UnitiServe-SSD Vs HDX-SSD

I don't suppose we can tell from looking through the lid...?!



Wonder if the Naim sticker helps the SSD performance...?

Yes, the SSD is also curious,
SLC SSD appears as something really relevant, why SLC? which advantages does this kind of SSD have over standard SSDs?
Many report a sonic advantage using SSD drives, not necessarily for storage purposes but for using it with the operating system and playback software. They are faster, noiseless and consume less than Hard disks but there are big differences in their read/write speed depending on the model.

quote:

Originally posted by goldfinch:
Yes, the SSD is also curious,
SLC SSD appears as something really relevant, why SLC? which advantages does this kind of SSD have over standard SSDs?
Many report a sonic advantage using SSD drives, not necessarily for storage purposes but for using it with the operating system and playback software. They are faster, noiseless and consume less than Hard disks but there are big differences in their read/write speed depending on the model.

Wiki Quote:

quote:

SLC memory has the advantage of faster write speeds, lower power consumption and higher cell endurance. However, because it stores less data per cell, it costs more per megabyte of storage to manufacture

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aleg

thanks for reply,
one point for me (as a linn ds user) would be a grafical interface on the streamer itself- that's what the HDX would do...but i must have upnp client service because my music is structured in file/directory structures....

one comment allow to Ndac: you hear the different sources, you can even here the difference between opitcal and fiber:-)

The original card was designed, if I recall correctly, for five streamed outputs (PCI bridge IC for Zone 1 analogue + digital on the main card, plus additional bridge ICs for Zone 2 + 3 + 4 analogue on the riser card)–a four-output architecture required for the NS02 and NS03 music servers, which had been optimized for use within a traditional analogue matrix-switched multiroom installation (say, using a Crestron PAD-8 as an example).

Reducing the PCI card to a single output (not sure whether the analogue and digital outputs are multiplexed or simply buffered) reduces system load, current consumption and improves airflow by reducing the height of the previous PCI card.

It also insures that, for hi-res local playback, the 192kHz performance is as good as it gets.

quote:

Originally posted by T38.45:
folks,
can the HDX-SSD act as a Linn DS means as a "Upnp client" streaming from an Upnp server (Qnap etc)?

Thx
Ralf

No - Patrick is wrong, the HDX-SSD functions as a UPnP server, as well as a ripper, control point and renderer for its own local output only.

It will not function as a UPnP player or renderer for anything other than itself.

For what it's worth, the HDX (and UnitiServe by extension) functions far better as a UPnP server than the QNAP could ever hope to–even for you Linn DS guys out there, the metadata provided by the Naim UPnP software layer is much more elaborate than a typical, "flat" tagged-file aware server daemon might provide.

quote:

Originally posted by David Dever:
The original card was designed, if I recall correctly, for five streamed outputs (PCI bridge IC for Zone 1 analogue + digital on the main card, plus additional bridge ICs for Zone 2 + 3 + 4 analogue on the riser card)–a four-output architecture required for the NS02 and NS03 music servers, which had been optimized for use within a traditional analogue matrix-switched multiroom installation (say, using a Crestron PAD-8 as an example).

Reducing the PCI card to a single output (not sure whether the analogue and digital outputs are multiplexed or simply buffered) reduces system load, current consumption and improves airflow by reducing the height of the previous PCI card.

It also insures that, for hi-res local playback, the 192kHz performance is as good as it gets.

Thanks David, I hope we'll see a white paper for both new HDX and Serve explaining how they work,

David - thanks for the input. I (just about!) follow what you are saying about the PCI card architecture....

I'm slightly confused re the extra zone analogue streams - the new card does not provide for these then ? Is there any downside to this..? Will the NS models be retaining their existing card..?

Steve.

hi David,
many thanks for answering....but i do not agree :-) in terms of stability and functions: i never had any problems with linn and qnap so far and i ripped all my cds and some itunes songs to qnap (and i use wlan!)
ease of use and good sound is key for me. right now, i will never choose any other system that doesn't support upnp (client) standard.

ralf

quote:

Originally posted by T38.45:
hi David,
many thanks for answering....but i do not agree :-) in terms of stability and functions: i never had any problems with linn and qnap so far and i ripped all my cds and some itunes songs to qnap (and i use wlan!)
ease of use and good sound is key for me. right now, i will never choose any other system that doesn't support upnp (client) standard.

ralf

Maybe you missed something obvious–the HDX is a UPnP server, not a UPnP client–it can be used to serve to your Linn DS units while still functioning as a gapless local player. This makes it far more powerful than a simple, helpless client which is wholly, passively dependent upon the quality of the software used to make the rips, encoding, and the overall functionality of the UPnP server. But it's your system....

