Naim streamers vs Linn Majik DSM

I demoed Linn Majik and Superuniti, personally preferred the sound of Naim, and whilst the user interface is good on the Linn, for me, it's how it sounded that was important. Don't get me wrong the Linn is good, but for me the Naim was more musical. A demo is a must.

Mac and iTunes user here and i've had both Linn and Naim streamers. 

Sound quality differences aside, when i moved from an Akurate DS to the NDX, i found nStream to be a real step backwards. Poor user interface, no playlist support and not as flexible as the various Linn control point solutions. Linn Open Sourced their code so there were quite a few different options available. I'd say that now nStream is much improved and i rather like using it these days. Add in the ability to control other parts of a Naim system by the System Automation function and its a very neat solution. 

Firmware updates are a lot easier with the Linn solution. Download the appropriate file from the Linn support page on their website and it's all done across the network so no need to touch the streamer itself.   

So, apart from the firmware updates, the Naim solution has matured nicely and so it's really down to what you like musically. I really like my NDX even though its only duty is as a network to S/PDIF converter these days.

James

I had an Akurate DS/0 streamer plugged into a LFD NCSE integrated amp for about a year and it was a very revealing set up. Enjoyed it very much. As James stated earlier, software/control points for many operating systems, firmware updates were hassle free for the most part and it was easy to use - even with a Mac computer.

I also auditioned a Superuniti seeing I was looking for a one box digital solution. I ended up with the SU as I just enjoyed how it conveyed music a little more. Perhaps a little more exciting than Linn and not as "polite" in presentation. The downside is software development and up until recently, awkward PC only firmware updates. 

I do not think one is better than the other. I just preferred the Superuniti's array of features and convenience factors.

^  at about one third of the price for the SU; you get a lot for the money

Having had both Naim and Linn streamers, I have to say they are very different.

Neither better than the other - but they take an obviously different route to replaying music.

As has been said above a demo of both would be mandatory to decide which you prefer.

The nStream app has had its ups and downs but is now among the best dedicated phone/tablet controllers. But, again, it does depend on what UpNP software you have on your NAS drive.

I've had both Linn and Naim streamers at home and concluded that Naim sounds better to my ears. probably depends on overall system balance as well as personal taste though. I think n-steam has now caught up with kinsky so that wouldnt swing it for me. And I like the ability to control the naim streamers from the front panel and remote as well as ipad etc. Do like the fact that you can upgrade Linn DS firmware via internet.

I started with Majik DS / NAC102/Hi Cap/NAP180 / Linn Majik Isobariks

Majik DS was a second hand but recent model bought to replace a CD3.5/Hicap after I'd heard one at the dealer.

Overall I found it a little too polite - strings lacked a bit of attack / texture / excitement.

I had an (early model) unitiqute in the kitchen. Tried that as a source into the NAC102. I liked it more that the Majik. Didn't expect to but I think it's amazing VFM.

Demoed a SU and ordered one. EBayed the Majik and the 102, Hicap while I was waiting for the SU to arrive. Used the Unitiqute directly into the NAP180. I was very happy with it and rather worried that the SU was going to struggle to improve on it.

I now use the SU and NAP180 biamping the Majik Isobariks and that is an improvement over the UQ/180 but obviously that's about more than the streamer/DAC upgrade. Speaker choice could make a difference. I know the MI are a bit marmite (although from what I'm told that is a bit about set-up - need to make sure that the driver bolts are tight and tweak speaker positioning carefully) but they certainly don't have a bright/forward top end. Perhaps a more edgy speaker would fit better with the Linn DS of course that would be rather ironic....

All in all, you need to demo both but if you like the Naim sound I doubt you'd prefer a majik DSM to a SU.

Hello and thanks to everyone that replied to this post.

It certainly seems that the preference is for naim - but that's not surprising given this is a naim forum! I also love the naim sound too.

The naim streamers also seem to offer more connections for similar money Eg, cdplayer on the uniti2 and unitilite, iPod digital connectivity, which we find very useful for casual listening - son young son particularly enjoys this. 

Control utlility seems to be about equal from what I read.

Given the cash an upgrade is going to cost a home demo will be in order.

The upnpsoftware thing really is confusing. I will eventually get a macmini but in the meantime I am keen to get another NAS without twonky. Some of you indicated you have this already this.

Can anyone recommend a simple, cost effective NAS that does NOT run twonky? I prefer a single bay NAS.

Cheers

I have a Synology DS213j, which is really good. It has two bays, but if you install two WD red drives, you can run it in Raid 1 for a backup. You don't want to have a single drive, in case it goes wrong. I have only one drive in mine, as the master copies are on the UnitiServe.

I don't mean to break up the Naim love in, but here goes.

I have been extremely happy with the majority of my Naim gear, and I have had numerous set-ups and combinations. My only disappointing Naim experience has been with their streaming products. Not from a sound quality perspective but from a functionality and reliability stand point. I cannot tell you how many times my unitiserve had to be sent back to HQ to resolve a mysterious malfunction, that frankly was never figured out; at least to my satisfaction. 

I went to a one box solution with a Superuniti for a time,  and had many issues with network drop outs, not being able to find networks and on and on.

Finally, after a great deal of thought I went with a Linn Akurate DS, and couldnt be happier. Sounds great. different, but great AND it doesn't have any of the technical hassles I have had to deal with; which frankly became unbearable, and the reason I moved to Linn streaming in the first place. I really love the marriage of Linn streaming with Naim amplification.

Obviously, many people are very happy with Naim streaming, but my experience(s) was less than satisfactory. 

Just a view from the other side. Good luck on your journey,

Regards,

Scot

Synology or Qnap will work wih Minimserver. Simple disable Twonkey or the Synologie-Server and install Minimserver. The configuration is easy. There is a good manual on the website. You can test it on every plattform you have.  Take a look: http://minimserver.com/

If you are looking for rock solid stability and ease of admin - go for Vortexbox with Bliss installed to handle file organisation and basic tagging. VB is a breeze to administer with a browser on any device - works really well with an ipad/iphone and most importantly backup is bullet-proof with a usb drive and a single click of the mouse.

Minimserver is pretty good if you want to host on a Mac - where you can still use Bliss to manage files. Admin is nowhere near as slick but you do get good trans-coding options for flac to wav24 if that is important to you.

Of the two VB is still ahead for me.

Tog