Another HDX lands in the West Country
Posted by: Harry on 12 March 2010
I don’t know if I can really say anything that hasn’t been said already. Out of the box it sounds really smooth and sophisticated but it’s early days. Having spent some time reading about network requirements etc. it came as a heart sink moment when the first ripped album failed to display cover art. All other information was displayed and accurate. Then a synapse went off. It was a limited edition Japanese issue – of which I have many. So I followed up with a bog standard High Street purchased CD and sure enough the cover art came down.
Nipping round to the PC and installing the DTC had the cover art up in a flash. The NAS was found with the pre installed network share, which I was able to convert into a music store without flicking through the manual. All in all, it was an absolute doddle to set up and it’s sounding good already. An S-Video cable took care of displaying the UI on the telly so it’s now just a matter of programming the multi function remote. Oh yeah, and ripping about 700 CDs. I may be gone some time.
I will be running the HDX alongside a retro modded CDX2 though the Naim DAC and will report my views if any are interested.
Posted on: 15 April 2010 by Aleg
quote:
Originally posted by SC:
quote:
Originally posted by Aleg:
So when a HDCD is just ripped to 16-bit, the encoded extra 4-bit of data are still there.
Really...?? I didn't know this...Just presumed creating a 16bit file was exactly that, a 16bit file.....
Steve.
Steve
It is encoded within the 16-bit Redbook standard format.
A small quote from the Wiki article on HDCD
quote:
High Definition Compatible Digital, or HDCD is a patented encode-decode process, now owned by Microsoft, that improves the audio quality of standard Redbook audio CDs, while retaining backward compatibility with existing Compact disc players.
...
HDCD encodes the equivalent of 20 bits worth of data in a 16-bit digital audio signal by using custom dithering, audio filters, and some reversible amplitude and gain encoding; Peak Extend, which is a reversible soft limiter and Low Level Range Extend, which is a reversible gain on low-level signals. There is thus a benefit at the expense of a very minor increase in noise
Because it is
encoded it is also still there after ripping the CD.
dBPoweramp has an option in its converter to extract these encoded 4-bits and add them to the 16-bit audio data giving 20-bit audio data, but stores it then in 24-bit format (leaving another 4-bits empty).
-
aleg
Posted on: 15 April 2010 by gone
Haryy
Thanks for your report - it very much mirrors my own experience. Since I've been running HDX/DAC, albeit with 555PS, I've pretty much forgotten about it, and enjoying the music as never before.
There's nothing more I can add
Cheers
John
PS : in a quiet moment, I did compare an HDX rip to a dBPoweramp rip (with CRC check) but if there was a difference, it was easily within the tolerance of subjectivity/placebo, i.e. no effect on musical enjoyment
Posted on: 15 April 2010 by Harry
Thank you all for some interesting food for thought.
John, can I ask you? The next logical step (subject to audition) is the 555PS. Although convinced in the past by a Hi on a CD5 and XPS2 o a CDX2, the old brain remains somewhat phased at the thought of shovelling five grand’s worth of PS into the bottom of the rack. Yes my ears will be the judge. In the mean time, would you care to outline some reasons why you went for the 555? Apologies if you’re just repeating yourself. Please indulge me if you can spare the time.
Posted on: 15 April 2010 by gone
I'm not sure I can give you the answer you need. I first went for a 555PS when I had a CDS2 on my olive active rig, and it transforms that player compared to an (olive) XPS.
So it kind of stayed with me through my CDS3/CD555/HDX journey.
So really, it was just knocking around
Sounds bloody good on a DAC though, and if you can borrow one for a weekend, I think many here would be interested in your experience
Posted on: 15 April 2010 by Jonn
Just to add a couple of points to Harry's observations.
With my HDX/555PS into the Naim DAC I've noticed that there is a step-change in performance after about 2 hours of playing.Everything suddenly snaps into place and it is the closest to a live performance I've heard. I concur with Harry on the detail and placement of instruments and singers. I've also noticed a lot more low level detail - the intake of singer's breath, asides to other musicians etc the DAC resolving power in this combination is amazing. I've had the DAC for a month now but from what others have said, there may be even more to come before it's fully burnt-in.
Regards
Jon
Posted on: 15 April 2010 by Harry
Got it John. Thanks. Sounds not dissimilar to the life cycle of my XPS2. Oh to have a triple five knocking about. I’ll have a word with my friendly dealer.
Cheers
Posted on: 15 April 2010 by Harry
Thanks Jon. That pretty much sells the audition – a strong indicator that my feet were already pointing down that road.
Posted on: 15 April 2010 by andrew jameson
Hi Harry
I run HDX/DAC/555PS ... I upgraded from XPS to 555 just on the HDX (so pre DAC) and I thought it was a tremendous upgrade - more transparent, more insight into the performance, bass more solid and articulate, just more 'real' etc. etc. The 555PS finally removed any nagging performance doubts re. the CDS3 that I used to own.
With the DAC in place I'm convinced that this combo now offers a significantly higher level of performance than the CDS3 delivered although others (perhaps with less experience of a really well run in DAC fronted by the HDX) are more sceptical
Posted on: 15 April 2010 by Jonn
I should have said in my earlier post that the 555PS is now on the DAC after previously being on the HDX. When I was auditioning the DAC with the HDX I did compare it with a CDS3/555PS. The DAC combination certainly resolved more detail but in comparison the CDS3 was easier to listen to and more organic. However, I think now that this was because my dealer had only just got the DAC so it wasn't fully run-in. My experience is that the sound of the DAC does improve markedly after a few weeks, retaining the detail but also becoming much smoother and organic in presentation.
