Naim streamer news?

I'm assuming you still need something to serve the music when using the NDX so there are other differences to be considered.

The Serve definitely looks more appealing to me even though I don't really need the ripper - I can feed it directly into the nDAC and dont have to worry about servers either.

quote:

Originally posted by CraigB:
Patrick,

It's not bitching at all - more like I'm trying to see what the natural Naim partner for the nDAC is, now that the NDX is announced.

I've just bought the nDAC and I had hoped there would be a solution for the features I wanted but it looks like the optimum solution is to trade it in for the NDX.

I understand streaming solutions very well, and Naim's product range to date for this new era of hi-fi, but I think their range is right now missing a simple streamer box - an NDX without DAC.

But you can buy those (NDX without DAC) from non naim companies?

quote:

I think their range is right now missing a simple streamer box

How is that "missing" product NOT the Uniserve? Because it has a ripping drive? Who cares?

Sure Ali,

And my Transporter is a good example, but I'd rather go all-Naim so as to benefit from the development integration, single remote, future support, wife appeal etc etc .

From Naim's responses on the other thread, it seems the only answer for me (and I suspect many others from reading the posts over the last few months) is to either trade in to a NDX, or to consider my nDAC as an upgrade to the NDX and therefore add the NDX to it.

quote:

they would at least develop a streamer box to be a relatively cheap box which plugs into their reference DAC to give file streaming and iRadio, without duplicating DAC and digital inputs.

Always leave room for improvement–initial listening tests of a prototype NDX unit were very good standalone, let alone with the DAC.

Personally, I see a lot of NDX / NAC 202 / HiCap / NAPSC / NAP 200 systems in our future - finally, an audiophile streamer for the rest of us!

Patrick,

UnitiServe doesn't do internet radio. You're right I could plug in an iPod for radio duties but that's not the same looks-wise and operationally as having a dedicated box with remote.

I trying to keep with a hi-fi system in my living room rather than having PCs, iPods and umbilical cords dotted around the place.

quote:

I'm trying to see what the natural Naim partner for the nDAC is

Well it depends on what you want to do. I dont think there is one single natural partner. If there was one, I would say it is a PC, but thats just me. The PC does everything, rips, serves, stores, internet anything, expandable, customizable, versatile etc...

Your options WITH your NDAC are:
- iPhone (wireless streaming and internet radio)
- NDX (same as above but in a Naim box with wired streaming as well)
- Uniserve (ripping and storage, no radio)
- HDX (ripping, storage, wired serving)

The Qute could be used as well but redundant Pre and Power seem to be overly superfluous.

The natural partner is one of many options.

quote:

UnitiServe doesn't do internet radio.

Right, thats why the NDX does.

Sorry Naim didn't develop the perfect box for CraigB.

What is wrong with using the NDX into the Naim DAC?

If that is simply too expensive then front your Naim DAC with a SB Touch or something.

I cant see sacrificing the quality of the DAC, i.e. trade in your DAC, simply to gain crappy lossy internet radio. It is a lose/lose situation.

quote:

consider my nDAC as an upgrade to the NDX and therefore add the NDX to it.

Now you are talking!!!

quote:

Originally posted by David Dever:

quote:

they would at least develop a streamer box to be a relatively cheap box which plugs into their reference DAC to give file streaming and iRadio, without duplicating DAC and digital inputs.

Always leave room for improvement–initial listening tests of a prototype NDX unit were very good standalone, let alone with the DAC.

Personally, I see a lot of NDX / NAC 202 / HiCap / NAPSC / NAP 200 systems in our future - finally, an audiophile streamer for the rest of us!

why 202/200 (my favourite btw) ? why not 282/250...?

What a disappointment.

It employs some of the technology of the nDAC, yet isn't as good, though it costs more (£3k) and can be upgraded with an nDac, making a cost of £5K ... and although it has wireless, according to Steward ethernet sounds better


Why can't it just sound as good as the nDAC, yet just offer some more input possibilities and streaming for the extra money?

quote:

Why can't it just sound as good as the nDAC, yet just offer some more input possibilities and streaming for the extra money?

Why stop there.... why cant it be as expensive as a 5i, but perform like the 555 with dual PS.

That isn't the point of the NDX. If you want streaming AND a DAC on par with the Naim DAC, get the Serve/DAC.

Your question is like asking why you cant get the performance of a 282/250 with the Supernait.

Obviously Naim has found that the best possible DAC doesn't include a streamer and internet radio.

You dont think it is possible that making the Klimax a 2 or 3 (with PSU) box source could increase its performance?

Just because Linn doesn't offer upgrades, doesn't mean it is impossible to improve on the Klimax. And just because Naim offers upgrades doesn't entail that you require them for good replay. Options are good.

