UServe & NDac
Posted by: Steve Crouch on 18 December 2011
I have toiled away and managed to set up NAS to work with my UServeSSD. I have connected Serve to NDac via BNC digital and can't seem to get any sound! Is there something obvious I should be doing?
I apologise if this sounds like a patronising answer - not my intention. You have selected the correct BNC input using the front buttons on the DAC? And used the rear switch to select DIN or RCA to suit your output to the amp?
Nice one.
I've got a soft spot for the CDS3. It's the best CD player I never owned. There's some magic that I haven't heard replicated by any other front end (CD555 included) but a suitably powered nDAC is certainly at around that level IMO.
Anyway, have fun.
I will say the earth setting and interconnect was important for me with my non Naim amplification.
I used DNM; din to phono. I also used a rf choke on the DC1 interconnect into the DAC, and ensured the ndac was on a top level Fraim. The choke was subtle but well worth while with flow and vibrancy of treble and upper mid sounding removing the slight tendency of the NDX to otherwise sound slightly etched. ( only notice this with my ATC speakers, my Harbeths seemed not to be that resolving)
I understand your comments about ATC. I used to have SL50 active and they were fantastic. However, in the end my room was just too small and had them on Mana stands that kept going out of tune. Got frustrated and have been happy active SL2 owner for some time. Active speakers are a big open window and very revealing of what is fed into them. Also wonder whether dac/555ps will be better fed with ndx/xps2 and the nerve just does the ripping. As the serve is ssd and sits next to dac is the digital feed the same?
How do you add a choke to cable?
Any answer to iPad issue?
Thanks
Ah, well now, a 555PS powered nDAC really is something. Not special like a CDS3 but different special. As you will see over the next few weeks.
I have HDX-SSD and the ability of nServ on iPad to see it isn't related to the lack of HDD. If your Serv is indexing the NAS you may have to wait a while. You also have to fix the IP of the NAS because if you reboot and a different IP is allocated the Serv will look for it at the wrong location.
From time to time nServ on my iPad loses its fix and a full restart of the network from the hub outwards restores everything.
Can you see your network up and running from Settings on the iPad? Are the Serve and NAS plugged into the network via the hub (or a bridge) and is the NAS share(s) visible in your PC or Mac network?
I'm sure all will be well. I was blessed in that everything worked when it was first switched on. Subsequent losses of connectivity have been easily fixed and most times shutting everything down, including the hub, gets it up and running again. Provided the NAS has a fixed IP.
There are RF clamp on chokes which simply clip on the outside of the DC1 at the DAC end. Many online retailers sell them, or try an amateur radio supplies shop/web site.
The NDX might well sound different with an XPS2. But am happy currently with my setup with the RF chokes.
I have no idea why your iPad is not seeing the US. There could be many reasons, but one consideration is that your wireless network needs to share broadcast and possibly muticast packets with your wired Ethernet segments. Many wireless APs do this but some don't very well!!!
So you could try plugging an apple airport express into your switch which is a cracking wireless AP which works well. Other than that assuming your US is working correctly its trial and error or getting a local 'expert' round.
Simon
Are you using nserve app or the browser on the iPad? If you are trying just one - then try the other. I use an iPhone, and it worked first time on both. Though once or twice I had to go through the rigmarole of switching the Userve, switch and router off and back on again - I have found it best to fix the address.
Personally I find the browser interface easier to use in some ways than the nserve app.
Martin
Are you using nserve app or the browser on the iPad? If you are trying just one - then try the other. I use an iPhone, and it worked first time on both. Though once or twice I had to go through the rigmarole of switching the Userve, switch and router off and back on again - I have found it best to fix the address.
Personally I find the browser interface easier to use in some ways than the nserve app.
Martin
I was under the impression that only Flash-enabled browsers will work. Indeed, if I try to use the iPhone browser, I can't. Martin are you able to use Safari on the iPad and iPhone??
I have now ripped 50 or so cd's........only 2000 to go!
I have left playing on shuffle for 2 days and keep coming back to hear the burn in progress. It has opened up and less digital now. The biggest difference is the bass though. Still nowhere near as resolving and weighty as the CDS3. Will give it more time but if no further improvement will see if I can borrow an NDX. My Hierarchy yt the moment: 1) LP12 2) CDS3 3) U/serve/Dac
Best
Simon
Similar to Simon It took the Unitiserve/nDac/555PS to significantly improve on the CDS3/555PS combo. In particular it is the quality & weight of the bass that is most evident, which is at odds with your experience so far. I would, therefore in addition to listening to a NDX, try a 555PS on the nDac.
Gerry
I am using the 555PS on the DAC with Hiline to 252........perhaps it is going to take a little longer to burn in. I do have a spare XPS2 and was looking to use that with an NDX to max out but wanted to give the DAC more time to shine before throwing more money at it. The convenience factor is sublime!
Thanks
Are you using nserve app or the browser on the iPad? If you are trying just one - then try the other. I use an iPhone, and it worked first time on both. Though once or twice I had to go through the rigmarole of switching the Userve, switch and router off and back on again - I have found it best to fix the address.
Personally I find the browser interface easier to use in some ways than the nserve app.
Martin
I was under the impression that only Flash-enabled browsers will work. Indeed, if I try to use the iPhone browser, I can't. Martin are you able to use Safari on the iPad and iPhone??
Hi
You're right - sorry - I am getting confused between the various gadgets in the house. I use N-Serve on my iPhone 3 but the browser on IE based devices as well as safari on the macbook, but doesn't seem to work on Safari on the iPhone.
Martin