NDX yes or no?

Posted by: Steve Crouch on 03 December 2011

I have a UnitiServe ssd and DAC and also 555ps. I have Ethernet point by my kit so can wire the Userve direct to DAC. Would there be any uplift in sq if I left Userve by nas and streamed to an NDX?
Posted on: 03 December 2011 by Tog

Yes

 

Tog

Posted on: 03 December 2011 by totemphile
Is it worth the extra outlay? Debatable.
Posted on: 03 December 2011 by naimUnT
If you get the NDX just be aware that some external DACs will have problems with the NDX's digital out! I've posted my observations elsewhere but am surprised Naim has not responded. If you stick with a Naim DAC, that's fine but I've tried Benchmark, Eastern Electric and Bel Canto and I experience problems which varies from warning of unstable digital signal to stutters and no sound, respectively! Ive checked the issue with a second NDX SAME PROBLEM! Anyone else had similar issues?
Posted on: 04 December 2011 by Richard Dane

naimUnT,

 

I've flagged this for Naim tech to look into.

Posted on: 04 December 2011 by james n

I had my NDX driving a Weiss DAC202 last week when a friend brought his over. No issues at all. 

 

James

Posted on: 04 December 2011 by naimUnT
James, I had no issues with a Berkeley as well but I don't know enough to understand why it works with sone but not others!
Posted on: 04 December 2011 by Peter_RN

Hmmm, you mean there are other DAC’s available? Who would have thought it? More to the point how does a Naim user even know that? Funny old world ain’t it.

 

Peter

Posted on: 04 December 2011 by andrew mcmullins

Peter

 

That sounds like Apple have bought Naim on the basis that apparently Siri (the new voice recognition software on iPhone) when asked what is the best mobile phone in the world answers: "Wait... there are other phones?"

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15982466

 

 

Posted on: 04 December 2011 by Peter_RN

Hi Andrew

 

I am tempted to ask who Apple is but that may be pushing my luck a little too much do you think? I fell out with them close to 30 yrs ago – surprised they are still in business.

 

Peter  

Posted on: 04 December 2011 by realhifi
Originally Posted by Peter_RN:

Hi Andrew

 

I am tempted to ask who Apple is but that may be pushing my luck a little too much do you think? I fell out with them close to 30 yrs ago – surprised they are still in business.

 

Peter  

*lol*  It appears that they are still scraping along.

Posted on: 04 December 2011 by Peter_RN

Really?……Crikey, there’s no justice in this world. 

Posted on: 04 December 2011 by Guido Fawkes

Here is my controversial view - in my humblest opinion the new Mac Mini into the Naim DAC sounds just as good the NDX did through the DAC. I stress this is the latest incarnation of the Mac Mini, which has now gained a low jitter optical out. 


Sorry it is not a direct answer to the original question, but is the UServe S/PDIF out such a weakness that you need a £3k box to overcome this. My thoughts are that if you have money to spend then improve the DAC with a 555PS, PL and HL and your amplification and speakers before you contemplate the NDX. If you did not have a Naim DAC then the NDX makes a lot of sense, but if you have US/Naim DAC then I'm not convinced NDX is necessary. 


Of course, an audition would verify this. 


Peter seems like you had a run-in with Apple, whereas I had one with Microsoft (very unpleasant experience). It is a shame when large companies don't treat people well. At least we know we are safe with Naim. 


All the best, Guy