Adding iRadio to a HDX/52/300 system

Squeezebox is definitely an option.

The Naim DAC is the key piece here.

With that you can connect up anything with a digital output to your preamp. That could be a SB, Mac, PC, iPod/Phone etc...

-Patrick

I dont think the Squeezebox Touch have digital inputs so you can use it as a DAC for the Mac. The Sonos doesnt have inputs either. Both are excellent additions to get internet radio.

quote:

Originally posted by Hedstrom:
At home I have a HDX/52/300 system that I am extremely pleased with. During the summer I have been able to use a Uniti in my summerhouse and I have grown tremendously fond of the iRadio and I also liked the digital inputs which allowed me to connect my Mac and play music from iTunes. What would you guys recommend me to get in order to add these features to my home system? I realize that the NDX would be a solution, but it is all too expensive for me and it includes features that I really do not need. Would the Squeezebox Touch be an option?

Best,
Peter

Have you considered just using your MacBook to access Internet radio. Add either a Naim DAC (to upgrade all SQ) or a low-mid level DAC for computer only (Chord GEM; Arcam rDAC; Musical Fidelity M1DAC)?

Eloise

Why not wait for internet radio to be implemented on HDX in the next software upgrade?
Ha ha ha hahahahahahahahahahahaha plonk

Songbook HD app and an iPod Touch will let you access iRadio. Flaky as hell but better than nothing. If you already own a iPod Touch it's only a £30 trial. It's far cheaper than the next best alternative IMHO - a Squeezebox Touch which
adds good internet radio. Connect the Mac to the 52 using a good 3.5mm jack to Din cable.

quote:

Originally posted by Nero:
Why not wait for internet radio to be implemented on HDX in the next software upgrade?
Ha ha ha hahahahahahahahahahahaha plonk

Somehow, I have a feeling that this will never happen...

Regards,
Michel

quote:

I dont think the Squeezebox Touch have digital inputs so you can use it as a DAC for the Mac. The Sonos doesnt have inputs either. Both are excellent additions to get internet radio.

Why would he need digital inputs on the Squeezebox???

The dude has HDX/52/300.... I hardly think a SB DAC is going to please him.

Like I said... you NEED the Naim DAC.

It will upgrade the HDX, and you can then stream directly from the Mac to the DAC via mini-to-toslink cable ala Optichord.

-Patrick

He used the dijital ins on the Uniti to connect a Mac. That will not work if he replaces the Uniti with a Squeezething.

Get it now old man :-)

quote:

Originally posted by pcstockton:

quote:

I dont think the Squeezebox Touch have digital inputs so you can use it as a DAC for the Mac. The Sonos doesnt have inputs either. Both are excellent additions to get internet radio.

Why would he need digital inputs on the Squeezebox???

The dude has HDX/52/300.... I hardly think a SB DAC is going to please him.

Like I said... you NEED the Naim DAC.

It will upgrade the HDX, and you can then stream directly from the Mac to the DAC via mini-to-toslink cable ala Optichord.

-Patrick

Many thanks for all your suggestions. I guess I should consider the DAC + squeezbox alternative, but I may start with just the squeezbox since the DAC also is rather expensive. It is a pity that Naim priced the NDX so high...

Eloise suggestion to use the Mac for the iRadio also is an interesting alternative. Which software would you suggest?

Best
Peter

Hi Peter,

If you want to stay in the Naim family, how about use a Qute as a source component.

In the Qutes setup it has the concept of 'Speakers=None', that means it turns off its internal power amps and the external phono analog outputs are used instead in an optimal manner.

It can then act as a mini preamp or source component giving out SPDIF (bit perfect to go to a DAC) or analogue out. Functionality wise will give you:
Internet Radio
FM/DAB
Digital iPod streaming
USB streaming
UPnP streaming - all the latest goodies like Gapless playback.
External Digital inputs for other sources
iPhone/Touch/Pad control app 'nStream' if that tickles your fancy.

Also if and when funds allow you could then move the Qute to another room and use it as a mini dedicated system and buy its somewhat bigger brother the NDX.

Regards

Steve