HDX - my first listen and impressions

teabelly

I'd hazard a guess that your HDX has dodgy internet access and that CD info when ripping is coming from the internal Freedb database rather then AMG or Freedb online. Go to Home then system status on the front screen and scroll down. The display should tell you the IP address of the HDX and also the DNS address and Gateway address. Check these are correct. Desktop client will allow you to rescan unknown CDs for track info etc.
Your dealer seems to have left you rather alone during your problems?

John, at this rate you might never be able to leave. The forum just seems to be the gift that keeps on giving.

quote:

Originally posted by gary1:
John, at this rate you might never be able to leave. The forum just seems to be the gift that keeps on giving.

Oh my, doc, what have I got? .

I'll check out the network status thing.

I haven't contacted the dealer about the issues as they had the same problems and told me about them before I borrowed it so I just assumed it was a generic failing as it did the same with me.

Does the desktop client run on a mac?

quote:

Originally posted by js:
What I actually said is that it compares to a CDX2 overall depending on your preferences but different and is better than any computer/DAC combo that I've tried(many). Still prefer a CDS3. My views are my own and no more. Judge for yourself.

Finally from the horses mouth and not via a "third party"!

JS - your above comment is spot on and syncs with what myself and others have heard at our demo (and others, dealers and customers, have posted on this forum). My CDS3 is still safe for now.

Since you are a former Linn dealer you do owe it to yourself to at least see what the competition is doing. I think if you demo the DS series, ie Klimax, your views might "change". It is an expensive box - and the interface is dreadful (for now as things are finally changing) - however it is mighty mighty impressive. The difference between it and the CDS3 boiled down to the difference in the Naim/Linn approach to playback. In the end the performance was good enough that I could change my CDS3 for it and still be happy. Not going to yet - the CDS3 is still the cats meow in my book .

Regards
Gregg

quote:

Originally posted by glevethan:

quote:

Originally posted by js:
What I actually said is that it compares to a CDX2 overall depending on your preferences but different and is better than any computer/DAC combo that I've tried(many). Still prefer a CDS3. My views are my own and no more. Judge for yourself.

Finally from the horses mouth and not via a "third party"!

JS - your above comment is spot on and syncs with what myself and others have heard at our demo (and others, dealers and customers, have posted on this forum). My CDS3 is still safe for now.

Since you are a former Linn dealer you do owe it to yourself to at least see what the competition is doing. I think if you demo the DS series, ie Klimax, your views might "change". It is an expensive box - and the interface is dreadful (for now as things are finally changing) - however it is mighty mighty impressive. The difference between it and the CDS3 boiled down to the difference in the Naim/Linn approach to playback. In the end the performance was good enough that I could change my CDS3 for it and still be happy. Not going to yet - the CDS3 is still the cats meow in my book .

Regards
Gregg

Shhh. The natives are restless. I forgot that the Nagra IV dig recorder also works well as a DAC but it's priced as high as the HDX without PC, storage or good digital interface. Haven't heard the DS. Don't know a local that has one. Both these suffer from having to make good rips in EAC etc. and getting the metadata to the player. Can be very time consuming. I won't rip in any standard player program. Just me and would be true of any computer based system.

Fixed it Changed the subnet range on my router to 192.168.1.x instead of 0.x which it was before as the hdx has been set to static addressing and was in the higher subnet. The look ups work now as it found Ave Dementia by Marionettes which is about the most obscure thing I have!

Played with the flash front end. The instructions suggest typing in the whole index.html?=movie-fp.swf but I found it just using http://192.168.0.x ie its ip address and it opened the flash player straight off.

Looks like I'll be £4500 lighter in the pocket before too long as the flash web interface makes doing playlists much easier so there are few reasons left not to buy the hdx

Well Munch and Greg you really should do your homework before you actually post remarks. "Shame not everyone on the forum will read this" to quote a certain senior member.

