DAC V1 vs 172 XS
Posted by: blodsbror on 03 January 2014
Hi!
I'm just wondering how the quality of the V1 DAC via a USB/SPDIF source and then onto a NAP 250.2 would compare to the NAC-N 172 XS via S/PDIF and then onto a NAP 250.2 ?. Audio would be played back via a MAC with standard FLAC files ripped using XLR.
The V1 has a Burr Brown PCM1791A DAC, and the 172 XS has a Burr-Brown PCM1793 DAC according to the NAIM website.
So the only functionality you gain with the XS is being able to stream over the network. But I'm not sure how the preamp/DAC sections really compare in the real world between the two - all things else being equal ?
Hello,
I am new on this forum, but i want to reply to this topic, because i own both, the DAC V1 and the NAC 172XS.
In my opinion the SQ of the V1 directly connected with USB to my MacBook pro with A+ is clearly better then streaming with the 172 XS.
The Sound is more defined and this "curtain", we all know, has been blown away...
Since i have bought the V1 at Christmas, i have only been listening to it, streaming is out this time...
I need the 172xs because of analog inputs, but i think not for streaming anymore 
...
Hi Cayman,
Very interesting. And yes, just the kind of feedback that makes decisions easier 
One other small thing I'm interested in - I assume you have the preamp in the V1 disabled and are just using it as a DAC into the 172 ?. If you play the same file via streaming through the 172, and then the same file via USB through the V1, is there a difference in volume levels ?.
What amp is the 172 driving by the way ?
Hi Cayman,
Very interesting. And yes, just the kind of feedback that makes decisions easier One other small thing I'm interested in - I assume you have the preamp in the V1 disabled and are just using it as a DAC into the 172 ?. If you play the same file via streaming through the 172, and also the same file via USB through the V1, is there a difference in volume levels ?.
What amp is the 172 driving by the way ?
Hi blodsbror,
thank you for reply! Yes I use the fixed output on the V1, but not for the 172 as preamp, but into a Jadis DPL and then to a Jadis Defy 7 amp. You see, i like the tube kind of music
I needed the 172 only as Streaming Client, was the cheapest Naim for streaming...
I like the combination of the Naims with my Jadis Tubes...new and old in a fine friendship...
By the way, anyone similar combinations?
Concerning the volume i have to test...
Best Regards!
I see . The next question would be, if it's better to run the V1 directly to an amp, and use it's preamp, or use fixed line out into another pre-amp, and the onto the amp. I guess the less components in the path the better ? I'm not sure of the quality of the V1's preamp section actually..
Then again, the problem with that, is there is no analogue inputs in the V1, so a CD player is out of the question! A smart design move from NAIM ..which requires purchasing a pre-amp
This where I am also.
Keep the V1 pre switched on direct BNC connection from US and running through the NAP100.
Switch off the V1 pre and go for better pre/power amp combo (feeding S400s)
Switch off the pre as above but also add the 172 XS with the NAP100/DB1i for a streaming solution to another room.
Go for whatever comes up in the vertical form release today
Best
Dan43
I see . The next question would be, if it's better to run the V1 directly to an amp, and use it's preamp, or use fixed line out into another pre-amp, and the onto the amp. I guess the less components in the path the better ? I'm not sure of the quality of the V1's preamp section actually..
Then again, the problem with that, is there is no analogue inputs in the V1, so a CD player is out of the question! A smart design move from NAIM ..which requires purchasing a pre-amp
I tried both, the V1 as pre and my Jadis DPL as pre with fixed line out on the V1. The later worked better...at least in my configuration...
If your CD Player has no digital Output, you are right!