Confused: HDX or Sonos for playlists management?

Hi Arnaud,

I've just tried it: it's possible to delete a single track from an album ripped by the HDX. But why not keeping all the tracks and create a playlist instead in which you put only the tracks you want to hear?

Regards,
Michel

Thanks Michel, so it is possible in the Naim system!

What is your appreciation of the lists management through the HDX: is it very easy? do you do that through an iPod interface or directly via the screen of the HDX? And is the general ergonomy of the system satisfying?

Regards,

Arnaud

Hi Arnaud,

I don't use the playlist option very often TBH. Playlists cannot be made with the iPod interface, you can do that with the Desktop Client program or with the HDX screen. I also don't use that screen very often, I feel more comfortable with a duplicate of that screen on a Windows based PC (Web Browser).

Control of the HDX via the iPod Touch works perfectly, this is what I use in most cases. I can recommend it!

Regards,
Michel

So, what would be the aim of acquiring a Sonos device vs. Naim HDX only?

- better interface?
- the multiroom capacities?
- but is the quality the same?

Regards

Arnaud

Sorry, I can't answer those questions...

Regards,
Michel

Thanks Michel for your help!

Could anybody help?

Regards,

Arnaud

Arnaud, I use an iPad as my controlling interface for managing the music I'm playing on my HDX (currently using the Songbook application for this). This allows me to "queue" the tracks I wish to listen to rather than complete albums.

By the way, this approach also allows me to listen to internet radio through the HDX; managing the radio stations in the same Songbook application. Hope this helps.

Glyn

Hi Glyn,

How do you like the Songbook app?

Regards,
Michel

Playlist management is simple on the HDX provided you go through the front screen. It it not possible to access them on the iPhone/Pad app. I have my HDX connected to the telly so it's no big deal. At least for me.

For what it's worth I have been using the Songbook app for Internet radio on the HDX. It works but it's slow and clunky. As for handling playlists, queues and all aspects of playback for music files it's a load of rubbish.

There is definitely a gap in the market for a well designed app. Whilst I agree the Songbook app is less than perfect it's best to draw up your own set of priorities and criteria for what you wish to achieve. Once done, you'll be in a position to determine the best solution for you. 

From my own perspective I wanted a clean user experience and integrated  solution across my Naim stack, iMac, iPad and the internet radio function from the HDX - the iPad portion is important as this is what I use for other functions around the house etc... Sunday paper as an example. In terms of managing playlists I use a browser on my iMac connected to the HDX - although personally I don't use the playlist function extensively as I still prefer to browse through the artists / albums lists - keeps me in touch with the complete collection. 

In terms of how I then choose/listen to music I quite like the way Songbook allows a user to queue tracks for listening or selecting a complete album. All down to personal preference but again, someone could make a killing with a well designed app in this space.

Hmmm! Very interresting indeed! 
Any software enhancement at sight on Naims side?

Arnaud

Internet Radio is mooted for the HDX. I don't think it's if so much as when. N-Stream/Serve are being overhauled and will work better at native iPad resolution. UI and functionality enhancements to be revealed. I'm anticipating quite a tasty app. Time will tell.