ipod + nDAC + FLAC versus nVi CD + nDAC?

Posted by: Consciousmess on 13 August 2010

Hi all,

Now that I am re-establishing my more modest Naim equipment, I'm deliberating whether to get the nDAC NOW, or hold off for maybe a year. Don't mistake me, things are coming together, but I could direct more funds towards the nDAC (i.e. potentially an XPS) if I used my iPod as my digital source.

I have many CDs as well, but I really am into convenience and buying something like the HDX is a very big expense.

So the question I have is what I put in this thread title.... If I fill my iPOD with FLAC files converted through the nDAC am I logically going to hear higher fidelity than what the nVi does with CD through the nDAC?

It's going into a 282 + 250.2 + nSATS.

I will be trying to get the items ex-dem or second hand, so auditioning can be problematic. I don't have the electrical know-how of many of you on this forum so I am very curious to ask!!

Can anyone enlighten me - and I'd be grateful for your kind words!

Jon

Posted on: 13 August 2010 by Holty

The ipod / iphone is the worst sounding source i have heard from the nDAC. A PC/MAC with a hiface running foobar / JRiver or a USB stick is a massive improvement.

My opinion only of course!

I haven't heard the nVi so it's most likely a completly worthless post

Posted on: 13 August 2010 by rich46

a quality dac like the naim should have more useable inputs, the ipod input is a total waste of money

Posted on: 13 August 2010 by winkyincanada

Why would you not use the computer that holds your music as a source, rather than the iPod? Plenty of options there.

Posted on: 13 August 2010 by Consciousmess

quote:
Why would you not use the computer that holds your music as a source, rather than the iPod? Plenty of options there.

That is a good option, Winky, call this a sill question though, but how do I connect my computer (desktop which is upstairs in the study) to the nDAC which would be downstairs in the lounge??

I know that is a luddite question, but I've never considered my PC to be a source of music.

Thanks

Jon

Posted on: 13 August 2010 by james n

Jon - remember the DAC in the n-Vi is pretty decent. It's how a few of us started on the computer audio path using a Mac into the n-Vi's digital input.

Another thought - the Unitserve is just coming out. You could use that as a digital source for your n-Vi with a view to upgrading to a Naim DAC later on. Whilst the results should be similar to a well set up computer system, the Unitiserve is a simple turnkey solution.

James

Posted on: 13 August 2010 by Guido Fawkes

quote:
If I fill my iPOD with FLAC files

Can an iPod play Flac?

I have not tried an iPod with my Naim DAC, but I did try one with a Chordette GEM and briefly with the Chord DAC and it sounded superb using the BT interface that unfortunately the Naim DAC lacks. However, I'm currently use a MacBook Pro with hiFace and the results are excellent - I just use the vanilla software that is part of the OS plus the hiFace driver. I disable most of the other stuff while playing music such as networking - whether this makes a substantial improvement I've no idea, but it keeps me happy.

I'm looking for a suitable SSD direct attached storage solution to complete the solution.

The alternative is the UnitiServe, but I'll wait for everybody else to try it out before going down that path.

Posted on: 13 August 2010 by Holty

iTunes won't play FLAC

Posted on: 13 August 2010 by Chris Kelly

And this is in the Home Theatre forum because....?

Posted on: 13 August 2010 by winkyincanada

quote:
Originally posted by Consciousmess:
quote:
Why would you not use the computer that holds your music as a source, rather than the iPod? Plenty of options there.

That is a good option, Winky, call this a sill question though, but how do I connect my computer (desktop which is upstairs in the study) to the nDAC which would be downstairs in the lounge??

I know that is a luddite question, but I've never considered my PC to be a source of music.

Thanks

Jon

For a lot less than a grand, you could have dedicated small form-factor computer dedicated to your music. I use a Mac-mini but there are some nice looking little PC-style units about, too.

The UnitiServe would also be a good option. It is sort-of just a small PC with all the fluff stripped out and some really nice ripping soft/firmware and optimised audio output. Functionally, it looks to do about what I do with my Mini for music (but won't serve video). Unitiserve will perhaps be much more expensive than my mini, though.

A long SPDIF cable might successfully connect your PC to the nDac/nVi. I use a low/mid-priced 5m long plastic one with no problems. Good quality glass ones will likely work over considerably longer distances.

Or use an Airport Express on your wiFi. Or use an AE connected to your ethernet with cable (to eliminate potential wireless dropouts).

Lots of options; all of them better than an iPod IMO.

Posted on: 15 August 2010 by Guido Fawkes

iPod not all bad