HDX

Posted by: Lars I on 28 January 2009

I thought it might be a good idea for us HDX owners to share some experiences of this new beast in the Naim product line. I have been able to enjoy mine for a couple of months (together with Supernait and Allae) and am impressed by the "life" it is able to breathe into music - even without an external PSU. A few days ago my dealer demontrated what the new Powerline could do with a HDX and I was absolutely stunned by the authority the HDX is able to present when fed with a Powerline. Next step will obviously be an XPS2 or 555PS. The SN was also upgraded with a Hicap which also made a huge improvement overall straight out of the box. Knowing new Naim products I rest assured that things will get even better over time as the new kit settles in. One particular feature of the HDX which I highly recommend is to make use of its ability to play hi-rez formats. It's easy to download (and pay for) hi-rez music from various sites and use any of the USB ports of the HDX to play it. Give it a try - I did and it certainly opened up a whole new world of listening pleasure.
Posted on: 28 January 2009 by David Leedham
Hi Lars
Welcome to the forum. It seems most of the discussion on HDX has occured on the Distributed Audio Forum. Worth searching to find opinions on HDX or issues.

I have had an HDX for 4 weeks now and I am certainly enjoying the way I can listen and browse for music now. the sound quality is fine with XPS2 which partnered my previous CDX2

There is a learning curve on managing the user interfaces. I enjoy this aspect. I am sure there are those that would find this aspect a bore / frustration.

A fine piece of audio equipment moving us into the future
Posted on: 29 January 2009 by BobF
Unfortunately my HDX locked up and is back at the distributor in Montreal. I am running mine without an external PS (although that will change eventually) and it is very good. As mentioned in an earlier post I had a Linn Klimax DS and I prefer the nude HDX to it (system is 202/SC, snaxo/HC, 2 x 250.2 and SL2.
I heard the XPS2 on the HDX at the dealers and it was a significant step up.

Lars

I have seen a few comments now about the powerline and HDX, I must audition this. Thanks for mentioning it.

David

Did you get your Hiline with the HDX or add it after? What changed by using it?

How do you like your 252?

I just got a Superline and even powered from the 202 it is amazing. Are you powering yours through the 252?

Cheers

Bob
Posted on: 29 January 2009 by David Leedham
Hi Bob

I had a Hiline running from a CDX2 into the 252 prior to moving onto the HDX. I found a "clearer" presentation with the Hi line.

I am very pleased with the 252, I dare not make the comparison with 552 unless I win the lottery.

Superline is powered from the 252. I have a spare hicap to try for comparison but feel no need as it is sounding great at 3 weeks post purchase. I have yet to try different rating plugs etc at the moment just enjoying the extra detail and sweetness of presentation.

A Naim employee recommended superline powered by 252 better than Hicap.
Posted on: 29 January 2009 by BobF
quote:
Originally posted by David Leedham:
Hi Bob

I had a Hiline running from a CDX2 into the 252 prior to moving onto the HDX. I found a "clearer" presentation with the Hi line.

I am very pleased with the 252, I dare not make the comparison with 552 unless I win the lottery.

Superline is powered from the 252. I have a spare hicap to try for comparison but feel no need as it is sounding great at 3 weeks post purchase. I have yet to try different rating plugs etc at the moment just enjoying the extra detail and sweetness of presentation.

A Naim employee recommended superline powered by 252 better than Hicap.



Hi David

Thanks for the info.
It is nice to see someone who likes the 252. I have not heard one yet but can't believe it does not have the excitement of the 282 (like you see in so many posts). When I went active on my SL2 it had a slightly softer sound even though it is more dynamic (just removes some edge that is probably distortion). I can't see how being able to use all of the SC2 regulated power supplies would not improve the sound, or that Naim makes a more expensive model that is not better. I look forward to hearing one and expect that's where I will end up. I don't want to hear a 552 because I can't afford one. That is an interesting point about the 252 and HC. Probably the way I will go.
Enjoy some good music.

Cheers

Bob
Posted on: 31 January 2009 by BobF
quote:
Originally posted by Lars I:
I thought it might be a good idea for us HDX owners to share some experiences of this new beast in the Naim product line. I have been able to enjoy mine for a couple of months (together with Supernait and Allae) and am impressed by the "life" it is able to breathe into music - even without an external PSU. A few days ago my dealer demontrated what the new Powerline could do with a HDX and I was absolutely stunned by the authority the HDX is able to present when fed with a Powerline. Next step will obviously be an XPS2 or 555PS. The SN was also upgraded with a Hicap which also made a huge improvement overall straight out of the box. Knowing new Naim products I rest assured that things will get even better over time as the new kit settles in. One particular feature of the HDX which I highly recommend is to make use of its ability to play hi-rez formats. It's easy to download (and pay for) hi-rez music from various sites and use any of the USB ports of the HDX to play it. Give it a try - I did and it certainly opened up a whole new world of listening pleasure.