This is taken from JS response on 10/21/08 on this thread: "there is a very relaxed and informative quality about the presentation that is appealing but jitter or not, I'd still take the top 2 Naim players over it with CDs. It doesn't lack dynamics but is somehow slightly less solid sounding than a CDS3 or CD555 with same PS. Some may actually prefer it but I don't with CDs though I'm warming up to it more every week and feel it's very close. Once high def and convenience is added to the equation, the tide turns to HDX's favor and it's standard CD performance with a 555PS is still plenty good enough to convince in even the best systems."

So when I made mention of JS opinion, it was taken from a direct quote, not hearsay.

Munch when we demoed we planned to demo the Lavry against the Naim CDPs, but did not as I originally wrote in my review of the DA-10 because it was obvious to us from the initial audition that it wasn't necessary. Afa the HDX is concerned I wrote that we compared that first day only to CDX2 and did not go higher on the ladder. The HDX was very close to CDX2 at that point with only 2-3 days burn in and has improved tremendously over the last 2 weeks. It was noted that in some areas the HDX outperformed the CDX2 at that time.

Haven't listened to the Klimax. However, having listened to different rips of same files using Wav Lab vs. EAC and my preference for the overall musical character obtained from Wav Lab rips over the EAC rips would steer me away from the DS solution.

Munch as for the remainder of your comments above especially your concluding remarks which were directed to me I really do hope that everyone reads that!

teabelly

The two possibilities of URL eg 192.168.0.? or the one with index.html etc give you two different displays. The long one gives you the display that's on the HDX display and the more simple one gives you what's called the 'TV' display.
Although it's smaller text and I definitely have to use my glasses, I prefer the 'TV' display on my Nokia N810 as it's easier to control.
Glad to hear that you are getting on rather better with HDX now.
I'm just ripping the new Grateful Dead Live - Rocking the Cradle - to enjoy on mine in a few minutes.

I hope this isn't a daft question, but why would Naim make a CDS3 beater with more extras and greater convenience and then price it 1500 pound less ? - the answer is they wouldn't

The HDX seems designed to perform at the cdx2 level plus it has 2x hard-drives, plus what sounds to me like an excellent approach to source first (CD) ripping, plus the ability to play downloaded hi-res, plus upgradeable (software) and it is only priced at 1400 pounds more than a CDx2- thats got to be very good, if not great value.

The HDX does it for me, and I don't see the point in comparing it to a CDS3 or 555 any more than I would see the sense in comparing any product against others which cost +25% and +150% more.( in line with Greggs point earlier in the thread)


I think the HDX is very good value for money, and will bring many new owners to the brand which has to be a good thing doesn't it ?
Barrie

[QUOTE]Originally posted by teabelly:
Played with the flash front end. The instructions suggest typing in the whole index.html?=movie-fp.swf but I found it just using http://192.168.0.x ie its ip address and it opened the flash player straight off.

Back to reality: Teabelly the HDX has 2 IP addresses: one for the front screen and another that is for the rear connection as there are 2 internet connections on the inside. DD recommended using "Static" IP addresses instead of DHCP because of this. On your screen you can see the two different IP addresses.

Agree that the instructions give you the rec of using that entire verbage, but you only need the 192.... in the address to find the Screen and download properly.

Only thing I've found is that not every track of each album has had artwork. Not many but a few have had artwork on some tracks while playing and others from the same CD do not. This I found using "Now Playing." I do not know if this is a database download AMG/FreeDB issue or an Internal HDX software one. I already forwrded this to Naim.

quote:

Originally posted by gary1:
Well Munch and Greg you really should do your homework before you actually post remarks. "Shame not everyone on the forum will read this" to quote a certain senior member.

Gary

First off I do my homework when I post and as you see my post quoted JS exactly and to the word.

You paraphrased his conclusion as follows (directly quoting you from your post above)
"Have not had a chance for a direct comparison with CDS3, but JS has indicated that it is close"

JS then replied to your paraphrase with the appropriate correction:

"Originally posted by js:
What I actually said is that it compares to a CDX2 overall depending on your preferences but different and is better than any computer/DAC combo that I've tried(many). Still prefer a CDS3. My views are my own and no more. Judge for yourself."

