Anyone using NDac + unitiserve?

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say you'll love it! I haven't heard this type of setup but can only imagine it's gonna be sweet. I'm jealous. Wish I could afford it.

quote:

Wondering if anyone is using this combo, what they are running it with and thier thoughts on performance. I am about to "pull the trigger" on this set up , and use it in conjunction with my 282/sc/250.2/possibly my xps (that is used with my cds3) and with my existing network from my macmini as well.

I look forward to hearing everyones experiences.

Scot
Posts: 76 | Location: Toronto Canada | Registered: Sun 24 August 2008

Curious as to the two different names here. I see you posted with different names looking at different scenarios...any luck?

quote:

Originally posted by realhifi:

quote:

Wondering if anyone is using this combo, what they are running it with and thier thoughts on performance. I am about to "pull the trigger" on this set up , and use it in conjunction with my 282/sc/250.2/possibly my xps (that is used with my cds3) and with my existing network from my macmini as well.

I look forward to hearing everyones experiences.

Scot
Posts: 76 | Location: Toronto Canada | Registered: Sun 24 August 2008

Curious as to the two different names here. I see you posted with different names looking at different scenarios...any luck?

I have two accounts on different computers (too many passwords and usernames to keep track of...so started a different account; actually didn't realize till earlier today.

I think I am going to go with the nDac and nserve. Have the nserve work with my current network as well.

Just now looking if anyone has the same or similar set-up and hoping for feedback. Thanks for you help though; your posts were very insightful and helpful.

Scot

quote:

Originally posted by realhifi:
[QUOTE]Wondering if anyone is using this combo, what they are running it with and thier thoughts on performance. I am about to "pull the trigger" on this set up , and use it in conjunction with my 282/sc/250.2/possibly my xps (that is used with my cds3) and with my existing network from my macmini as well.

I look forward to hearing everyones experiences.

Scot

Curious as to the two different names here. I see you posted with different names looking at different scenarios...any luck?

I have two accounts on different computers (too many passwords and usernames to keep track of...so started a different account; actually didn't realize till earlier today.

I think I am going to go with the nDac and nserve. Have the nserve work with my current network as well.

Just now looking if anyone has the same or similar set-up and hoping for feedback. Thanks for you help though; your posts were very insightful and helpful.

Scot

quote:

Originally posted by scotman1973:
Wondering if anyone is using this combo, what they are running it with and thier thoughts on performance. I am about to "pull the trigger" on this set up , and use it in conjunction with my 282/sc/250.2/possibly my xps (that is used with my cds3) and with my existing network from my macmini as well.

I look forward to hearing everyones experiences.

Scot

If I had CDS3/XPS I would never split it to hook XPS on nDAC.

I am keeping the cds3 , but when it is not in use the xps2 may (and will be available to) power the nDac.

Still waiting to hear from anyone with this potential set up.

Scot

Alan, thanks for the tips. I will be using my iPhone to control the nserve app.

quote:

Originally posted by scotman1973:
Wondering if anyone is using this combo, what they are running it with and thier thoughts on performance. I am about to "pull the trigger" on this set up , and use it in conjunction with my 282/sc/250.2/possibly my xps (that is used with my cds3) and with my existing network from my macmini as well.

Unless you are time-constrained, might I suggest that you do a demo with the NDX?

You'd gain the ability to utilize your existing XPS to power the NDX as an option, and you could feed the NDX from, say, a UnitiServe located elsewhere on the network. Or a UPnP NAS.

David,

Have you had a chance to listen to the NDX vs a similar set-up to what I am considering? Wondering if yo have any thoughts. I have been thinking about setting up a demo; just that no one in my area will have one.

Closest store that will have one is quite a journey given that I don't drive.

Scot

Scot,

Don't really get why you need a CDS3 if you are planning to move to a hard disk based system. If you want to keep a high quality CD player then may be worthwhile considering trading in your CDS3 for CDX2 which can connect into nDac - no need to move XPS then! Not sure either will match the CDS3?

quote:

Originally posted by Jack:
Scot,

Don't really get why you need a CDS3 if you are planning to move to a hard disk based system. If you want to keep a high quality CD player then may be worthwhile considering trading in your CDS3 for CDX2 which can connect into nDac - no need to move XPS then! Not sure either will match the CDS3?

I'm going to hold on to the cds3 for a bit longer. I love the way it sounds. I just feel the "tug" of digital convenience....yet I don't want to sacrifice sound quality entirely.

I imagine down the road I will let the cds3 go and move fully into the digital realm I do realise that I won't likely match the sound from my cds3....but if I can come close, great.

Good luck with it, I'm sure you will enjoy the UnitiServe/nDac

Wouldn't you be able to use the UnitiServe as a transport with nDac? If so, no need for the cds3.

Not sure you can do this.

Yes you can

Tog

So the nserve will play cd's as well. I thought it would just rip them.

Scot

quote:

Originally posted by scotman1973:
So the nserve will play cd's as well. I thought it would just rip them.