Hi Lars

Sorry to get off track with David, back on your thread what hi-rez are you downloading and from where?

Cheers

Bob
Posted on: 09 February 2009 by Lars I
Bob,

Try the Linn Music website. They have some great downloadable hi-rez music. I believe you can also download from the Naim Music website. With all the USB connections available on the HDX, I strongly recommend that you make use of the hi-rez format as it is now quite easy. Just download it (and pay for it - of course) and put it on a USB stick. It was easy enough for me. I am sure you will be surprised - the difference vis-a-vis Red Book CDs is just amazing. Everything sounds much more relaxed and without any hint of "digitalitis".

Who would have thought that we Naim-owners would turn into comupter-savvys (or geeks as some may put it...).

My HDX is still bare, but I will shortly try the XPS2 and the 555PS on it. I notice that you have an active system, something which I am also considering. As I have a SN I am considering adding a 250 and Snaxos for my Allaes. (What a remerkable loudspeaker!)
Posted on: 09 February 2009 by Bruce Woodhouse
quote:
Originally posted by Lars I:
Bob,

Try the Linn Music website. They have some great downloadable hi-rez music. I believe you can also download from the Naim Music website. With all the USB connections available on the HDX, I strongly recommend that you make use of the hi-rez format as it is now quite easy. Just download it (and pay for it - of course) and put it on a USB stick. It was easy enough for me. I am sure you will be surprised - the difference vis-a-vis Red Book CDs is just amazing. Everything sounds much more relaxed and without any hint of "digitalitis".

Who would have thought that we Naim-owners would turn into comupter-savvys (or geeks as some may put it...).

My HDX is still bare, but I will shortly try the XPS2 and the 555PS on it. I notice that you have an active system, something which I am also considering. As I have a SN I am considering adding a 250 and Snaxos for my Allaes. (What a remerkable loudspeaker!)


One of the surprises of my current HDX home trial is just how good a bog standard iTunes download sounds when played from a memory stick

Bruce
Posted on: 10 February 2009 by BobF
quote:
Originally posted by Lars I:
Bob,

Try the Linn Music website. They have some great downloadable hi-rez music. I believe you can also download from the Naim Music website. With all the USB connections available on the HDX, I strongly recommend that you make use of the hi-rez format as it is now quite easy. Just download it (and pay for it - of course) and put it on a USB stick. It was easy enough for me. I am sure you will be surprised - the difference vis-a-vis Red Book CDs is just amazing. Everything sounds much more relaxed and without any hint of "digitalitis".

Who would have thought that we Naim-owners would turn into comupter-savvys (or geeks as some may put it...).

My HDX is still bare, but I will shortly try the XPS2 and the 555PS on it. I notice that you have an active system, something which I am also considering. As I have a SN I am considering adding a 250 and Snaxos for my Allaes. (What a remerkable loudspeaker!)


Hi Lars

Thanks for the info. Actually I have a NAS (from when I had a Linn Klimax DS)so I could download to it, will try it soon.

Going active on my system was a major upgrade, I am sure you will be pleased when you try it.

Cheers

Bob
Posted on: 20 February 2009 by gone
quote:
Originally posted by BobF:

Thanks for the info. Actually I have a NAS (from when I had a Linn Klimax DS)so I could download to it, will try it soon.



Bob - you went from a Klimax DS to an HDX? Care to share? (or if you've already posted on this, can you point me in that direction?)
Cheers
John
Posted on: 21 February 2009 by BobF
quote:
Originally posted by Nero:
quote:
Originally posted by BobF:

Thanks for the info. Actually I have a NAS (from when I had a Linn Klimax DS)so I could download to it, will try it soon.



Bob - you went from a Klimax DS to an HDX? Care to share? (or if you've already posted on this, can you point me in that direction?)
Cheers
John


Hi John

I went to the HDX because I wanted a Naim source (similar voicing to the rest of the components - I had just switched back to Naim after years of other equipment). I did not demo at home and expected to loose a bit of overall sound quality until such time as I could add a power supply. I expected to gain in the synergy department. What I found was the HDX sounded better in my system (202/SC2,SNAXO/HiCap2,2 x 250.2, SL2 and analog, but thats another story). The biggest difference was more body to the sound. At first I thought I had lost some detail, but as I listened the HDX was at least as good and probably better. The Linn seems to be voiced a little leaner and with more (initially)apparent detail through the upper mid-range (It is the Linn sound to my ears and is slightly whiteish). Can't wait to add a power supply to the HDX, but preamp must come first.