So yes - to quote you above - I do my homework prior to posting.


Furthermore regarding your statement below:

"Haven't listened to the Klimax. However, having listened to different rips of same files using Wav Lab vs. EAC and my preference for the overall musical character obtained from Wav Lab rips over the EAC rips would steer me away from the DS solution"

The DS, and any DAC for that matter, will accept any Rip which is thrown at it, regardless of the ripping program used to generate said file. As such one could use Wav Lab, EAC, or even an HDX rip to feed these machines.

As an adjunct here is JS's statement:
"Haven't heard the DS. Don't know a local that has one. Both these suffer from having to make good rips in EAC etc. and getting the metadata to the player. Can be very time consuming. I won't rip in any standard player program"

My same statement applies above - the DS, and any DAC for that matter, will accept any Rip which is thrown at it.

Finally, JS, you obviously have quite a bit of experience using various Ripping solutions both consumer level (EAC) and high end pro level. Have you done any direct comparisons with the HDX ripping engine and how it compares to all of these consumer level and pro level solutions? Is it on par with some of the Ripping programs which you think highly of or is it more of a consumer level ripping program? I would be interested in hearing your comments.

Respectfully
Gregg

Baz,

It is completely impossible that there is a "better" or "equivalent" product that costs less than another?

Is it a given that the price tag solely dictates performance?

Don't some people prefer less expensive amps and therefor conclude they are "better"?? Say, as in the case of Eduard and his 300?

The fact that some find the HDX preferable to a CDS3 is not completely ludicrous.

Similarly, I find Naim to be my cup of tea, and there were more expensive options out there.

-P

Hi P

Erm, I think we are sort of in agreement, my point was from a technical viewpoint (cost vs price)one assumes that the upper end models (555 etc)do something better than lower end models (5i) or at least lets hope they do, and hence cost more to produce with a higher retail price, therefore the likelihood of a lower priced product (HDX) being built to ( technically )outperform the top end stuff is a little unlikely from Naims business model perspective.IMO
However on your point of personal preference I agree totally, I chose a Supernait, I had recieved various pieces of advice as to what to buy and having listened to several, and for me and my likes, dislikes and wants the Supernait is perfect.
But to have a discussion about the merits/demerits of one over the other without acknowledging cost/value for money as a reference when there is such a chasm is also missing part of the argument it seems.
But I'm not that precious about it, it was just an observation and a personal opinion, I don't feel the need to have the world agree with me.
They always say that Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I reckon that music must be in the ears of the listener, and all the better for that, because it would be hellishly boring if we all the same
Barrie

quote:

Originally posted by pcstockton:


The fact that some find the HDX preferable to a CDS3 is not completely ludicrous.

-P

Absolutely. I wouldn't buy a CDS3 at this point in time given the combination of how the HDX performs and what other advantages it provides for me.

I second Gary1 comment, and that is my point exactly - VFM and performance combined

quote:

Originally posted by glevethan:
......
Gregg

HDX does excellent rips with easy metadata retrieval. It's also relatively fast and definitely painless. That it has it's own interfaced software that sees much doesn't hurt either. Nice to know you can just feed it a CD without didling around and get a result. Much as you would with an Itunes or WM rip but with a proper sonic conclusion.

quote:

Nice to know you can just feed it a CD without didling around and get a result. Much as you would with an Itunes or WM rip but with a proper sonic conclusion.

That's pretty much the HDX in a nutshell.

Kuma

Unless I missed one of your posts I have not seen you comment on how you feel the HDX compares against current Nam CDP's. ?

Regards
Gregg

quote:

Originally posted by SteveH:
teabelly

The two possibilities of URL eg 192.168.0.? or the one with index.html etc give you two different displays. The long one gives you the display that's on the HDX display and the more simple one gives you what's called the 'TV' display.
Although it's smaller text and I definitely have to use my glasses, I prefer the 'TV' display on my Nokia N810 as it's easier to control.
Glad to hear that you are getting on rather better with HDX now.
I'm just ripping the new Grateful Dead Live - Rocking the Cradle - to enjoy on mine in a few minutes.

