novak!

Can you advise please how I could set up the renderer?

That depends on the renderer or streamer that you will buy, of course. You will likely have to move to an NDS streamer (or to non Naim products) to improve against your Naim DAC. Why do you want to move away from it? If you are not satisfied with the Core's S/PDIF output (but you like the S/PDIF output of your CD5XS), you could perhaps consider another S/PDIF source.  

Thanks nbpf - I'm not entirely dissatisfied with the Core's S/PDIF output, but interested in the comments here on how sound quality is better in the upnp mode than S/PDIF. 

ChrisSU - I agree that replacing the NDAC with a 272 may not be a step up in sound quality. A NDS might be a better option as I have already have a 555PS DR (and at some point add a second).

or replace the ndac by an ndx2.   Or add a dcs network bridge to the ndac/555ps.....

Just spoken with my dealer - he also suggested the ndx2. So I'll leave as is for now then try out ndx2 compared to ndac when it's out in a few months.

Posted on: 28 April 2018 by J Novak

Happy to see that the forum collective stepped up and offered sound advice (sic) while I was away!

Good luck with the setup and streamer purchase! Best, JN

Posted on: 30 April 2018 by flammenwerfer
Richard Dane posted:
docmark posted:

Hello - maybe one of you would know the answer to this question.  I have a Core with a 2TB SSD that is starting to fill up.  In retrospect, I should have bought a 4TB SSD.  If I go ahead with the 4TB SSD, how difficult will it be to transfer everything from the 2TB to the 4TB drive, without losing anything on the 2TB drive?  I imagine that the 4TB drive will have to formatted first by the Core, and then a transfer can be done.  I wonder if I shouldn't hire a computer pro (or geek) to do the job.

Thanks.

Docmark, I would ask Naim support.  I may well be that a simple clone of your existing drive to a larger 4TB will suffice, but best get Naim's advice before proceeding. 

I use one of these for cloning my Core HDD. No PC needed.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Inate...ywords=Ineo+dual+bay