HDX v NDS + Ripper / Server?

Hi Dave,

As to transferring your existing rips out of the HDX -- I would highly recommend that you use the HDX to convert them to flac.  This will make it MUCH easier to transfer them.  In the format to which the HDX rips them, which is wav plus a separate file containing the metadata, there is no UPnP server other than Naim servers that will deal with them, as far as I know.  Servers can deal with the wav files themselves, but there will be no metadata.  If you convert to flac, the basic metadata will be there and you can move them into a shared folder on a nas and have them served by the nas to the NDS.

Note -- only the recent server software versions will do this wav to flac conversion.  Have you updated to 1.7a?

Hi Bart,

I've been somewhat remiss when it comes to software updates beyond the one which gave me dab radio.................I'm aware that the most recent one to which you refer provided the facility to convert my wav files to flac, and that flac is better as far as metadata is concerned............listen to me, it almost sound as if I have some knowledge here! 

It's just that my present set up, added to incrementally, now means that the HDX is used solely for ripping to my nas, and swapping both that, and the nDac, for an NDs + a dedicated ripper / nas, would seem to make sense.

Regards,

Dave.

Understood Dave!  

The HDX is ripping to a "Store" on the nas.  That folder is not going to be usable by a run-of-the-mill UPnP server running on a nas.  Some substantial surgery will be needed to get the metadata into the files / folders.  I think that your only options are to (1) stick with a Naim server, (2) do the software upgrade and convert them to flac, (3) edit all the metadata manually, or (4) re-rip.  To me, (2) would be my first choice.  Maybe you or your dealer to install the upgrade?

How many cd's have you ripped with the HDX?

Hi Bart,

A mere 800 or so.........................so option 2 seems quite appealing!

I can get my local dealer to do the software upgrade, and if things get sticky with the new setup, well, there's always the option of calling Phil Harris......"the man who can". 

Any thoughts on these ripper / server thingys?

Dave.

I ran HDX:NDAC/555PS and had ripped everything as WAV and then moved to streaming assuming the naim streamer would recognise the files on the NAS I had as a 'backup'. I then cleared the disk on the HDX to sell it on......woops!

Luckily I hadn't let the HDX go and upgraded the software to allow conversion of the 900 files on the NAS (redesignated as a 'primary share') by the HDX.

It took a week but then everything visible in nstream as FLAC on the NDX. I discovered the WAV files are all there too under 'folder' in nstream.

Now use DBPoweramp on the PC to rip to the NAS. Very straightforward.

Good luck.

G

Hi Graeme,

We've chatted in the past about the streaming thing, particularly as you used to run what is my present setup.

Presumably, you're unable to discern any difference in playback between flac and wav?

I'm seriously thinking about this NDS, but am not sure that one of the many dedicated ripper / servers will match the ripping engine in the HDX, and I'd rather not drag a laptop into the scheme of things.

The fun never stops!

Regards,

Dave.

I've had a listen to WAV vs FLAC via the NDX/555PS and don't hear any discernable difference between them. Also rips from dbPoweramp sound exactly like HDX rips to me Dave.

The NDS will simply be so much better it's not worth losing sleep on any of that stuff ime.

G

Dave, my ripper/server thingy is a UnitiServe

If I were to not have a uServe, I would just rip with a computer with good error-checking ripping software and use my Synology nas to serve.  But I would look into a fanless quiet dedicated Vortexbox appliance too; those seem to be good value for the money.

Dumb question alert...

if he has naim wav rips already...

and the NDS can see upnp music stores...

why is there a need to change format to flac?

i use a us ssd into the NDS but baught it for ripping and sq...

thanks...

Dave, the way forward is simple:

• Keep the HDX.
• Sell the DAC.
• Power the new NDS with the 555PS.

Been there, done it, works a treat, sounds fantastic, simple to install, you'll love it, promise  

Sit back, relax and enjoy !

The NDS only really "sees" what it's shown -- it's all up to the server.  This is the root of a lot of the discussions here about using Naim players with various servers.  A player can only "see" what the server sends to it.

Naim servers recognize the unique way that Naim rippers rip to wav and organize the metadata.  When the issue becomes moving away from a Naim server, those ripped wav files and their metadata files are not so compatible with other servers; actually the wav files themselves are fine, but the metadata is not.  If one wants to migrate, it's best to convert to flac first, whereby the metadata will get embedded into the flac files.

Bart has summarised it perfectly.

Nstream will allow you to access the HDX ripped WAV files in 'folder'. Here separate folders are alpabeticised by artist. Within those are then sub-folders for every album and track listing.

If you play from here the 'now playing' screen shows the artwork and track title but the album title is 'unknown'. It will show 'WAV' in the top right corner.

I did a bit of really very critical listening (NDX/555PS) between FLAC and WAV files (converted by HDX) back to back following last night's discussion and, if really pushed, I'd say the FLAC files are a miniscule more transparent and focussed sounding than the WAV files. This can come over as a very slight increase in perceived sharpness but switching to the WAV reveals a very slightly diffuse character by comparison. I prefer the FLAC on balance.

If I can be bothered I might try a Dbpoweramp rip to WAV and FLAC of the same album to eliminate the HDX conversion factor and try them both to see if the same difference is evident.

G