Mac vs Naim network player

For a start you have not optimised option 1.

I use a 4gb Macbook pro (some recommend 6), USB HD music storage, Firewire Weiss INT202 with external PS (and Nordost Valhalla power cord), Nordost Silver shadow digital interconnect into the coax input on the Naim DAC (also with a Valhalla PC).  Macbook is running the somewhat unstable, but brilliant sounding, Audirvana Direct beta (free full function trial available)

The "one argument" that this doesn't make a difference ain't mine.  I can still recall the expression on a fellow audiophiles face the first time we hooked up the "spare" Valhalla cord onto the Weiss interface.  I put in a order for the Valhalla the next day, it was a "must have". 

You have to remember that the information is digital but the medium is analogue that the circuits need to interpret in real time into music.  I'm ok with admitting that I flunked out on computer electronics back in 1983 (decided programming was more my thing), but trial and error and years of experimentation in audio has made it plain to me that if you want the best digital playback - everything matters.  Sure, you can cut corners and it may well sound just fine, but then why have a top quality Naim DAC.

AK,

I've moved this to the Streaming Audio room where I think you may get more input.

Thanks Richard!

I cannot say for sure if the mac mini connected optimally is for sure better than a Naim streamer but  the new mac mini is a very capable device when you optimise how it is connected to the NDAC.

Digital is a second source for me after LP12 and I have been restless with it for sometime

not having the level of musical connection anywhere near my vinyl source. 

I've been through Sonos/NDAC, SqueezeBox/NDAC, Mac-HiFace/NDAC and now new mini mac-optical-ndac.   With a move to a top end optical cable (Wireworld supernova) I've finally found a combination that engages me well and sounds way better than hiface (1 or 2), sonos or squeezebox.

From the open day demos of various other streamers (Linn and Naim) I've not heard much to persuade me to move. If digital were my prime source things would be different perhaps.

Although I have to "login" to the screen of my mini mac somehow, via a VNC on a laptop or my ipad

the benefits of the mini mac shine through.  I can use the proper version of spotify, I can use songbird to play flacs very well indeed and also can watch movies with top sound.  This combo will

do me for a bit I think.

Fozz

If I play music from my Mac Mini (2012 via optical) into my Naim Dac using iTunes and BitPerfect, is it any different in SQ than playing through a Naim streamer, say NDX?

Yes .. imho the Mac Mini into Naim DAC sounds much more engaging than the NDX. The NDX is a fine machine, but I'd see it as a downgrade from your current set up. Your current set is also more flexible and easier to maintain and use .... all opinions of course, but don't forget Naim regards adding the Naim DAC to the NDX as an upgrade. 

My assumption is you are using a Supernova 6 or equivalent (if there is one) optical cable. 

If you are using a plastic cable then I doubt you are hearing it at its best. 

If you had said NDS then from the demonstration I heard the NDS would win on SQ terms. 

Of course do the demo's and hear for yourself but I would not move from Mac Mini/Naim DAC/555PS to anything less than NDS/555PS and that includes such revered CDPs as CD555. 

Hmm, I returned home tonight and plugged a USB stick into the DAC, therefore not using the Mac at all.

This sounds better than using my Mac. It's not in a particular area, just everything sounds better to me. Everything sounds a touch more insightful. They are not huge improvements, but a positive uplift overall. 

Btw, I use the wireworld optical on my Mac, and PL on the DAC. I don't have a PSU on the DAC but I'm not so keen on another box. 

I am hopefully going to demo the NDX at the weeeknd (at home) and takes things from there (yikes...££

Using an NDX as a digital source shouldn't make any difference, since the data will be the same as the Mac and any signal timing or jitter differences are ignored by the DAC, which generates its own timing. 

People on the forum often report that the NDX sounds better as a source but I don't think anyone's got to the bottom of why this should be so.  There are some theories about RF noise coupling from the switch-mode power supply of the Mac, but with the isolation of an optical connection cable this is likely to be a very minor secondary effect (e.g. via the mains and somehow bypassing the filtering of the DAC's PSU).  Don't know if anyone's tested a Macbook on batteries vs. plugged in to the mains to test this theory.

For me the value-add of the NDX is its simplicity of use over a PC/Mac and integration of the DAC.  It seems a shame to buy a streamer with an expensive high-quality DAC and not use it.

Don't listen to me though, as I can't hear the difference between a glass or plastic Toslink cable (or understand why there should be one).

I would consider a move from Mac Mini/SuperNova/Naim DAC to UnitiServe/NDX a downgrade as without an additional PSU the DAC simply sounds better to me than the NDX. I agree the Naim DAC using a USB stick sounds even better, especially on its rear USB port. 

I'm unconvinced UnitiServe/NDX is easier to use than Mac Mini/SuperNova/Naim DAC and the second option is more versatile in my view ... the network requirements for the former are far more complex. Though given a dealer install the UnitiServe/NDX would be easier enough to use. 

However, be interested to hear if you reach the same conclusion after your audition. 

Guy, i guess not really suprising the DAC should sound better than the NDX, the analogue output stages on the DAC are  more accurately engineered thereby providing a less distorted /more linear analogue signal. Also the DAC allows split powersupplies between digital and analogue when using an additional PSU like the NDS and CD555 where as the NDX uses combined power. This helps mitigate that  pesky RF coupled interference on the internal power busses.

I like the NDX audio output, but once you feed it's SPDIF into NDAC/555PS it's very hard to go back.. The sound becomes grin inducing.

Simon

Agreed Simon .. the NDX/DAC/555PS I heard was superb ... perhaps surpassed by the NDS, not sure if the KDS will surpass it too, but that audition is for after the Olympics. 

Yes my audition  the NDS is waiting for a couple months. So far been a little under whelmed by it at listening demos out and about but I guess I need to do a serious home demo to really see what if adds sonically if anything to the NDX/DAC/555PS. It might be more about box count and simplicity than anything else.

Simon

Interesting feedback there, and much of it unexpected. I thought the NDX would be the obvious choice over a Mac Mini, even with the DAC connected to the Mini. 

My plan would have been to sell the NDAC and replace with the NDX, but may be better keeping what i have. I guess the most obvious upgrade would be a PSU on the DAC, but i dont really want to get another box. I will still give the NDX a try this weekend and report how I get on.

I didn't get the chance to demo the NDX, unfortunately. 

I did nearly buy a used one to have a long term demo, which of course I could always sell on if needed. But, the bidding went too high, IMO.

Just trying to canvas a bit more first-hand opinion from any other members here. Any thoughts much appreciated! 

Will the 'NDX > SN'

...offer any improvements in SQ over...

'2011 Mac Mini / iTunes / BitPerfect > Wireworld optical > DAC > SN?'