DAC & HDX
Posted by: docmark on 26 April 2009
Has anybody tried an external DAC with the HDX? I'm tempted to try - but my dealer says that I'll lose the "Naim sound." I have an EMM Labs DAC2.
Posted on: 05 May 2009 by pcstockton
Firstly, Connon brought it to my attention that it was actually the 555ps on the HDX, not the XPS. The improvement was quite substantial and almost rivalled the Hicap2 on my 102, which was the 2nd best "upgrade" I heard that day.
The #1 upgrade was obvious and expected but no less dramatic and stunning. We started with a CD5i, playing tracks from John Zorn's The Gift. It was no slouch and clearly betters my Beresford. Upon throwing that same CD into the HDX took my head clear off. Incredible.... Fully plastered perma-smile.
I didn't get the opportunity to do a CDX2/CDS3 vs HDX battle, nor would I be really interested as I am not in the market for any of them. I will be VERY interested however in hearing my PC and theoretical Naim DAC vs the HDX through the same.
Those wondering if the Powerline brings immediate sonic improvements should head to their dealer today.
Lastly, regarding the Hiline, Im not saying I didn't enjoy what it did to a good recording. But on a few tracks it was simply providing too much and actually pushing the music. Forcing it. I would be worried about it being far more revealing than I might prefer. What the Hiline does is analogous to seeing someone naked. It ALL depends on how they look.... some people you would never wish to see in anything but a full survival suit.
If it were me, I would be happy with the standard interconnect, and address the Hiline last.... after a Fraim.... gorgeous.
-patrick
The #1 upgrade was obvious and expected but no less dramatic and stunning. We started with a CD5i, playing tracks from John Zorn's The Gift. It was no slouch and clearly betters my Beresford. Upon throwing that same CD into the HDX took my head clear off. Incredible.... Fully plastered perma-smile.
I didn't get the opportunity to do a CDX2/CDS3 vs HDX battle, nor would I be really interested as I am not in the market for any of them. I will be VERY interested however in hearing my PC and theoretical Naim DAC vs the HDX through the same.
Those wondering if the Powerline brings immediate sonic improvements should head to their dealer today.
Lastly, regarding the Hiline, Im not saying I didn't enjoy what it did to a good recording. But on a few tracks it was simply providing too much and actually pushing the music. Forcing it. I would be worried about it being far more revealing than I might prefer. What the Hiline does is analogous to seeing someone naked. It ALL depends on how they look.... some people you would never wish to see in anything but a full survival suit.
If it were me, I would be happy with the standard interconnect, and address the Hiline last.... after a Fraim.... gorgeous.
-patrick