In fact–doing a proper A-B comparison–I think you'd be quite surprised at the difference. The HDX (and UnitiServe by extension) make great, easy-to-use, excellent-sounding front ends for your Linn DS players.

I know of at least three (likely more) Linn-Naim dealers in the US who use the HDX as a server front-end for demonstrating Linn DS players, including Klimax DS. Make of that what you will.

Fact is–Linn does not manufacture a UPnP server product–they only manufacture clients. Naim manufactures both servers and clients (both UPnP and StreamNet), and this makes it possible to insure a easy-to-use, bit-perfect rip AND playback from end-to-end.

quote:

Originally posted by David Dever:


No - Patrick is wrong, the HDX-SSD functions as a UPnP server, as well as a ripper, control point and renderer for its own local output only.

Sorry I was hammered last night. I misread t.38's post.

Hope it was a good bottle of something. An absinthe fog would be good right about...NOW!

David,

does that offer any extra advantage if the HDX over the UNityserve or do I miss something here?

David,
thanks again- but can you run an HDX with SSD as a client?

No–there is no point, as it's a server.

However–you can have the HDX scan your network share points and play the files directly from there, ignoring the UPnP services of a NAS, for example.

quote:

Originally posted by David Dever:
Hope it was a good bottle of something. An absinthe fog would be good right about...NOW!

A bourbon man, alas....

quote:

Originally posted by SC:
John - I follow your logic and I too 'want' to favour the HDX, especially as I prefer the case size/style....But, from all accounts, the nDAC (added to just about anything, let alone something from Naim themselves) is going to outperform the 'bare' onboard HDX DAC....??

nDAC added to the HDX and we're into £6.5k territory....

Steve,

This is why I would be very doubtful that the digital output of the Unitiserve is as good as the HDX. The numbers just don't stack up. An HDX is only slightly more than a Unitiserve/DC1/nDAC for which you also get CD playing abilities plus a touch screen and one box.

If the Unitiserve digital output is as good as that on the HDX then an HDX/DC1/nDAC costs over £2000 more for the same extra features.

So, sound quality must be the reason for the price differential or else the HDX is not viable in the lineup.

The Uniti tag really defines where this product sits.

John

No one heard the HDX with improved RAM and PCI card yet and no one heard the Uniti Serve yet - all is 100% guessing... Let us just wait and hear!

Pre-ordered a Unitiserve with my dealer yesterday. Appears to be late July or August. Will pair with my Uniti.

John Baily - Yes, I think this is pretty much spot on...

With a bit of reflection, I'm more of the opinion the smarter - longer term - money is on the HDX........It just doesn't feel great, however, paying out for some of the internals of the HDX that ultimately will not be required...On the other hand, they are there for initial use if purchasing without the nDAC (I'm becoming more & more convinced another DAC from Naim will appear down the line)....

As you(and others) say, the Uniti 'badge' has to be saying something here ? Whether intended or not, the Uniti moniker has to be placing where the 'Serve sits in the overall hierarchy ....?

quote:

Originally posted by SC:
John Baily - Yes, I think this is pretty much spot on...

With a bit of reflection, I'm more of the opinion the smarter - longer term - money is on the HDX........It just doesn't feel great, however, paying out for some of the internals of the HDX that ultimately will not be required...On the other hand, they are there for initial use if purchasing without the nDAC (I'm becoming more & more convinced another DAC from Naim will appear down the line)....

As you(and others) say, the Uniti 'badge' has to be saying something here ? Whether intended or not, the Uniti moniker has to be placing where the 'Serve sits in the overall hierarchy ....?

pre order before listening/ and knowing full spec/cost .thats brave

Who said anything about pre-order and not listening ? I just said the smarter money, at this stage, seems to be on the HDXSSD, IMHO...

Saying that, I did actually contact my dealer re a deposit...though, of course, he hadn't yet had the RRP...

quote:

Originally posted by rich46:

pre order before listening/ and knowing full spec/cost .thats brave

Full specs and costs are already published, but I would like to be able to hear it first.

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aleg

what is the cost. i asked they didnt know cheers