Mac Mini to SuperNait: Hiface EVO Vs Halide Bridge
Posted by: winkyincanada on 31 December 2010
I understand these to be considered an upgrade in the way I connect my Mac Mini to my SuperNait (currently S/PDIF via optical Toslink).
They are similarly priced. Would someone offer a view as to the relative sonic merits, please?
They are similarly priced. Would someone offer a view as to the relative sonic merits, please?
Posted on: 04 January 2011 by Hook
quote:Originally posted by pcstockton:quote:Let's face it, there is no really satisfying, clean way of getting music from a hard-disc to an nDAC.
Soundcard connected to DAC via digital cable. Clean and satisfies me.
Ditto. JRMC and the RME 9632 couldn't be simpler to install or easier to use. And the sound quality makes my socks roll up and down.
Likemusic - have you actually tried something and been disappointed, or are you simply trying to provoke a reaction?
Hook
Posted on: 04 January 2011 by AMA
quote:Let's face it, there is no really satisfying, clean way of getting music from a hard-disc to an nDAC.
I'm using Logitech Transporter with nDAC and it sounds almost the same as USB/nDAC.
I have to say that Logitech GUI is very friendly and flexible and intuitive.
I have an instant and easy access to my music store and it makes me hard to come back to CDs.
Sonically my current digital source TP/DC1/nDAC/XPS/Hiline (all gears gears powerlined including TP) is definitely one of the best sources ever fronted my 282/HC/250.2 system. I did direct A/B tests against Linn Klimax DS and though both sources have their strong and weak elements they are definitely on the same shelf of sound quality. From my memories of playing CDS3 my current digital source is more resolving and open sounding (but that was not in A/B test).
If you can find a chance to try USB/NDAC/XPS at your dealer it may change your mind.
Posted on: 04 January 2011 by AMA
quote:But all the things you have mentioned, haven't they gone through this with the NDX in any case?
Allen, I think that nDAC does not have enough physical space to accommodate streaming board. Most probably the top Naim streamer will be two-box solution, one box containing streamer and DAC board and the second box is external PS (XPS or 555PS).
I'm sure once Naim accumulates design/production experience with nDAC and NDX they will manage the new top-spec streamer. Besides I have to say that bringing nDAC to CD555 performance seems to be still in perspective. The CD555 level streamer will surely be a stellar in audiophile world but it may take years to come up. In the meantime we both can enjoy nDAC.
BTW do you have dCS dealer on CI? Interesting to see what you think on Scarlatti DAC.
Posted on: 05 January 2011 by js
AMA, it's not an issue of room, it's an issue of whether to compromise the space to put it there. The NDX is not identical to the Ndac but very close in principal. There are space and cost compromises involved but if you look at what's done they seem to be well chosen. They can't be identical due to chip design, noise shaping etc. The DAC chip in the NDX may actually be more tolerant of differences required for packaging and price and chosen for it. Word is that they are very pleased with it's development.
I think the dig out may be as much for a future product as the current Ndac but if you already own an Ndac and like the Ndx config, why not get some benefit, regardless of amount. We'll see how these aspects fall into place once available.
I think the dig out may be as much for a future product as the current Ndac but if you already own an Ndac and like the Ndx config, why not get some benefit, regardless of amount. We'll see how these aspects fall into place once available.
Posted on: 05 January 2011 by AMA
js, having TP/DC1/nDAC/XPS/Hiline I enjoy the digital sound broadly -- especially hi-res.
Naim should release a CD555-level streamer to move me on. I doubt that NDX/nDAC-based system is there. We'll see...
Naim should release a CD555-level streamer to move me on. I doubt that NDX/nDAC-based system is there. We'll see...
Posted on: 12 January 2011 by winkyincanada
Just installed the Halide bridge. Nice. Not earth-shattering but not unpleasant, and dead easy to set up. Switched to "SPDIF bridge" in "sounds" and re-mapped my SuperNait inputs from optical to coax.
Posted on: 12 January 2011 by winkyincanada
Really liking the Halide bridge now. Less "edge" but just as fast and detailed as the optical. Dare I say, less "digital"? Whatever that means.
Posted on: 12 January 2011 by Tog
The Bridge is remarkable value in the overheated world of cables.
Tog
Tog
Posted on: 13 January 2011 by likesmusic
Judging from reports from CES 2011 there seem to be several DACs with asynchronous USB inputs appearing.
Posted on: 13 January 2011 by AMA
How does the Bridge goes against USB input on nDAC?
Posted on: 13 January 2011 by DHT
Yes read some very enthusiastic posts on the new M2Tech DAC, 24/384 async USB!
Posted on: 13 January 2011 by Tog
Do you mean the young?
Tog
Tog
Posted on: 13 January 2011 by Guido Fawkes
Hi Mr Tog
Who did you buy your Halide Bridge from?
Many thanks, Rotf
Who did you buy your Halide Bridge from?
Many thanks, Rotf
Posted on: 13 January 2011 by Tog
quote:Originally posted by ROTF:
Hi Mr Tog
Who did you buy your Halide Bridge from?
Many thanks, Rotf
Item
http://www.itemaudio.co.uk/
For M2Tech - Hiface... the very nice folks at Purite - they are Computer Audio enthusiasts - lovely people
www.puriteaudio.co.uk/
Tog
Posted on: 13 January 2011 by Right Wing
quote:Originally posted by DHT:
Yes read some very enthusiastic posts on the new M2Tech DAC, 24/384 async USB!
Me too
.I hope to get mine by the end of the month.
Posted on: 13 January 2011 by Guido Fawkes
Thanks Togquote:Originally posted by Tog:Itemquote:Originally posted by ROTF:
Hi Mr Tog
Who did you buy your Halide Bridge from?
Many thanks, Rotf
http://www.itemaudio.co.uk/
For M2Tech - Hiface... the very nice folks at Purite - they are Computer Audio enthusiasts - lovely people
www.puriteaudio.co.uk/
Tog
Posted on: 13 January 2011 by js
Looks neat. BB chips, interesting pre processing. Think it could use a dedicated multi V linear supply instead of just a V in with additionl regulation but still interesting. Naim chose a different BB delta/sigma dac chip for their units that use them after listening to the lot but I'm sure this was also chosen for a reason. Proof will be in an audition.