I wanted to buy an NDX ... but ...

Posted by: Musicmad on 12 December 2010

Present set-up: CD5x + FC2x + SuperNait to ProAc Tri-Towers ... very happy listening.

But over the last year or so I've moved over to audio streaming using a Logitech Duet: signal from desktop PC's external HDD through router; Squeezebox receiver connected via optical to the SN's DAC ... some software and hardware issues but generally excellent.

And I really appreciate having the ability to control the music from anywhere in the house using the Squeezebox Controller or - when at my desk, via the PC (SqueezeCenter).

And so the NDX appeared to be the obvious way forward ... replace the Logitech kit with the NDX.

Only my dealer tells me that this kit is not designed for use throughout the house. There is no hand control which will allow me to see / access / control my music database. Which means I would need to be in sight of the NDX or, at best, to have access to a PC (I do not have - or want - any iPhone kit).

So it looks as if I shall be keeping my Logitech set-up unless anyone can identify where my understanding / logic is at fault.
Posted on: 15 December 2010 by Tog
@ Timbo

Since you use Squeezebox and Mac Mini as source into the NDac which do you prefer?

Tog
Posted on: 15 December 2010 by Timbo
@Tog - I think my post might be confusing. Although I use the Mac mini and NAS to rip and store music it is all played back through the SB. The mac isn't connected to the Dac directly.

Tim
Posted on: 15 December 2010 by Harry
I guess if you have Logitech gear in situ it's an easy progression. I was starting from scratch so the iPod appealed. I was considering buying a SB just for Internet radio but the HDX is supplying that now (via an iPad app).
Posted on: 15 December 2010 by likesmusic
Timbo - why not swap out the DAC for an NDX and stream straight to it? Gets the Squeezebox out of the system, which downsamples hi-res apart from anything else.
Posted on: 15 December 2010 by Timbo
Just got the Dac so am reluctant to part with it. I didn't know the SB downsamples hi-res, the NDac hi-res light comes on when I play hi res tracks. I assumed that the direct connection from SB to Dac cut out the SB internal dac so would get a better sound.

Tim
Posted on: 15 December 2010 by likesmusic
I think that Squeezecenter uses sox to downsample 24/96 and 24/192 to 24/48 when a squeezebox is the target. Still better than redbook I guess, but not the full deal if you've bought higher. The Touch can manage 24/96. You can confirm this by turning on logging in Squeezecenter and looking at the log - iirc the calls to the sox downsampler are obvious. The NDX can manage 24/384 without chicanery! I don't know what criteria the 'hi-res' light on the DAC has; perhaps it is 24 bitness.
Posted on: 15 December 2010 by Timbo
OK I'll have a look, maybe the next logical step is to add an NDX and use the external dac.

Tim
Posted on: 15 December 2010 by Tog
Well you could Tim if they were for sale. What is it with Naim? They always announce decades ahead of actually producing the product. I'm sure my parents heard a rumour about the NDX just before my christening.

Tog Winker
Posted on: 15 December 2010 by Jan-Erik Nordoen
Sightings of one have been reported somewhere between Edmonton and Montreal Roll Eyes
Posted on: 15 December 2010 by Timbo
Yep I've seen the one here in Edmonton. I thought they were on general sale?

Tim