Best way to use naim DAC ?

Tony,

I hear you, but that is like me saying "I dont require Fraims, DBLs, active crossovers and three 500s to listen to music".

It is a true statement, but it does not invalidate any of the reasons why you do like them and why you would suggest them to others.  Especially if they solved a particular problem someone was having.

Sure you dont require anything on that list but you cant deny some would be nice.  How can you argue against faster performance and instant, easy support.  I would eat my hat if you have NEVER wanted either.

Please recall that much of this discussion stems from people disliking Naim's approach, and UPNP in general, solely due to the fact that it is not well supported by Mac OS and by extension iTunes.

I am really just trying to help someone like Richard who seems to really want to use Naim's products.  In the process I am making light of possible advantages of a different Server/Player. 

People are spending thousands on NAS products and they could very easily build a sub $400 PC with J River running headless and jam it in a closet.  Even if they wanted a GUI they would never see a windows screen if desired. It would look like Front Row, in full screen, but with all the controls of the standard interface and a much sexier look.

Take care,

Patrick

Yep have done that and it did not ask about compare and contrast and go on about Apple or PC/Jriver it says:-

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Hi Mates,

I would like to know on your opinion on the following:

What is the best way to use naim DAC to playback

mostly high resolution music files that are in FLAC format:

1. Using a network music player (naim or non naim)

    streaming to DAC from PC or NAS.

2. Using a PC and an USB/SPDIF converter into DAC.

3. USB memory sticks  to DAC. (Yes, a pain to use but sounds well...)

Unfortunately, I am not able to compare all the methods

so I would like to hear about your expreience.

Best regards,

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So not sure what you are posting about and your posts don't upset me they just sound like a broken record or is that an MP3 file...

I couldn't either.  I downloaded at least three times and played for a few days.

I must have been missing a major method of finding settings etc.  I could get it to play music but I know my experience wasn't what Garyi and others must have.

It seemed that everything on their website for "skins" and whatnot were really old and Im not sure I ever found a robust forum of any kind.

But I do hear it is nice from those who dig it.  The still screenshots look good.

Maybe it is more for video or something.

-Patrick

Sorry for rambling.  I wont get offended by a "shut up Stockton".

Cheers,

Patrick

Originally Posted by Richard Lord:

 

SuperUniity.  But will it sound any good if fed directly off my optical out of my MB?

 

Why?  It doesn't have the connection you want.

 

You wont be using half of its purpose.  Get a Supernait if you want to downscale.

 

Despite not having the best hearing acuity, I trust others who do.  One such is a friend who tells me he found the Supernait "boring".  He has found the Nait XS at around £1,000 cheaper to walk all over the Supernait.

I have (or rather had) at least two VLC apps for my iPad. One required me to open a Googlemail address and for me to log into it on the iMac or MB to control things. Waste of space. Slow and quirky. I find the Remote app for iTunes control and Air Video for DVD display all I require.

As you know the DVD standard embraces many dozens or even hundreds of two part (private and public) encryption keys to decrypt the content. However, the standard enforces that copies of every key issued is embedded into every DVD.Thus any private key can decrypt any DVD.  Well several keys have been broken and have been published and available to those that know and are incorporated into Handbrake.  To try and remove the broken keys would break the DVD standard. Some DVDs already in existence would not be playable if these keys were removed from players.  It is why Handbrake ignores Regional Coding.

I do not have 5.1. I am strictly a two channel man.

BTW, Handbrake has many options. One I like is it allows you to choose the language to be used for replay (where multiple choices are available). It also allows you to choose the language for sub titles, where available. I recently bought the uncut version of "Das Boot". Bought in from Stateside, thus Region 1. My iMac protested and wanted to change the Regional Coding from 2 to 1.  I disallowed it. Instead I just started up Handbrake and off I went.  I now have a spoken English version and the original German version.  With the German version, I added the English sub titles, although not really necessary as so much is body language.  

Richard

You are a really nice chap, Patrick. But really, why not accept that not everyone will agree with you. To use your favourite program requires Windows. Enough said. I rest my case.

Richard

It has been a while since I last heard a Supernait but I did recently demo the XS and it was absolutely KILLER!  I would trade my 102/180 for one for sure.

-Patrick

I am not trying to get anyone to "agree" with me about anything.  Just planting seeds.... who knows if they'll take root?  I am not sure if those who have only ever used iTunes know what other players can do.

I have many friends who want to do what I can do and get a "closet PC" (in more ways than one) for the purpose.

There may be some out there, in your same boat, who has less extreme prejudice about the OS involved.

I would certainly not hesitate to buy a Mac in a second if the tables were turned and Mac OS had something like J River and I only had iTunes. 

But whatever.....  Enough said [by me] is right.  I will bow out.

Take care,

Patrick

Rooted and sprouting !

Patrick : THANKS !!!! I've just installed it and currently running in theatre view, per your recommendation. I get it now, the interface just puts everything else to shame. I've used iTunes, MediaMonkey and Foobar but gave up. The interface is just soooo crucial to the whole experience and JRiver's just makes so much sense . Got to go, lots to listen to.

Much appreciated

Jan

Im really happy you like it.  Get the JRemote App.  The forum is great btw.

Cheers,

p

A completely irrelevant comparison. Besides, I've yet to hear a computer music solution that makes the sonic difference equivalent to a change from, say, standard racking to Fraim, let alone the other bits of kit you mention. iTunes sounds really good.

Faster? 1. select tune, 2. select play, 3. immediate music. Instant, easy support? Never needed so far, but 1. type problem into Google, 2. get oodles of info.

A helpful suggestion for you Patrick; (assuming you are neither Jewish or Muslim) drape rashers of streaky bacon over a heatproof half-hemisphere the size of your head, bake in oven until crisp, the rashers will bind together. Confirm it fits your head then line with crispy lettuce, pile chunks of cold chicken in a rich creamy sauce on the lettuce, eat!

PS, J.River doesn't appear to decode the HD surround sound formats, so no use to me I'm afraid.

Stereo, Quadraphonic, 3.1 surround, 5.1 surround and 7.1 surround. 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz and 192 kHz. DVD-A, DTS-HD, DD, or TrueHD.

Sorry Patrick, but it doesn't decode it, it handles it. OK if you want to stream it via HDMI...

I dont know all of the details of this feature as I simply bitstream everything and let my Yamaha decode it.  I do know I have seen both DD and DTS-HD lights pop up when the video is decoded as such.  A Cream documentary I have has the option for both DD and DTS audio and switching between them switches things at the Yamaha.  Works well for my needs. So yes i think it is passing them through in this case.

I am not sure why I would want to decode on the PC and output 6 analog streams when I bought a Yamaha precisely for this end. 

However I do know regarding DTS-HD that "MC supports the option to both decode on the PC at full bit rate and depth (default) or bitstream".

I dont understand what your bacon helmet is all about. but.... I am trying to bow out.  I know you aren't appreciating my view or me in general, so stop addressing me and I will be gone.

-Patrick

Sorry for my obscure humour Patrick. The bacon suggestion was all about you eating your own hat!

I was being mischievous about the HD decoding thing. Best wishes! 

Tony.

AHA....  sorry I was a little slow on the uptake there.  Sounds yummy.

Cheers!

Patrick