People with NS01/NS02 or HDX, please report! Digital or analog?

Either

NS01 analogue output via Hi-Line (softer, more musical)

or

NS01 coaxial digital output via Naim DC1 (more "precise", analytical–good for auditioning my old 24-bit mix files)

into SUPERNAIT / n-SATs + n-SUB with fully-kitted out SuperLine/SUPERCAP
(feeds via record out into occasional, office-borrowed MediaLinX MLA101)

with (in secondary room, as 3.0 video setup)

NNP01 (using Nokia N800 touchpanel, poss. DVDCOM remote for control) / n-SATs
n-ViFM (using NNP01 for front channels) / n-CENT
(digital out set to stereo, feeds into NNP01 to stream FM or video)
Samsung OTA HDTV tuner

and (in equipment closet)

D-Link DNS-323 NAS
2WIRE ADSL modem / router
Linksys VoIP adapter
Linksys WRT54G router/WAP/hub (works fine for single StreamNet stream, will replace with NS switch when funds allow)
Various Gigabit Ethernet switches for home network

I still have some integration to do–but elements of this setup will be part of the NaimNet installer training (with special thanks to Jonathan Smith).

I was under the impression that the ns servers like the HDX is not for sale yet. If I am wrong any information about prices and comparisons to other digital stream devices would be very interesting reading.

I had hoped that my questions about controlling hdx/NS servers would be answered by Naimnet tech but this has not happened so information about the ways you can control the devices would be interesting also!

Dave,

Are you saying that the NS01's DAC is different than the SN's DAC, to an extreme degree?

If so, which is your preference for standard Redbook files?

Reading what your gear outlay consists of, I am curious what would exactly be needed on my end for a one room solution.

Say I source an HDX. What else do I need? Precisely.

I have a PC, Seagate External HDs, a wireless router (in a different room from my 2 channel).

My understanding is that I would need to purchase some sort of NAS, or set-up my current drives to act like one.

But seeing your list of hardware made me wonder if I am not understanding everything correctly.

thanks,
Patrick

For a single room, I mean, your HiFI room only, you just need the HDX. If you want to add a NAS or a PC to remotely control the HDX, you will need a router.
A standard cheap router will do OK for one extra room (to a NNP01 ). We also have done tests and a serious switch (like the NS) is needed for multiroom.

quote:

Are you saying that the NS01's DAC is different than the SN's DAC, to an extreme degree?

If so, which is your preference for standard Redbook files?

The differences are minor, and probably dependent on a variety of system setup factors, sorry.

No doubt, I'd use an HDX in the main system if it were available presently–for most people with two-channel systems, it's exactly what one would need.

I believe (in a NaimNet / DigiLinX context) the original question from Chris was oriented towards those who use at least two zones (local + streamed), as to whether one would locate the server / player (and there is a distinction here between the two) with the main hi-fi system.

In the case of the HDX hard disk player, this would most definitely be with the main hi-fi system–as it has been engineered primarily as a local source, with more resources spent on its (single, local zone) analogue output stage and power supply upgrade arrangement.

On the other hand, though the NS02 and NS03 music servers are oriented more towards multiple-zone playback (e.g., four local zones).

The NS01 is simply a less-expensive version of the NS02, sans three additional local zones; the NS03 adds the front panel touch screen as found on the HDX.

All four devices (HDX / NS01 / NS02 / NS03) are capable of streaming six remote zones onto the network, for a total of seven (HDX / NS01, one local + six streamed) or ten (NS02 / NS03, four local + six streamed) zones.

Lastly–all local zones, as I understand it, are capable of playing back hi-res files (e.g., greater than Red Book quality). The primary local zone (Zone 1) also features optical/coaxial digital out, though unlike a CD player, this digital output is generated as a separate internal stream in software, separate from the analogue Zone 1 output.

quote:

Originally posted by Manu:
For a single room, I mean, your HiFI room only, you just need the HDX. If you want to add a NAS or a PC to remotely control the HDX, you will need a router.
A standard cheap router will do OK for one extra room (to a NNP01 ). We also have done tests and a serious switch (like the NS) is needed for multiroom.

thanks Manu,

What if my NAS and corresponding PC was in the same room as my hifi. Do i still need a router?

If not, am I just connecting the PC to the HDX via ethernet? Or am i connecting the NAS to the HDX via ethernet?

You'd probably still want a router, with an Internet connection for outbound metadata requests from the server.

quote:

NNP01

Dave, I think my installer/consultant is going to reach out to you.

In any event, I like what I am reading. I plan to keep the NS01 with my stereo stack (heavily isolated with aluminum foil hat kind of tweaks), allowing me to plug into a preamp via analog, but also allow me to use a 16/20 bit D/A for red book. I have a particular affinity for this specific piece. It cannot all be Naim!

I was unaware that the NNP01 was even available to anyone. This is likely my fault, as I owe you guys a call.

My setup is full bore Netstream, dual gigabit switches (one for audio, one for video), RTI touch panel remotes, rack mounted 8 TB NAS, etc.
I am glad to hear the NNP01 is now available.

MY only complaint is that I like to tinker, and this platform doesn't allow for this!

quote:

Originally posted by David Dever:
You'd probably still want a router, with an Internet connection for outbound metadata requests from the server.

Dave... thanks,

The thing is though.... I will NEVER rip a disc on the HDX, it will only be used to play them from my hard drives. In fact I would not even ever use the HDX's internal drives.

The PC in my listening room is connected wirelessly to the internet via a wireless router in another room.

My understanding from your comment is, "no" I do not need a router.

If not, what is the connection between the PC and HDX? Ethernet?

Then I have my USB Hard Drives, in some fashion, acting like a NAS??

thanks,
Patrick