HDX

Max, I don't know for sure what's up Naim's sleeve but seeing the way things have been going, I think the new "HDX2" may well be a Core and DAC.  Or Core and Streamer.  FWIW, I like the HDX. But I think I like the Core + DAC and streamers even more.

Max

indont know for sure. Last few conversations with Naim have not revealed a desire to replace the unit. I my gut says it’s had it’s time. Steamer &Core or 272&core or Uniti & core are already a bunch of options 

Rob

Ok, thanks to both. It's definitely time to buy one....

Max

Max_B posted:

Ok, thanks to both. It's definitely time to buy one....

Max

It certainly is, Max.

The HDX has slowly become one of Naim's lesser regarded pieces of kit, but having begun with one as my source into an nDac, and using it these days as a ripper / server to my NDS, I can highly recommend that you purchase one, (at the right price).

I'd say that there are some sure bargains out there, as it slips into obsolescence against the newer "lifestyle" products.

Before the Core arrived, there were plenty of opinions aired here that the Unitiserve would never be replaced, so you never can tell. What do I think? Don’t know, don’t really care, sorry!

There is still demand for it...one finished half an hour ago on fleebay for over £2k 

Max_B posted:

...the world divided between those who know and don't tell and those who tell but don't know ...

The Finns versus the rest of the world.

The original lasted nearly 10 years in the catalogue - longer than the NDX, NDS etc. 

It sold well (so a dealer told me) so quite likely there will be an HDX2 I would think (and fairly doable as well given all the constituent technologies are already developed by Naim).

There are lots of HDX owners who (like me) would consider upgrading if the HDX2 came along. I’m not so interested in replacing my HDX with an NDX2 and Core because I want to have the convenience of a single box in the rack. 

Hi Max can I say that before you buy an HDX I advise that you take a look at the Innous Zen players of course you will need a USB Dac like one the Chords or an Ndac but even so for me both units purchased together on the used market represent great value when held up against an HDX.

The Innous Zen can rip CD's directly to an onboard 2TB  hard drive and also stream Tidal, Quboz, Deezer, Spotify and many thousands of iRadio stations it can also if you wish be used as a Roon endpoint.  

Just something to consider.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Bob,

thanks for your interesting updates. I'll tell you why I am considering the HDX: first of all, it is a one box complete source and, BTW, I already have sort of an XPS ready to complement it, which wouldn't go wasted or sold; second, I did a sufficient number of accurate and direct comparisons between it and CDX2, and, lately even vs a CDS3 with HiLine in a mid/high level Naim system (252, SC, NAP300, NAC A5, Harbeth SHL5) and I tell you that to my ears in both cases the two sets were practically indistinguishable. Removing the HiLine and using a Lavender with the CDS3 completely leveled the two sounds, but the surprise was, with the HiLine in place the game was a bit in favour of HDX with Lavender...

But I'll browse for the thing you suggest, although one of the conditions for me to move to HD or SSD replay or distant server reception (what people call streaming) vs optical reading (a CDP) is avoiding extra DACs, networks players, Ethernet cables, configurations, seconding the router's (or router plus switch...) caprices.... 

No, I have always thought that the HDX is the smartest, albeit shamefully expensive, way to move on from CD replaying, and I still think that. Plus – I am like that, sorry but I don't mean to do anything about it – I don't mix brands, epochs, sizes, styles. I find that Naim is a unique world, idiosyncratic at the max possible level; but when you're in it, better stay within it. Or change for good. I can't even mix XS and Classic series boxes.

Thanks, anyway: I'll take a look at everything you suggested.

Max

Ardbeg10y posted:

Max_B posted:

...the world divided between those who know and don't tell and those who tell but don't know ...

The Finns versus the rest of the world.

I am sorry I only had one like..

Bob,

I looked the Innuos Zen MkII and it looks gorgeous and full of interesting features. I might reconsider it, even if this would force me to change my amp (see my previous post).

OCD-ly yours

Max 

You have two brands in you current system already and the Core looks like a different brand anyway so what difference an innuos? 

Seems a shame to sell  your freshly rebuilt CDX2 though, remember the nSats.

It might surprise you, but I actually reply this time a bit on topic / which could be considered boring.

Think of a backup strategy when deploying an HDX. It seems that they fail now and then and since the units around are getting a bit older it is something to think about.

