HDX or NS01

Posted by: Eloise on 22 June 2009

Apart from the front panel touch screen on the HDX ... if used with the new Naim DAC, would there likely be any audible difference between using the HDX or the NS01. Given that the NS01 is around £3000 compared with £4500 for the HDX - the NS01 seams like could be a bargain for use with the DAC.

Eloise
Posted on: 22 June 2009 by james n
quote:
NS01 seams like could be a bargain for use with the DAC.


So would a Sonos.
Posted on: 27 June 2009 by andrew jameson
GIven the imminent arrival of the DAC i thought this was a really good question ... Anyone have a view?
Posted on: 27 June 2009 by gary1 (US)
They are not the same. I have not heard the NS01, but it has been posted on here by some employees of Naim that the HDX is much better than the NS01 from a music perspective.

The only way to know for yourself is to demo them Naked and with the DAC. That's assuming the NS01 has a digital out. Also the NS01 is not upgradeable with power supply.
Posted on: 27 June 2009 by David Dever
There should be little difference between either unit when using the SPDIF out–I use an NS01 at home with a SUPERNAIT via the digital out. (But the HDX analogue out is better still than either unit's digital out through the SUPERNAIT.)

Both units possess transformer- and stream-isolated digital outs fed from the same Naim-designed PCI card. And both units are supplied with an IR remote handset....

And we have units in stock Big Grin
Posted on: 27 June 2009 by js
quote:
Originally posted by james n:
quote:
NS01 seams like could be a bargain for use with the DAC.


So would a Sonos.
Most of the moderately priced streamers, and I like the Sonos, are pretty noisey at the dig out. Even reclocking doesn't correct for all noise which I used to think part of the jitter component but have learned is not. Apperantly even reclocking doesn't remove all of it as some will be recognized as part of the stream.
Posted on: 27 June 2009 by fixedwheel
quote:
Originally posted by gary1 (US):
They are not the same. I have not heard the NS01, but it has been posted on here by some employees of Naim that the HDX is much better than the NS01 from a music perspective.

The only way to know for yourself is to demo them Naked and with the DAC. That's assuming the NS01 has a digital out. Also the NS01 is not upgradeable with power supply.


As Eloise (the OP) specifically states that the DAC would be part of the system then the analogue outputs are irrelavant.

And as a DAC is part of the system the lack of a power supply socket on the NS01 is also irrelavant, the PSU goes on the DAC in this config.

I have heard the HDX bare, the HDX with the DAC, and the HDX feeding the DAC/555PS combo.

From what I have heard listening to all 3 combos back to back, I wouldn't consider the HDX without the DAC. The DAC really is that big an improvement. Adding the 555PS onto the DAC at that point made a subtle difference by comparison.

John
Posted on: 27 June 2009 by Jonn
Just out of interest were you able to compare the HDX/555PS against the HDX/DAC without an additional power supply? Difference in cost is nearly £3000!
Jon
Posted on: 27 June 2009 by fixedwheel
No, but in my opinion the fantastic flexibility of the DAC would be where I would focus anyway.

For the same cost as HDX/555PS you could go HDX/DAC/XPS.

I suppose it would depend on what you already had, but if you already had HDX/555PS then adding the DAC and moving the 555PS to the DAC would be 2K.

It would have to be a combo to audition.

John