I recently had a demo of an NDX, playing high-res rips via a memory stick in the USB port. Unfortunately a Unitiserve wasn't available for me to try. I was hugely impressed with the sound, and am intending to replace my current source (CDS2), with the NDX/UnitiServe, once funds allow.
However, I am curious what the NDX (and NDS for that matter) do, beyond converting files from digital to analogue format. I know they have network connectivity, but would I not get the same results (the approach recommended to me was to hardwire the US to the NDX), plugging the US into an nDAC, and saving myself £1000 into the bargain? Or have I missed something.
Furthermore, what then does the NDS offer over and above the NDX (quality of DAC apart), that makes it twice the price.
I'm fairly new to the streaming approach, so any help with the above would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks
Matt
Posted on: 07 June 2013 by NickSeattle
The UnitiServe and HDX can function both as servers and players. Both are computers, with on-board storage. They are specially designed to perform well in the Hi-Fi room, but some people prefer to banish computers from the Hi-Fi rack, sometimes locating them in a different room. Once you decide to move the server out of the room, options open up to use a less expensive or differently optimized server. Size, appearance, and machine noise may be less important. This is where the ND5XS, NDX, or NDS player comes in. It requires at least one server somewhere on your computer network.
If you need players in multiple rooms, you can share one server from many NDx and Uniti players, rather than maintaining content on multiple servers.
For a simple system, using the server as a player can vastly simplify logistics. There are many advocates of doing so on the Forum. It is nice to have choices.
I will leave it to others to decribe the differences among the NDx players, though a search of the Forum should allow you to find many interesting recent posts along these lines.
Nick
Posted on: 07 June 2013 by Frank Abela
Matt,
The approach suggested to you was either incorrect or they meant to plug an ethernet cable between the US and NDX. If you use the US as an ordinary transport and use its digital output to feed the NDX, then the NDX will simply be used as a DAC and you're correct that the n-DAC would probably sound better. However, if you use ethernet, then you are using the streaming facilities of the NDX and you benefit from the streaming techology.
The USB stick fed into the NDX is the best way to hear files through an NDX. Next best is streaming. Least best is to use the US as a transport and the NDX as a DAC. The inconvenience of loading files onto the USB stick is usually enough to guarantee you'll use the US, preferably via ethernet.
I hope this makes sense.
Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.
Posted on: 09 June 2013 by NickSeattle
Matt,
I forgot to mention that the ND boxes, via RC-5 Out, add System Automation control of your NAC via iPad etc., e.g. Volume, Source Selection. Not sure if this works on Olives, though. I do not believe the Serve products have this capability. The UnitiServe has an RC-5 In terminal; I wonder what it can do?
Nick
