HDX Noob Dumb Questions Alert

Firstly - HDX - good plan!

Q1 - Answer = Yes

Q2 - The downloaded file is stored on a PC or a NAS drive (or somewhere) in a Folder that is Shared (i.e you give access to this folder to other computers, including the HDX).  The HDX 'sees' this shared folder on the network (another clue - keep it connected) and will index it and include its contents for playing. So the 'downloads' are done and stored using your PC, then played back with the HDX.

Q3 - Naim, B&W, Linn and loads on HD Tracks ("America only" site that can be accessed from the UK - see other posts on this!!). Probably more and I would think watch for more replies. Meanwhile Google 'High definition Music'

Q4 - NO.  But you can 'share' the folder your i-tunes library is in and thus see it & play from it on your HDX.

Remember - there's no such thing as a silly question... there's only a silly answer (I hope this isn't one of them).

G,

A thought -

If you are only going to be using the internal drives you don't need networking at all.

If you have a TV in the vicinity of your HiFi you can plug the HDX into that, and use the Naim remote to control it via the web interface displayed on the TV.

This is what I do with my NS01 - although I do stream the audio from a NAS.

I have found it GREAT to listen to music again WITHOUT the distraction of a computer in the listening area.

M

Thanks M I do have a tv which could be used but I'll need the network connection anyhow to provide all the album data whilst ripping .....and the iPad app seems so convenient and intuitive compared to faffing switching the telly on and off and using a remote.  I guess it allows me the option of testing whether the homeplug is having an adverse effect on the sonics.

One further thought - Is the issue of potentially degraded sound quality using the homeplug solution only an issue if you are streaming from a NAS but not if you are simply using the hard drive?

And thanks RJ.  G

G,

Personally, I would avoid homeplug as it puts more noise into the mains, and potentially into your other HiFi.

But you only need it available whilst ripping, which I tend to do once per week.

M

G,

After you are done accessing the homeplug network, you could unplug the HDX, then connect it to an Airport Express (or similar wireless access point) to create a new network whose only purpose is to allow iPad control of the HDX, without Internet.  Of course, the iPad would need to switch to the new network, losing its connection to the Internet at the same time.  I would not be willing to give up Internet on the iPad to dedicate it so, but maybe you would?

I am still trying out an HDX.  I like it.

Good luck.

Nick

Thanks everyone.  I guess just getting stuck in and trying various options is the thing.  Some seem to get on fine with the mains ethernet from my reading....and some reckon it's the devil reincarnate.  Worst case scenario is lifting the floor a bit to run an ethernet cable as we've no carpets!  

From what I understand longish runs are ok?.  G

Graeme - i use mains ethernet for my HDX and have never had a problem with it . Cant hear any sound degradation with it permanently connected versus disconnecting. I use a small PC notebook to control with the Desktop client and its a joy to use. Also about to take delivery of 555 and DAC and am waiting with nervous anticipation to hear how it sounds in situ  .   Graham .

That's reassuring Graham.  I'll use the HDX with the 555PS from the off.  The DAC might take a little while to aquire, we'll see...the temptation might get to me whilst I wait a couple of weeks for the HDX to arrive.

I'll watch this thread for your impressions if you wouldn't mind posting them when you are set up.  I'm moving from a CDS3 555PS.....so a bit apprehensive!  G

Will definitely post when i get the black boxes Graeme - strange how us grown ups can get nervous and apprehensive about these black boxes and changes to our systems !   I am probably going about it the wrong way because i will end up with a reference(?) front end and relatively weaker pre and power amp .. but they will come later.   Graham.

Sounds very traditional 'flat earth' to me, source first.

M

Well there were quite a lot of views on the forum that i should have gone 552 first , even if pre owned. 

If you have a router but can't run a cable directly into it from the HDX, try a wireless bridge. This is what we did. Bridge in the lounge talks to the hub wirelessly. HDX (and in our case NAS) wired to the hub. Works a treat and although the network doesn't actually care where any of the resources are located, the music bits are essentially wired together. The only WiFi used is for music is DB look up when ripping. this also works a treat.

Thanks Harry.  I read about your 'bridge' solution in older threads but must confess to not being any the wiser as to what to do to set this up.....G

I'm looking it up now........think I'm getting it.  Essentially the wireless router sends a signal to another router which it then connected to the HDX.   Looks complicated to set up.  G

I wasn't looking forward to setting it up but it was easy and involved hitting "OK" a few times. We've got a Buffalo bridge with four ports. A nasty little bit of plastic but it's what's inside that does the magic. We have two wired ports on our hub. We had to attach the bridge to one of them with a patch cable to set it up. This was automatic and took about five minutes. We then just unplugged it, walked it into the lounge, switched it on et voilà! Attached laptop to the bridge, got a good internet connection, rang the dealer, ordered the HDX.

Running a cable through the house would be simple but a lot of aggravation and mess. This was Plan B if we couldn't set the bridge up. But it was easy.

So you've got a few options.

Graham,

My personal view is whatever floats your boat. Your ears, your money, your opinion.

M

Really if you could get ethernet to it, that would be best, and you can easily run up to 100 metre single runs of cat5e.

Not sure how huge your house is, but 100 metres is a long way really. In my house the longest I have run so far is 20.

Thanks folks.  G

OK.....I think I've managed to sort cabling direct from the router.

Which is the naim interconnect/termination to best link the HDX to the DAC please, BNC -BNC DC1?

Thanks

G

Good question!

DC1 is fine. It could be all you'll ever need or want. I was a big fan of Chord Indigo Plus but have now gone off this in favour of Audioquest Eagle Eye. Cables do make a difference. A big difference in my system to my ears. If DC1 was the only option I wouldn't complain.

Thanks Harry.  I just want the best naim 'fit and forget' cable so the BNC terminations are the ones to go for I guess.

Two weeks to wait.... G

Yep. It will do more than fine.

Two weeks huh?  Oh well. could be worse, could be raining. Oh hang on...

Still, plenty of time to test test the connectivity - unless you are installing it at the same time as the HDX. I didn't find too much in the way of a running period with the HDX so unless my experience is paradoxical it should hit the ground running and maybe tighten up a bit in the first few days.

If the constellations align the HDX, DAC and relative cabling/DIY should all fall into place in 2weeks.  The 555PS is still attached to the CDS3 and awaits its new partner.....then lots of boring hours ripping!  

Graeme

Sorry. Not paying attention. DAC going on also with the option to try a 555PS. Cor. It'll be worth the wait.

Constellation 1 has fallen into place.  Just secured an ex-demo nDac & DC1 for sensible funds which should arrive this week.  All I can do is look at it of course until the HDX arrives!

I keep telling myself that waiting is part of the fun.  It is, it really is.......Now, should I build it in stages or just put it all together at once.....decisions, decisions. G