Scot

It has both rip-mode and play-mode

quote:

Originally posted by Aleg:

quote:

Originally posted by scotman1973:
So the nserve will play cd's as well. I thought it would just rip them.

Scot

It has both rip-mode and play-mode

Well, this has me thinking....thanks for the info. I am on my way to my dealer now....we'll see how much longer my cdp replay will last....although I do love my cds3.

Scot

Hi,

Thanks for this topic.
And all the replies. I own a NDac, but was not sure aboout the Uniti Serve. My dealer is( ), but now I now how to spent my money... .

Have a great 2011 you all.

Regards
Henk

quote:

Originally posted by scotman1973:
So the nserve will play cd's as well. I thought it would just rip them.

Scot

Technically, I do believe the nServe will play CDs- you just will not be able to hear them. You'll need something with a DAC in it for that

Thanks

Hi Scott,

I have just hooked up my Unitiserve SSD to my nDac, and can report very positively on the experience.

Most impressed with the serve it found my Netgear Nas immediately and set up could not have been more easy. The ripping process is a joy after my experiences with dbpoweramp, burning studio etc.

I have a dedicated XPS2 connected to the nDac, retaining my 555ps on the CDS3.

I am using a Harmony remote for direct control although a visual interface is required - desk top client on my laptop. I will also hook up to my plasma situated between my SL2's.

Still warming-up but sound quality is good, although I have not yet done A/B comparisons with my CDS3, as, at the moment, the connection to my nDac is via a cheap optical lead. Still waiting for DC1/Chord BNC leads.

I still find CDS more conevient to play, my 2500 cd collection is well organised and within 2/3 meters of my Player.

Gerry

I would love to hear your final thoughts, or even thoughts on your systems progression (although it is a few levels above mine). I'm excited to have found someone working with a similar set-up.

Forgive my ignorance, but how exactly does the unitiserve read your net work. I will be working with a macmini initially (I will look at a netgear NAS later)and it is in the basement. My unitiserve will be connected to my router(airport Extreme) via Ethernet , but it too is in the basement....will run cable to the upstairs system.

Thanks, and I look foreward to hear more from you,

Scot

Hi Scot and Happy New Year to you in Canada,

I have had UnitiServe SSD, DAC and NAS on loan over the Christmas period to compare with my CDX2 (Mk1 version, so analogue output only) and XPS2. I contacted my dealer on Friday to confirm I would be making the purchase. The HDD based system outperforms my CDP in every way.

I am quite familiar with the sound of the CDS3 and to my ears the Serve/DAC combo is as good and of course cheaper; factor in the ease of use and the Serve/DAC becomes a bit of a no-brainer.

I must confess I was a little worried about having a computer based audio system as my experience with iTunes on my laptop has not been particularly positive. I am pleased to say that the set up, network acquisition and subsequent ripping process on the Serve has been almost flawless, though ripping is, of course, quite time consuming. Thankfully, it should be a one off process.

The rest of my system is 252, 300, Allaes and nSub.

Cheers

Ian

quote:

Posted Sat 01 January 2011 19:06 Hide Post

I would love to hear your final thoughts, or even thoughts on your systems progression (although it is a few levels above mine). I'm excited to have found someone working with a similar set-up.

Forgive my ignorance, but how exactly does the unitiserve read your net work. I will be working with a macmini initially (I will look at a netgear NAS later)and it is in the basement. My unitiserve will be connected to my router(airport Extreme) via Ethernet , but it too is in the basement....will run cable to the upstairs system.

Thanks, and I look foreward to hear more from you,

Hi Scot,

I now have CDS3/555PS,552,2*300's,Snaxo/SC2,nDac/XPS2,Unitiserve,SL2's,nSub. Also AV2 & Nap175 for AV purposes. I started on the Naim route in 1988 with a second hand set of 42.5/HiCap/140 driving with some difficulty (Phone Booth like) TDL Monitors.

I have upgraded, box by box over the years (5 pre-amps,4 power amps,3 CD players & 2 Speakers), and have never been dissapointed with any upgrade. The most significant changes in my system, were:

Supercap replacing 2*HiCaps on an 82
SBL's repacing TDL Monitors (less scale but more of everthing else)
SL2's replacing SBL's
CDS3 replacing CDS2
300's replacing 250.2's
Addition of nSub.

As regards my network I have a Netgear WNDr3700 router, Netgear Readynas Duo & ZyGEL 8 port ethernet Hub. The Unitiserve is wired to the hub, and it found the NAS unit immedediately. I used the web browser,on my laptop, to access the system set-up menu mainly to set music store for ripping purposes. Ripping is so simple just pop the CD in the Serve and it will rip to the NAS in 8 Minutes, with auto eject when finished.

It's a busy family time at the moment in my house and I have not yet done A/B comparison with the CDS3 or even tried the CD player facility of the Serve - I am looking forward to this. I also am awaiting better digital cabling to connect with the nDac. My initial thoughts are that there is not much difference with the CDS3.

I will update in due course.

Regards

Gerry