Ardbeg10y posted:

It might surprise you, but I actually reply this time a bit on topic / which could be considered boring.

Think of a backup strategy when deploying an HDX. It seems that they fail now and then and since the units around are getting a bit older it is something to think about.

Thanks I already back my NS01 to my NAS and will do the same with HDX "never trust anything with a hard drive! " and this unit was serviced and HD replaced in June so hopefully many years problem free!!

Max_B posted:

Bob,

I looked the Innuos Zen MkII and it looks gorgeous and full of interesting features. I might reconsider it, even if this would force me to change my amp (see my previous post).

OCD-ly yours

Max 

So are we saying the zen needs a separate DAC to work ?

I thought it could be plugged directly into say a N272 and used directly like that...have I got it wrong ( wouldn't be the first time!!)

As far as I'm aware you can connect the 272 to Zen or Zenith direct via an Ethernet cable. They have a dedicated Ethernet socket for streamers.

yeti42 posted:

You have two brands in you current system already and the Core looks like a different brand anyway so what difference an innuos? 

Seems a shame to sell  your freshly rebuilt CDX2 though, remember the nSats.

Right on both points. The times (of my silly restlessness) they have a-changed.

Max

Ardbeg10y posted:

It might surprise you, but I actually reply this time a bit on topic / which could be considered boring.

Think of a backup strategy when deploying an HDX. It seems that they fail now and then and since the units around are getting a bit older it is something to think about.

Ok. And to this I  dare adding that I was among of the first ones to audition a Nova and speak very keenly on it. So far, whilst I still am very fond (and idly used) to the Classic's look and performance, I find the new Uniti series beautiful and very good sounding. So, more to think about. And Richard's opinion is, as usual, prudent and prospective at the same time.

Japtimscarlet posted:

Max_B posted:

Bob,

I looked the Innuos Zen MkII and it looks gorgeous and full of interesting features. I might reconsider it, even if this would force me to change my amp (see my previous post).

OCD-ly yours

Max 

So are we saying the zen needs a separate DAC to work ?

I thought it could be plugged directly into say a N272 and used directly like that...have I got it wrong ( wouldn't be the first time!!)

But I thought that the 272 had digital inputs.... So an Innuos could well be plugged directly into it I suppose. But I too could be wrong of course.

I guess he was probably talking about another amp or preamp

I was seriously considering getting a zen mini as a substitute for my nas and then use the Nas as a backup for it

To be honest...I have already ripped ALL my CDs to my Nas using EAC and am satisfied with the ease of use and quality ... although tidal sounds equally as good which contradicts what most people are saying..so I wonder if the Zen may make a notice uplift 

Max, AFAIK the Innuos units do not have s/pdif digital outputs.  They use either USB or Ethernet.  So if using one to serve a NAC-N272 you would most likely use it on ethernet via a network switch of some sort.

Max_B posted:

Japtimscarlet posted:

Max_B posted:

Bob,

I looked the Innuos Zen MkII and it looks gorgeous and full of interesting features. I might reconsider it, even if this would force me to change my amp (see my previous post).

OCD-ly yours

Max 

So are we saying the zen needs a separate DAC to work ?

I thought it could be plugged directly into say a N272 and used directly like that...have I got it wrong ( wouldn't be the first time!!)

But I thought that the 272 had digital inputs.... So an Innuos could well be plugged directly into it I suppose. But I too could be wrong of course.

That Innuos does only usb. It will work on a Dac V1 which has the async usb port, but thats quite it in the Naim universe.

I don´t understand the attraction for that Innuos on this forum.

I don´t understand the attraction for that Innuos on this forum.

Is there a similar priced but better solution then ??

Other than a second hand unityserve

The Innous Zen can connect over upnp to all Naim Uniti products and Network players like any other Nas using the Naim units onboard dac.  Alternatively it can be connected to any USB dac like the Chord Qutest a combo that would come in below £2K brand new and not much more than half of that sum for say a used Innous Zen Mini and a Chord 2Qute which of course would work exceptionally well with Max's Supernait 2.

Of course the HDX is a fantastic bit of kit and would grace any Naim system perfectly and I imagine would pair up superbly with a SN2 and if an all Naim streaming system is what you are looking for than that combo would be exceptionally hard to be beat in terms of value.