Cheers

Bob
Posted on: 21 February 2009 by docmark
I'm supposed to receive my new HDX next week, XPS2 to follow shortly thereafter (I hope). I won't be using the HDX with any other Naim gear, at least not just yet. I have an Ayre KX-R preamp and will run either the Hiline DIN/RCA cable, or just use the RCA connectors. Any thoughts?
Posted on: 21 February 2009 by kuma
docmark,

A Hiline DIN/RCA would work fine with your Ayre pre.

What's probably more important is to drive the Ayre pre with balanced outs in to a balanced amplifier as it sounds better than via a single-ended connection.
Posted on: 21 February 2009 by BobF
[QUOTE]Originally posted by docmark:
I'm supposed to receive my new HDX next week, XPS2 to follow shortly thereafter (I hope). I won't be using the HDX with any other Naim gear, at least not just yet. I have an Ayre KX-R preamp and will run either the Hiline DIN/RCA cable, or just use the RCA connectors. Any thoughts?[/QUOTE

Hi

I think I saw you at the store today. Don't get a Hiline yet because you will want to get a Naim preamp after you get used to your HDX. You will regret buying the RCA version. Stick to RCA/RCA or get a DIN/RCA but not a Hiline yet. Talk to Jon about it.

Cheers

Bob
Posted on: 21 February 2009 by BobF
docmark

Sorry I did not notice which Ayre preamp you have. You probably will keep that one for awhile. I would start with RCA/RCA at least till you have lived with the HDX for awhile.

Cheers

Bob
Posted on: 22 February 2009 by gary1 (US)
quote:
Originally posted by BobF:
docmark

Sorry I did not notice which Ayre preamp you have. You probably will keep that one for awhile. I would start with RCA/RCA at least till you have lived with the HDX for awhile.

Cheers

Nah, the Hi-line makes a significant improvement right from the start. I was going to do as you said Bob, but when I demoed the choice was obvious.

Bob
Posted on: 22 February 2009 by docmark
So - the Hi-Line makes that much of a difference? I was going to try a pair of Audioquest Sky RCA interconnects, but will definitely go for whatever sounds best. As for switching preamps, not going to happen for a while.
Posted on: 22 February 2009 by gary1 (US)
quote:
Originally posted by docmark:
So - the Hi-Line makes that much of a difference? I was going to try a pair of Audioquest Sky RCA interconnects, but will definitely go for whatever sounds best. As for switching preamps, not going to happen for a while.


Yeah it does, but listen first cause it ain't cheap.
Posted on: 22 February 2009 by BobF
quote:
Ayre KX-R preamp

quote:
Nah, the Hi-line makes a significant improvement right from the start. I was going to do as you said Bob, but when I demoed the choice was obvious


Hi Gary

I was just thinking of the logical financial move (not that I follow that myself)of making sure not to buy the RCA version until sure it was not going to be replaced in a short time frame by the DIN/DIN. But given docmark's preamp (which must be quite new) the RCA will probably be around for awhile.

Gary, do you have more than one Hiline in your system and where are you using it (them). Also do you have any expereience with the powerline?

Cheers

Bob
Posted on: 22 February 2009 by gary1 (US)
quote:
Originally posted by BobF:
Gary, do you have more than one Hiline in your system and where are you using it (them). Also do you have any expereience with the powerline?

Cheers

Bob

Bob, I only have one hi-line and it runs from the HDX-->SN.

Powerlines yes!! just added a third. They were added 555PS-->FC2x-->SN and they were placed several weeks apart as I demoed each addition before proceeding.

Each was a significant improvement and very noticeable. See this post I did last week:

http://forums.naim-audio.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/4801938...192953817#2192953817

I'm telling you I am just amazed at the response from many members who hear the HDX at the shows. I don't know what they are not hearing?

Any impressions about this Naim DAC as a possible HDX upgrade?
Posted on: 22 February 2009 by kuma
quote:
Originally posted by docmark:
So - the Hi-Line makes that much of a difference? I was going to try a pair of Audioquest Sky RCA interconnects, but will definitely go for whatever sounds best. As for switching preamps, not going to happen for a while.

In *Naim terms* a DIN connection always sounds better. ( I certainly prefer it that way )

That said, if you are using a non Naim pre, you can play around with different RCA/RCA leads ( as they can sound different lead to lead ) and find the one suits your system.

Ayre normally recommend a Cardas wire. If your shop has one, they might worth a try as well along with a DIN/RCA HiLine.
Posted on: 23 February 2009 by BobF
quote:
I'm telling you I am just amazed at the response from many members who hear the HDX at the shows. I don't know what they are not hearing?

