Naim DAC and system improvement some noob questions
Posted by: PDRees on 21 January 2010
Hello guys
been several years since I posted here so please be gentle.
current system (bit of a hodge podge I'm afraid)
Macbook pro+ Vdac / CDS (original) DC player
82 pre-amp
2x HiCaps
2x 135's
Shahinian hawk speakers (£5k big old omni directionals)
Also headline / NAPSC / Sennheiser HD600 for when the missus starts yelling
I sold my Linn and rarely use the CDS as I tend to flit all over the place and got fed up wearing a groove in the carpet. Macbook gives decent sound but have been waiting for the name DAC before delivering a final verdict.
music tastes Opera through to Killers so fairly wide ranging.
OK questions
(1) Will the NaimDAC work with the CDS ? it has that great big hosepipe of a connector?
(2) The Hawks have never sat well with the 135's don't get me wrong the sound is "nice" but lacks any real bass, I read the thread on the new 6000 Naims and they sound a little tricky to "get right" so just throwing that one out there.
(3) Did consider a HDX but itunes thru the macbook works well as the kids can fill their ipods etc and I'm happy to wait for 92/196 or whatever but as a lot of the stuff I like is older recording not sure how relevant it is.
Not keen on going back down the "Linn records" route where I ended up listening to the HiFi rather than the music.
sorry questions are a bit vague but just wanted some thoughts, not sure what my end budget is yet but will know in a month or 3.
Many thanks for any replies hopefully I can be more precise once I know what I need to do.
Paul
been several years since I posted here so please be gentle.
current system (bit of a hodge podge I'm afraid)
Macbook pro+ Vdac / CDS (original) DC player
82 pre-amp
2x HiCaps
2x 135's
Shahinian hawk speakers (£5k big old omni directionals)
Also headline / NAPSC / Sennheiser HD600 for when the missus starts yelling
I sold my Linn and rarely use the CDS as I tend to flit all over the place and got fed up wearing a groove in the carpet. Macbook gives decent sound but have been waiting for the name DAC before delivering a final verdict.
music tastes Opera through to Killers so fairly wide ranging.
OK questions
(1) Will the NaimDAC work with the CDS ? it has that great big hosepipe of a connector?
(2) The Hawks have never sat well with the 135's don't get me wrong the sound is "nice" but lacks any real bass, I read the thread on the new 6000 Naims and they sound a little tricky to "get right" so just throwing that one out there.
(3) Did consider a HDX but itunes thru the macbook works well as the kids can fill their ipods etc and I'm happy to wait for 92/196 or whatever but as a lot of the stuff I like is older recording not sure how relevant it is.
Not keen on going back down the "Linn records" route where I ended up listening to the HiFi rather than the music.
sorry questions are a bit vague but just wanted some thoughts, not sure what my end budget is yet but will know in a month or 3.
Many thanks for any replies hopefully I can be more precise once I know what I need to do.
Paul
Hi Paul, and welcome to the light.
Let me answer your questions:
1) As David mentioned, no, the CDS won't be able to work with the Naim DAC, the big black cap behind the Naim DAC is the link cap that needs to be there if you don't use a XPS or 555PS with the Naim DAC.
2) I don't realy know your speakers out of their name, as they've been around since the late '70, they're still in production and about untouched in their design. That's quite impressive!
Your Naim kit might be in need for a good tune up and a rejuvelating cure. How about replacing all grey SNAICs by black ones, and get a couple of your bits of kit in for a recap service? When your kit will be in top condition, you'll have the prime condition to do some good shopping for new speakers... or it may turn that the tune up solved your bass insatisfaction.
3) Apple's solutions seems to work good for you, so I would suggest you to stick with them. Simply get a decent DAC and that's it, keep it simple and efficient.
Bye.
Let me answer your questions:
1) As David mentioned, no, the CDS won't be able to work with the Naim DAC, the big black cap behind the Naim DAC is the link cap that needs to be there if you don't use a XPS or 555PS with the Naim DAC.
2) I don't realy know your speakers out of their name, as they've been around since the late '70, they're still in production and about untouched in their design. That's quite impressive!
Your Naim kit might be in need for a good tune up and a rejuvelating cure. How about replacing all grey SNAICs by black ones, and get a couple of your bits of kit in for a recap service? When your kit will be in top condition, you'll have the prime condition to do some good shopping for new speakers... or it may turn that the tune up solved your bass insatisfaction.
3) Apple's solutions seems to work good for you, so I would suggest you to stick with them. Simply get a decent DAC and that's it, keep it simple and efficient.
Bye.
Thanks for the replies guy's
I kinda thought that about the CDS but wondered if I was missing something.
Yes I think a chat with the courier guy's would be a good first port of call, bet some of my gear will have the naim service department scratching their heads.
"Hey guy's it's like antiques roadshow in here today"
Then try a DAC when my local emporium get a supply and see how things stack up from there I guess.
Many thanks again
I kinda thought that about the CDS but wondered if I was missing something.
Yes I think a chat with the courier guy's would be a good first port of call, bet some of my gear will have the naim service department scratching their heads.
"Hey guy's it's like antiques roadshow in here today"
Then try a DAC when my local emporium get a supply and see how things stack up from there I guess.
Many thanks again
Paul,
I think I'm right in saying that Naim no longer take items in for repair/recap from us owners directly, as a general rule.
I believe they much prefer you do it via your Naim dealer.
But hey, if I'm wrong I'll accept my punishment for it.
Anyway, do check with Naim (or Naim dealer) about this.
Best of luck with your HiFi endeavours.
Tonytronic.
I think I'm right in saying that Naim no longer take items in for repair/recap from us owners directly, as a general rule.
I believe they much prefer you do it via your Naim dealer.
But hey, if I'm wrong I'll accept my punishment for it.
Anyway, do check with Naim (or Naim dealer) about this.
Best of luck with your HiFi endeavours.
Tonytronic.