New Naim NDX

The point is that, in one box, the NDX should be quite good at what it does, while adding features that the Sneaky DS does not possess (built-in Internet Radio, iPod connectivity, USB file playback, optional DAB/FM) without the nDAC.

Based on extended listening with an early pre-production prototype we've had over here for the last two months, I think that most people will probably find the NDX to be more than sufficient for their needs, without multiple brands / unused amplification / multiple boxes.

This is good news as far as I am concerned–if our pre-production prototype can get the job done in one box, the actual shipping units should in fact sound significantly better (as they often do), without going nuts on external DAC / power supply / etc.

I suspect this will be a heavily demonstrated piece and am anxiously awaiting the first dealer demo units to ship from the factory.

quote:

Originally posted by likesmusic:
So the buffering in the nDac doesn't work then? Or are you saying a Sneaky gets the bits wrong?

I do not know if your question is seriously meant, but I will try to answer it. Your question is phrased a bit strange when you write "doesnt work". It would be like saying that the CDS555 or top LP12 do not work, simply because they are not perfect (and no player ever will be perfect), they will just get better and better and arguably the 555 and LP12 are the best at the moment. I would call them very good, but with your rethorics you would call it "doesnt work".

Regarding different sources for the nDac. Please just search the forum and you will probably find 2000 posts explaining that the nDac is not totally indifferent to the source. No point elaborating it one more time when it has already been delat with sooooo much.

19 pages, wow
Just read the 2 last ones...have anyone actually compared NDX with something else or are you only debating KDS prices?
Quite silly discussion IMHO.

Nobody force you to buy one (or a 555 with PS555) so why all the complaints?
Have you seen any of the KDS owners complaining over price? I haven’t.
Normally they are VERY happy, rather strange isn't it?

It is now 4 months since I heard the KDS at length. While I personally didnt care much for its presentation it is obvious that Linn put in a lot of good work to get there.

An interesting point is if you listen to it through the Lundahl transformers or not. The Lundahls will add a slight sweetness that can take the edge out of many digital recordings.

But I'm not interested in either the KDS or the NDx anyhow. With the HDX-SSD properly warmed up I can have my cake and be free of UPnP-support at the same time.

quote:

Sneaky is Linns cheapest and simplest of the DS players. Its price is approximately 50% of the second cheapest and that then include a complete amplifier.

Just for the record the Sneaky has the exact same digital circuitry as the Makik and digitally sounds identical, Linn have confirmed this too.

quote:

Have you seen any of the KDS owners complaining over price? I haven’t.

Have you seen any of audiophile box owners complaining over price? I haven’t.

quote:

Originally posted by Occean:

quote:

Sneaky is Linns cheapest and simplest of the DS players. Its price is approximately 50% of the second cheapest and that then include a complete amplifier.

Just for the record the Sneaky has the exact same digital circuitry as the Makik and digitally sounds identical, Linn have confirmed this too.

I have not made the comparison myself, so a serius question, are you sure that the digital output is identical? Is it only the digital circuit that is the only determinant of the sound? Do we know for sure that for example not the power supply, the surrounding mechanics, the contacts etc might also have an impact? As I said, I have not tried it myself, but maybe it could be a bit more complex than just the digital circuit?

quote:

Originally posted by AMA:

quote:

Have you seen any of the KDS owners complaining over price? I haven’t.

Have you seen any of audiophile box owners complaining over price? I haven’t.

Exactly!
Only those that can't buy them complaining.

But they should be happy as even a SneakyDS (30% price) is a LOT better than an Ikemi.

Without the high end gear, no technology race and knowledge that later on trickle down into the entry level equipment. And without the revenue from the high end gear, no resources developing/manufacturing the entry level equipment.

quote:

Originally posted by David Dever:
I suspect this will be a heavily demonstrated piece

I think so too, probably more than the DAC because it is a one box source. 3 years after Linn have released their DS series, Naim will still be one of the few real competitors for Linn in high end streaming. I wonder what the rest of the pack is doing?

Low/Med End - Mainstream commodity streamers - Cyrus appear to be struggling to get their "High End" device out - it has been in dev for ages!

Tog

only question I have: what about the sound of the new NDX?

cheers
Ralf

quote:

Originally posted by T38.45:
only question I have: what about the sound of the new NDX?

cheers
Ralf

Well I like my development unit and so I fully expect I'll end up buying one for myself...

Phil

quote:

Well I like my development unit and so I fully expect I'll end up buying one for myself...

Phil

Phil, why rush? Wait for NDS which is under development (I hope!)

It will not take long -- just cut the output guts of CDS3 and land them into NDX box (a generous free advice )

NDS....sounds cool:-)
NDS on a CD3 level
NDX on a CD2 level?