Any impressions about this Naim DAC as a possible HDX upgrade?
Posts: 805 | Registered: Mon 14 April 2008



Hi Gary

Sound at shows can be all over the map, but I suspect the HDX gets pre-judged (quite often) on it's technology rather than listened to as an audio component. Regarding the still not in production DAC, who knows?

Powerline or Hiline first?

Cheers

Bob
Posted on: 23 February 2009 by gary1 (US)
Bob,

I'd say the Hi-line.

Having said that I didn't try each bit of kit w/ and w/o HL,PL and add back. However, I was very impressed what the HL did over the standard interconnect which would not have been addressed by the PL.

With the standard cable the HDX was "struggling" a little on the hi's as if the cable diameter was too small. This resolved immediately.
Posted on: 23 February 2009 by u5227470736789454
Guys,
I'll bury this ( no disrespect intended ) in here as you are HDX owners, or seriously interested at least and I don't need another DAC navel gazing debate - but how will the new standalone DAC impact the HDX - by this I mean only that the HDX has a DAC, but then if we upgrade to the stand-alone DAC we have a surplus one, if you follow my meaning. I already have an S/N, so I could end up as a 3 DAC family, any thoughts ?

Barrie
Posted on: 23 February 2009 by gary1 (US)
quote:
Originally posted by baz100:
Guys,
I'll bury this in here as you are HDX owners, or seriously interested at least and I don't need another DAC naval gazing debate - but how will the new standalone DAC impact the HDX - by this I mean only that the HDX has a DAC, but then if we upgrade to the stand-alone DAC we have a surplus one, if you follow my meaning. I already have an S/N, so I could end up as a 3 DAC family, any thoughts ?

Barrie


Barrie, I've always looked at the DAC in the SN as a bonus. It is not its raison d'etre at all. I would not have bought it at all if I wanted a DAC since I could immediately hear its limitations. I do feel that it is a pretty good DAC compared to the other DACs I've heard so far.

However,as you've seem from my posts on the "Naim DAC" thread the weak link is the digital out from the PC/MAC. Adding a TC Konnekt 8 as the intermediary significantly improves performance of the system. Currently I use a Sonos to my SN DAC to listen to things I don't own or are interested in as a demo first type situation or some internet radio. Its fun, but not great.

My opinion is that this situation is not going to change with the new Naim DAC. I do think that it will be much better (time will tell)than the SN DAC, etc..., but again the weak link in the system is going to be dig out from the computer. The HDX is a far better dig out than anything else I've heard, plug it into the SN DAC to see. So I do not expect the the PC (MAC)/Naim DAC to get anywhere close to performance of the HDX, my opinion only. This is what I was pointing out the Gregg who loved the Klimax, but it cost $18K to get that sound. There is more going on in the kit then were giving credit. With computer audio there are so many factors involved and I just do not see Naims $3K DAC reaching CDS3 playback or better. I could be wrong, but we'll see (hear).

I think the HDX/555PS/SN/PSU(FC2x/HC2) is a great combination. I love the music and all of the other benefits it's given me. I have a hi-line and 3 powerlines and I'm amazed at what this thing can do.

How do I feel about the New DAC? mixed feelings in some respects that I spent alot of $$ and now there is the potential to spend more to improve the performance (Go Naim). I will need to demo the current set-up vs. the same with the external DAC and the 555PS switched to the DAC and decide. If there is a significant improvement then knowing myself I'll swing for it. If not,then no. Naim knew this issue would come up and they were smart to develop the DAC with the upgradeable PSU as the 555PS(and presumably the XPS2). It allows HDX users to "re-cycle" their psu's and CDX2/CDS3 owners the same luxury as well if they switch at some point. JS and I have been talking about this for some time and he hoped this would be the way they developed the DAC--it makes sense.

If I were in your shoes, I'd wait until the DAC was on the market and then demo the various combinations before deciding which way you want to go. Listen to the HDX (+/- PSU), HDX/DAC (+/- PSU), Mac/DAC, Mac/DAC (+/- PSU). Then decide what sounds best, what you can afford and what makes sense to you.

From your recent posts, the worst case scenario is that you'll be $3K poorer and 1 DAC richer. What's a DAC amongst friends? Whichever you choose, I'm sure that you'll make the right choice for you and you'll have a terrific system.
Posted on: 23 February 2009 by pcstockton
quote:
but again the weak link in the system is going to be dig out from the computer.

That is only if the Naim DAC doesn't have a "computer specific" input...

USB please....

But I entirely agree that simply relying on the digi output of a computer soundcard is less than ideal, e.g. a Mac Mini or shit PC soundcard.