HDX and DAC V1

A CDX 2 is improved a lot with a DAC-V1 using Naims coaxial digital cable DC1. Do not underestimate the DAC-V1.

Unfortunately I did nott try it with a HDX.

Sorry, don't know about HDX, but I am surprised that V1 improved CDX2 as I own V1 and owned CDX2. While V1 sounds more natural than CDX2, it is clear to me that CDX2 sounds much more mature and defined. CDX2 is much much more faster than V1 if that is important. John R, please can you tell me in which areas you find V1 to be an upgrade?

I hope someone else can comment to the original q.

I owned CDX 2 (first version with VAM 1250 CD drive), CDX2-2 (with S/PDIF out), HDX (first version with 2 x 400GB), NDAC and now DAC-V1. Unfortunately I only owned CDX2-2, NDAC and DAC-V1 at the same time. To MY ears adding NDAC via DC1 to CDX2-2 is a mixed bag as it offers more detail, faster transients and a better soundstage but the CDX 2-2 on its own sounded more natural to my ears (especially with piano and strings). That is why my NDAC was unused most of the time. Whereas adding DAC-V1 via DC1 to CDX 2-2 simply gives me more of everything. To MY ears I get all the pros of the NDAC plus I still get the natural sound of the CDX 2-2. But a PC/Mac via the "right" USB cable really makes the DAC-V1 sing even with 16/44,1 files But that is a different story...

Very interesting John. Thanks a lot. My V1 is two and a half months old, so maybe still didn't reached the tempo and focus to snap in.

John R, what is your Dac V1 system, and what USB cable are you using?

I am using DAC-V1 into NAP 100... This combination was supposed to be used as a second system, but in the end it replaced NAC 282 / HiCap (non DR) / NAP 250. I am using Chord Silver Plus USB cable after comparing them to different Audioquest cables and Supra. The DAC-V1 and NAP 100 are my products of the year and both of them offer outstanding VFM.

According to the latest Connection magazine DAC-V1 uses DAC technology from the NDX and SuperUniti, and digital isolation techniques from the NDS, so sonically it would seem DAC-V1 and NDX should be on a par. So the answer to the OP's question is no. Any following preamp stage cannot improved the SQ but well degrade it. However, I don't think the NDX has a USB input.

Other components may be upgraded but I see DAC-V1 being the hub of my system for some time to come.

It would be really good one year to get a Connections mag without having to prompt some one at NAIM to send one.

Glad to hear you rate the DAC-V1 that highly.

PS I was just trying to put some objectivity into the discussion.

So is the DAC in the HDX the same as as the one used in the NDX?

I had an NDAC with the HDX but found it too bright and fatiguing on less than perfect recordings and actually preferred the HDX bare, although less detailed than with the NDAC. So was wondering if the V1 may provide the extra detail but with a smoother less harsh presentation.

According to the Naim site, the HDX and V1 use the same Burr Brown DAC chip.  However, there appears to be dfifference is the analogue section alone.

As alternative way forward, have you considered using one of the external PSUs with the HDX (if not already doing so)?