-Patrick

The idea of buying a networked DAC for three grand that you can upgrade by buying another DAC for two grand is absurd.

Given a good connection, there is no reason wireless doesn't sound as good as wired. Wireless is suseptible to give drop outs; but with good signal the data getting to the NDX (etc.) is identical with wired or wires Ethernet.

Eloise

quote:

You dont think it is possible that making the Klimax a 2 or 3 (with PSU) box source could increase its performance?

PC, don't inflict your idea of great system architecture on other companies.

I think I'll leave the elegant four box, four power supply, two dac solutions where they belong, thanks.

I do thank God that after 30 years as a customer I didn't follow Naim down this crazy road...options - you are having a laugh.

What's the problem with two DAC? Every Naim CD transport used with the DAC is a system with 2 DACs. I think this is the way it needs to be looked at - a standalone streamer which CAN be upgraded...

And let's wait till we can have proper comparisons before writing it off. Maybe the NDX already competes with the Klimax or maybe it needs the 555PS to compete. NO ONE hardly has heard a production NDX - don't write it off yet.

I'm coming to the conclusion have the people here are Naim anti-fanboys - for fanboys everything produced is wonderful; it seams like for some of you nothing Naim could produce (for a streamer) will be right!

Eloise

I am quite prepared to be wrong but if as Naim is suggesting introducing an nDAC will improve the performance of the NDX it is pretty unlikely that the NDX/555PS combo will compete with a KDS with BUILT IN PS upgrade already part of the deal ( Dynamix).

Like Abbydog I opted for a simpler life, without loss of audio quality on a platform that does what is needed with just one box.

Please don't anybody suggest yet again that I am missing out on all the flexibility ( and confusion ) that Naim offers and start on about connection possibilities I don't have because I am stuck with just a lonely little industry standard network interface That just doesn't work as an argument and we've raked those old coals enough.

Geoff

quote:

Originally posted by Eloise:
Given a good connection, there is no reason wireless doesn't sound as good as wired. Wireless is suseptible to give drop outs; but with good signal the data getting to the NDX (etc.) is identical with wired or wires Ethernet.

Eloise

According to Malcolm Steward, from the link posted earlier:

"the NDX does wireless “for convenience,” says Naim. Which means use ethernet if you want the best sounding, most reliable performance"

quote:

Like Abbydog I opted for a simpler life,

I as well.
PC directly into Naim DAC. As easy as it gets.

I dont mind that there are upgrades available like an XPS, Powerline or Hiline. I dont need them and the performance is stunning without them. It is nice to know I can upgrade (i.e. go from Majik to Akurate level), without needing to buy a completely new source. I can simply add a PSU to the existing kit. Maybe add a powerline later on.

I dont mind options at all.

-Patrick

quote:

PC, don't inflict your idea of great system architecture on other companies

I dont have any preconceived notions about what should be.

I was simply asking a question.

There seems to be a No Options vs Options debate going on. Why are possible upgrades a bad thing again? Besides box count?

How do you upgrade a Majik? Buy an Akurate. How do you upgrade an Akurate?..... you get my point. They have upgrades and options as well. They are just packaged differently.

How do I upgrade my DAC? Add an XPS. How do I upgrade the XPS? Add a 555ps. How do I upgrade a DAC/555ps? With a Powerline. then 2, then a hiline..... I like this method.

-Patrick

I have an HDX, nDAC, 555PS, and NAS. I am enjoying listening the wide variety of music stored on the HDX and NAS. What purpose does a streamer serve? Does it hook up to speakers, so that I can stream my HDX/NAS to another room, or do I also have to buy an additional preamp & amp? Do I leave it in my main stereo rig, next to the other Naim gear I've got - if so, what function does it serve? My apologies if these are dumb questions.

No dumb questions, I love my HDX and have the same questions...

Regards,
Michel

Allen,

For sure, the NDX is one way of adding streaming capability to your DAC.

However, I guess what you would like is something more basic - kind of like a UnitiQute without the amplification and pre-amp stages, a relatively simple onboard DAC for stand-alone, and a high quality s/pdif for connection to the DAC. Whether this is in the works, I cannot say, but I would guess it fulfils your requirements?

Let's not forget that the NDX can do all this (and more) but just because it doesn't exactly fit your requirements (and perhaps you feel you would be paying for things you don't want) isn't a reason to come down so hard on it. It is what it is and for many it's ideal.

Earlier Paul made a statement of intent for Naim and distributed audio. Don't forget Naim is still a relatively small hifi manufacturer so launches have to be staggered and new products very carefully considered. I have no doubt that Naim is listening here and you may just get exactly what you want eventually.

Richard - how are you getting on with your WD box and nDAC?

I'm not at the moment. Currently moderating from my secret lair in the Med...