Regards
Jon
Posted on: 15 April 2010 by gone
Careful, you'll have the CDS3 lynch mob along in a minute
I found the DAC/555PS very impressive stright out of the box, but it certainly does improve over the first weeks. This is the first time I've really noticed a 'significant' running-in period with any kit
Posted on: 15 April 2010 by andrew jameson
I agree ... To be honest I was a little disappointed with the DAC for the first few days - bit too hard, bright and bass-light. I felt that it needed at least a couple of weeks to get into its stride - but as we're all agreed it's a fantastic bit of kit when it's warmed through
Posted on: 15 April 2010 by Harry
Thank you all for those comments. Very helpful. The thing that struck me about a newly unboxed DAC was some mid range congestion and a lack of ultimate bass weight – no complaints about low level resolution and musicality per se. Of course, it’s all much freer now, loping along at a rather relaxed swagger with plenty in reserve, like a nice unstressed V8 before you give it some beans. I won’t hear a word said against the CDS3. In a perfect world I would have one because I think it is special and it will become a classic – you could argue it has already. But I don’t think it’s in an unassailable position at its price point any more, and it took Naim themselves to offer any real alternative. Says a lot. Speaking as a sheep of course.
Posted on: 15 April 2010 by lawoftrust
Did anybody do a direct comparison of a HDX/DAC/PSU vs a Linn Majik DS feeding DAC/PSU? I know that there are people in this forum using either of these combinations but I would be curious on whether the HDX or a Streamer like the DS is a better source. I seems to be common sense amongst those using the DAC that different sources attached to the DAC provide different quality but what is currently the best source?
Posted on: 15 April 2010 by Harry
Not me. Like I said, sheep here. In my defence it only applies to sources. Laziness on my part for the most part but I am content enough.
Posted on: 15 April 2010 by Harry
In my further defence I was traumatised by a Linn Genki some years ago – I couldn’t believe they wanted so much for so little. It is wrong to tar its successors with the same brush but that’s human nature for you. Once offended, twice uninterested.
Posted on: 15 April 2010 by lawoftrust
Thanks Harry. I am just curious because you said you cannot hear any difference between music stored on the HDX or on the NAS. As it is a Ripnas, I assume the music on your NAS has not been ripped by the HDX. That would make me believe that the Ripping engine within the HDX is not of such major importance as long as you have bit perfect data on your NAS. In that case a simple streaming device from Naim could be sufficient, of course not offering the convenience of a one-box solution like the HDX
Posted on: 15 April 2010 by Harry
Yes. The rips were done on the HDX and the files sent to NAS as part of the rip process, as opposed to ripping to HDD then moving. Although I suspect that is essentially what happens. One box convenience is nice. However, I would prefer to have my files stored at another location providing there is no loss of sound quality, musical enjoyment, whatever. When the HDX inevitably lunches a HDD it will have to go back. I somehow feel more comfortable knowing that although probably recoverable, my CD collection won’t reside in the box that I take to the dealer. As well as mirroring on the NAS, I can back up the back up and easily scale up on storage space. It’s potentially less bother, provided audible quality is not compromised.
Posted on: 15 April 2010 by gone
Don't forget the HDX has two hard drives, so if it trashes one, it's unlikely you will lose your music while it's being repaired.
Famous last words....
I know what you mean
Posted on: 15 April 2010 by Harry
Audience Bath tell me I can borrrow a 555PS from Saturday evening until Tuesday lunch time. So I guess we're gonna see what's what. It’s been working in conjunction with a CD555 for some months, possibly years so it will be nice and run in. In conversation this afternoon I tentatively posited that subjectively speaking, I might not have a CDS3 facsimile but I believed I was at around that level. “Without a doubt” was the response. Not the first time I’ve heard this form their direction. To be cynical you could say that they will be chasing the biggest potential sales and getting behind the newer stuff, but I respect their opinions. They play it straight in my view. Anyhoo, I’m not a CDS3 basher so I think I’ll say no more on that. I could easily have a CDS3 on the rack now and be uninterested in DACs and HDD streamers. Things just fell a different way for me.
Posted on: 15 April 2010 by Harry
quote:
Originally posted by Nero:
Don't forget the HDX has two hard drives, so if it trashes one, it's unlikely you will lose your music while it's being repaired.
Famous last words....
I know what you mean
Indeed. Naim haven’t left us hanging by a thread by any means. But having played with bits and bytes for years I feel confident about not mucking up off player storage – if it doesn’t mess with the musical integrity. It somehow feels logical for me to not have it all stored in one box. Each to our own. At least the HDX (though obviously not uniquely) offers enough flexibility to please most of the people most of the time.
Posted on: 15 April 2010 by T38.45
ok, little off topic....the german hifi magazin "stereoplay" and "image hifi" tested the ndac....stereoplay named ndac as the new reference, especially with xps...it hits the spot!
image hifi tester said: it's hard to live without it!...
...so know they confirmed what a lot of us here in the forum already know:-) we LOVE it!
Ralf
Posted on: 16 April 2010 by lawoftrust
Ralf,
did you actually compare HDX into NDac versus Majik DS into NDac?
Georg
Posted on: 16 April 2010 by T38.45
hi Georg,
sorry, i didn't compare...i sold my hdx before ndac hits market....but majik ds & ndac is a killer.
i'm waiting for a pure streamer from naim....
Ralf
Posted on: 16 April 2010 by lawoftrust
Ralf,
where is the sonic advantage of the Majik DS with the NDac against the DS Standalone? (From your personal perspective)
Georg
Posted on: 16 April 2010 by T38.45
...more details: especially mid and high....
more room....ndac expands the stage , music is breathing now, not limited between the speakers..
i like old music (handel, bach, monteverdi)...especially chorus and the fine details in old music are easier to follow...
(i do not know if a majik ds + ndac has same level like akurate ds)
Ralf
