streaming system,what should i listen to

Posted by: Scooot on 17 September 2011

hi all,

having made a final decision to keep with the streaming option of music as i currently have a set up including a sb touch with attatched q-nap storage.if lets say i wanted a all naim system,what should i take home for a demo.the digital world sems to be a bit of a mine field at the moment with lots of options but any pointers would be welcomed.

i currently have sb touch - ndac - supernait/hicap.maybe i have itchy feet and just looking at my next upgrade but dont really know which way to go.obviously an improvement in sq is what i am looking for.cheers scott.

Posted on: 17 September 2011 by garyi

I would say naims latest fits the bill. OK the supernait dac gets unused but thats not a deal breaker.

Posted on: 18 September 2011 by Scooot

hi,

alough a demo is a must,do you think the new nd5 xs will give better results than my sb touch.

when going for a streaming system incoperating my ndac am i correct in presumeing pre and power play a big part.will adding a 200 to my system give better sq results than changing my sb touch,taking into account i am feeding the ndac.scott

Posted on: 18 September 2011 by matpip

You could try the NDX to replace your sbtouch+nDAC combo...however I' not sure it will be better.

Another way could be to replace your sbtouch with a unitiserve (if you also need to rip and store cds), or a uniqute (if you only need to stream). In both cases, I will be curious to know if you notice any significant improvement.

IMO, your source is nice at it is, and quite well balanced with the rest of your system. 

Posted on: 18 September 2011 by Mr Underhill

Scoot,

 

My advice is that the answer depends on where you are heading system wise.

 

i.e. It could be that in your current system there might be no difference between certain components, but in a higher spec setup there may be.

 

IF you are thinking of sticking with your current amp etc then a straight forward comparison will tell you what you need to know. If you think you may be tempted to go up market you may find you decide to go a route that is more expensive in the short term, to gain in the medium term.

 

That said, the sb touch has a good rep, and you may just stick!

 

If you have the chance I'd listen to:

 

UnitiSrve > nDAC

HDX > nDAC

ND5XS bare and > nDAC

NDX bare and > nDAC

 

I'll be really interested in what you think.

 

M

Posted on: 18 September 2011 by likesmusic

Linn have a very simple, straightforward, unconfusing range of network music players, all of which can (if you choose) run from Squeezecenter so you should be able to transition to them from your sbTouch very easily. All you would need is the Skweezy-DS plugin for Squeezecenter, and whichever DS you could afford. Simple.