CDX2 + SU vs HDX + SN

If you don't need full streaming capabilities, I bet that HDX/SN combo offers better reply and the added convenience of having all your CDs available without moving from your sofa...no brainer IMO.

As you already have the SuperUniti, why not just get a UnitiServe? It's what I use and works really well. If you really do want a CD player, just get a £500 Rega and run it digitally into the SU DAC.

As you already have a SU I assume that you are familiar with ripping CDs on your PC/MAC.

The HDX would therefore be a complete miss. It is for poeple who are at very great unease to operate  computers (no bashing intended, but I call the HDX the 'Old-Men's-Machine').

Thankx! I love my HDX / SuperNait combo!

Regards,

Michel

Clearly you are an old man!

Joking aside, I've always thought that the HDX looks like a great solution, and coupled with a Snait must make a great system. It would be interesting to compare it to my US/SU at some point.

If you've already got the SU, and like it, I would just get a Rega CDP and use it's digital out. The Apollo-R is very well liked.

If you're really into spinning CDs, maybe a CDX and the outgoing Supernait-1? Which begs the question, why did you get a SU if you didn't want to use it's streaming bits?

Thanks for all the replies, for the moment, I'm happy with the SU driven the SBL, but was thinking to get a naim cd player and I was short listed CDX2, and a HDX come up and tempted me to consider the HDX+SN1 (trade with the SU), though I know a home demo will definitely find out the answer but  not many dealers here willing to do that.

I listen to the SN1 driven the SBL before and like the sound, i bought the SU is because I stream most of the time. 

I havent heard the unitiserve as a cd player before and not sure how's the sound quality, a friend told me the wav or flac rip by unitiserve or HDX sound better than computer rip, is that true?

Lastly, comparing rega Apollo via SU DAC vs Naim CD5i + SU? Any vote?

Thanks!

I never liked the analog inputs on the SU. They made even my TT sound dead. It's a good machine for streaming, and it's digital inputs are fine too.

No.

I guess this returns to an earlier question - if you already stream to the SU, what is the point of adding a CD player to it? It won't sound any better than the streamed music you already have. I tried my CDS2 into the SU ( before I sold it): the sound from the UnitiServe is better. Now, if you wanted to avoid fiddling with a computer to be able to rip music, a UnitiServe would make sense, but there would be no point in an NDX.

Yes!

in the same manner as some people hear a difference between flac and wav. In addition, there are some Forum members who say they can hear an iimprovement in sound quality streaming from a u-Serve over a Nas.

There may not be a SQ improvement, but you may prefer the sound to your ears. As ever, a test is in order, but on the whole it will very much depend on the many, many variations on you pc configuration as the  u-Serve is configured and optimised for you by Naim. 

Another point to consider is that popping an external linear power supply is said to improve the u-Serve in a manner which is audible. So, Mr Hamsters definite "No" is not so definite according to the Forum.

Jason.

The HDX:SN2 work very nicely together if that's any guide.  SQ does not give way at all to the versatility, convenience and aesthetic/psychological simplicity ime. G

And so do the US/SU, which I have. The HDX/SN2 is doubtless better, and upgradeable too, but is about £2,000 more in cost. 

As Jason says, a linear power supply audibly improves the performance of the US and is well worth getting.

Hi HH,

That reminds me, did you write about your impressions comparing you're your u-Serve with an added ps. I may have missed it?

Jason.

I've never said more than that it sounds better. Just more real and natural, it's hard to describe in Hifi terms. If you have a US, the $399 cost is worthwhile. 

I asked Naim why they do not supply a napsc style upgrade option, and the response was (in essence) that it would be too tweaky, and that if I wanted a US with a better PS, the answer was the NDX. But with a US, the NDX would be largely wasted, so the add on PS is the perfect solution. Even its little green light is in matching Naim green.

Knock...knock....did I miss anything here? Can US add an externalpower supply?

Yes, the US has an external Naim provided power supply, you may find there are other 'better' supplies available, you may make one yourself even. Swap one for another, yes; add an external supply, no.

Hi Andrew,

here is the link to the interesting article that outlinthe what happens when adding a ps to the u-Serve.

Happy reading.

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/h...audio_networking.htm

Jason.

Thanks Jason, I'd not read that. I'm glad I'm not imagining the improvement.

If streaming is all you need, then get the HDX or NDX and switch to a SN.

The SN will allow hicap upgrade, and later pre/power upgrade (as you will have the dac from the HDX/ NDX). 

If you want CD, get the CDX2. Great player.

Yes, they are definatively in the best position to influence their audience ... like they have done for decades. Most facinating how they can keep on spreading their their voodoo into the digital age.

Hi PinkHamster,

I am happy to entertain the odd conspiracy theary and when I was a boy I loved to watch "Tales of the Unexpected"... and I am sure there are plenty abound in the HiFi world, but just perhaps you are swimming against the tide here?

Jason.