Steve (and others),

As soon as we're into typing URLs and other computer-nerd-stuff to get a CDN$ 10,000+ to work "as advertised" I think we've lost a significant portion of the potential customer base. Going back to my very first comment on this thread relating to the seriously deficient (IMHO) touch screen, I think the HDX should come with a fully functioning user interface. A bespoke Naim remote tablet (imagine how cool it could be!) and enough smarts to negotiate through typical users' routers and ISPs to get all available meta-data with minimal "geek-style" interference should have been the minimum spec.

Otherwise, we may as well just use PCStockton's "EAC-for-idiots" guide and drop the cash on a PC/NAS/soundcard/DAC so that we can spend our days tweaking. My guess is that the HDX was intended to supplant this sort of "dedication" to the cause of really nice HD-based music.

"Plug-in and just f&*^!n play!" should really be the default/minimum at this price point. It still sounds great, though.

quote:

Originally posted by winkyincanada:
Going back to my very first comment on this thread relating to the seriously deficient (IMHO) touch screen, I think the HDX should come with a fully functioning user interface.

Here's a seriously deficient touch screen:

It's the Nova Physcis' Memory Player. ( at 12k USD, IIRC )
I thought that the Linn's GUI was bad, this one takes the cake.

Greg,

You have probably more *in-depth* auditining of the unit than I but my impression was that it's closer to the *X* series than *S* with the 16/44 rips. 24/96 rips changes to HDX's favour quite a bit but it's irrelevant for me as my music do not come in a hi-res files. ( except on records. )

Also, I think I've mentioned elsewhere that it really depends on the original CD you start out with. On some program, the gap is narrower, but on others, clearly the CD555 for the win.

quote:

Originally posted by kuma:

quote:

Originally posted by winkyincanada:
Going back to my very first comment on this thread relating to the seriously deficient (IMHO) touch screen, I think the HDX should come with a fully functioning user interface.

Here's a seriously deficient touch screen:

It's the Nova Physcis' Memory Player. ( at 12k USD, IIRC )
I thought that the Linn's GUI was bad, this one takes the cake.

Yep, I'll pay that one. Nasty.

...And you don't even wanna know how many *steps* and windows you have to go through to rip a disc.

however, one nice thing. You can pre select the track for ripping.

I wish Naim would make the software update for an HDX.

With the multi amounts of media able to do flash wirelessly and with the inevitable introduction of flash on ipod, I cannot see why naim would have wanted to develop a touch screen or even source it out with all that additional cost to the customer.

Without doubt the amounts of complaints about the fancy remote adding to the cost when they could use their lappy would have afar outweighed the few who were happy to pay another x-amount for a commercially available product with a naim logo on.

quote:

Originally posted by kuma:

quote:

Originally posted by winkyincanada:
Going back to my very first comment on this thread relating to the seriously deficient (IMHO) touch screen, I think the HDX should come with a fully functioning user interface.

Here's a seriously deficient touch screen:

It's the Nova Physcis' Memory Player. ( at 12k USD, IIRC )
I thought that the Linn's GUI was bad, this one takes the cake.

Greg,

You have probably more *in-depth* auditining of the unit than I but my impression was that it's closer to the *X* series than *S* with the 16/44 rips. 24/96 rips changes to HDX's favour quite a bit but it's irrelevant for me as my music do not come in a hi-res files. ( except on records. )

Also, I think I've mentioned elsewhere that it really depends on the original CD you start out with. On some program, the gap is narrower, but on others, clearly the CD555 for the win.

kuma,

have you tried the hdx with a xps ?..did this change the voicing from "x" to "s" ? or is it more the hires files which goes more for " s" presentation...

does someone really believe , that the big companies... will provide hires files ? mean sony bmg and so on...