I know this is another this vs that thread, but I need your guidance.
System: Ayre KXR + MXR+ Cymbiosis/Harban LP12+ Ayre SACD and Monitor Audio Platinum 100 loudspeakers. System tuned by Dr. Pete. Now I'm looking for a streaming solution. Presently I'm using a UQute (hard-wired via an Airport Express) and a Sonos (digital out into the UQute). Server is a recently (tragically) serviced UServe (see my other thread on the importance of back-up). I will probably stick with the UServe because of the convenience factor, but I will definitely be backing it up now.
So, question relates to the streaming source. I would like to replace the UQute with something more befitting the quality of the rest of my system. I value a fullsome sound (not fond of a detailed but thin/flat presentation). The choices I have narrowed down to are as follows:
1) ND5XS or NDX
Advantages: accepts hi-res (not that big of a deal to me as most hi-res downloads are cr*ppy music); accepts digital inputs (such as from Sonos so I can stream Sirius/XM which I very much enjoy, and ipod input for parties). And I can at least hear this one in my system.
Disadvantages: user interface is not as good as Sonos (by experience) or the interface for Linn streamers (hearsay only).
2) Linn Akurate DS
Advantages: supposedly superior user interface; good rep for sound quality (though no opportunity to hear in my system before purchase), apparently good support and a big team of qualified individuals to update the hardward/software.
Disadvantages: No digital inputs, no Sirius/XM, no opportunity to audition before purchase.
3) Sonos + nDAC (or another quality DAC??)
Advantages: Great user interface; very reliable; good user support.
Disadvantages: 2 boxes + another interconnect. Sound quality limited by the Sonos? No hi-res.
Some might argue that the Klimax DS (or NDS) might be the most appropriate to match the rest of my system. However, I'm a bit reluctant to make that kind of investment when streaming is still relatively in its infancy. (Kind of like investing in a top-of-the-line DVD or blu-ray player!)
Look forward to your comments.
Posted on: 18 April 2012 by Scarydog
I've just been through a similar dilemma. So I had Sonos into UQ and wasn't really happy with the sound. Uniqute by itself sounded much better but the interface is terrible and I found I just wasn't listening to music because of the hassle.
My choices where ND5XS on it's own or UQ/Sonos into nDac.
I went with the nDac. It sounds fantastic with the Sonos and the UQ. Though I only use the UQ occasionally as it is a pain. But good to be able to play hi-res.
I'm happy, the music sounds great and I am listening to more than ever. If the nserve software ever approaches usable I will probably get a ND5XS or similar to stream into the ndac
Nathan
Posted on: 18 April 2012 by james n
Are you looking at the Akurate DSM as this has a multitude of inputs (unlike the original ADS). I've had both the Linn and Naim streaming options (ADS/0 and now NDX). The NDX (to me) is better than the original Akurate, but the later ones are supposedly better. The nDAC and NDX sound different again but at least have the Naim house sound. You really need to audition all options to see which you prefer. The presentation is different between them all.
Software wise, the Linn wins hands down over the Naim (but is not quite as slick as the latest Sonos). It's a more mature control product (helped by the Linn open source model). Even things such as firmware updates are a 5 min job without removing the unit from the system. Naim need to get their act together for this aspect of ownership.
James
Posted on: 18 April 2012 by Hook
The Ayre QB-9 seems to be very well-reviewed. Given the rest of your system, and your regard for Sonos UI, I think this may be your path of least resistance.
Of course, if you have the time and energy, you could always demo the two and decide which you prefer. One advantage of the QB9 is its async USB interface, so you could directly connect a laptop in order to play high resolution files up to 24/192. You would need a USB-toS/DIF converter to do this with the Naim DAC, but it has the advantage of its upgrade path. As your system grows in quality, the Naim DAC can be upgraded to stay in balance (by adding XPS2 or 555PS power supplies, PowerLine mains cable and Hi-Line interconnect).
IME, when the DAC/555PS is fed a high quality S/PDIF source, it delivers world class sound quality. I think it is right up there with the KDS/1 (which finally I heard for the first time last weekend), and may only be surpassed by the new Naim NDS/555PS. The only question is by how much...but I digress. Still, it is amazing to me how much a PS upgrade can transform an audio component...
Good luck with your decision. Hard to go wrong with either the Naim or Ayre DAC's IMO.
Hook
Posted on: 18 April 2012 by Guido Fawkes
I wonder if Naim would ever consider licensing software from Sonos rather than developing its own. The Sonos software is superb, but the hardware is adequate. W4S can upgrade it so its sounds great with CD rips, but it still can't play 24 bit recordings.
The vanilla Sonos Connect has quite high jitter on S/PDIF out so it should be no surprise that the Naim DAC with its jitter reduction (elimination?) technology sounds better than UQ. The UQ does like a nice low jitter feed such as the one from a W4S Sonos Connect or a Mac Mini Lion.
I have never heard an Ayre product so I do not know how they sound compared with Naim or anything really; I do know that are very well respected and reported to sound very good. So you may not want to change them.
Posted on: 18 April 2012 by Hook
I heard the QB-9 being driven by Mac Mini at last year's RMAF.
I remember was that it was an all-Ayre setup with Vienna Acoustics Kiss speakers, and once I got them to turn the volume down, it was a very nice listen. I recall that the speakers, as well as the Ayre components, were all in the $15-20k USD range.
An interesting example of "source last"....
Hook
Posted on: 18 April 2012 by Obsessed1
Thanks for the input. I'm not really interested in the QB-9 because I want the source to be either NDX/ND5X or Linn or Sonos, and the QB-9 only accepts USB input. I don't want to have to hook up a computer to listen - hence the UServe.
Unfortunately, the local Linn dealer stopped carrying Linn products altogether, so there is no opportunity to bring one of them home for a listen.
