Where has the NDX into Hugo thread gone? (PostScript)

Oh, I agree with you about itunes/mac. I've tried to embrace new technology in the form of NAS drives, networks, streamers apps etc. But my system consists of a streamer, dac, integrated amp and speakers. And the dac is one box too many.

As for the Hugo not having a place in a main system, perhaps your dealer friend would be more comfortable if the Hugo was in a bigger box. ☺

For 'bigger' read 'a lot more expensive'

Yes! and the best system I've heard recently had a CD555 as the source.

Not the same dealer. The iTunes will be dumped soon for the new Audirvana when Yosemite is released but I've had no problems with iTunes. For hi res files I drag them to the desk top and play directly through AV. Works a treat. No software issues unlike the streamers used by some of you guys, and no network issues either.  Each to their own.

These threads are like wak-a-mole

Haha

I was playing that game with my son just this morning There's an amusing variation on Southwold pier called 'whack a banker'. 

... iTunes will be dumped soon for the new Audirvana when Yosemite is released but I've had no problems with iTunes. For hi res files I drag them to the desk top and play directly through AV. Works a treat. No software issues unlike the streamers used by some of you guys, and no network issues either.  Each to their own.

I agree that Audirvana 2.0 looks promising but there were plenty of bugs in the initial release and I will wait until at least the 2.1 release before I try it. Actually, I'm waiting to see what spec the new Mac Mini will have -it's rumoured to be launched this month - before deciding whether to go that way rather than continuing with a streamer.

I've been lucky in that I have really had no issues with my network even when streaming hi-res files via wi-fi.  

Originally Posted by Steve J:

... iTunes will be dumped soon for the new Audirvana when Yosemite is released but I've had no problems with iTunes. For hi res files I drag them to the desk top and play directly through AV. Works a treat. No software issues unlike the streamers used by some of you guys, and no network issues either.  Each to their own.

 

I agree that Audirvana 2.0 looks promising but there were plenty of bugs in the initial release and I will wait until at least the 2.1 release before I try it. Actually, I'm waiting to see what spec the new Mac Mini will have -it's rumoured to be launched this month - before deciding whether to go that way rather than continuing with a streamer.

 

I've been lucky in that I have really had no issues with my network even when streaming hi-res files via wi-fi.  

 

Apparently it was designed around Yosemite which is why I'm waiting. 

Slap a Spice Girl was always my favourite of this genre. Sadly no longer available.

You could be Mac 'n' Dac again Allen 

Hi AllenB !

Just a little consideration: you have a wonderful and very expensive all Naim system that can only be dreamt of by many forumers. In this system your source is worth about 10k Euros excluding the PSU: Do you really think that a device that cost a fraction of this price is able to be as good as your NDS ? Because if this is the case, Naim is really fooling all his costumers ! This doesn't necessary mean that high prices is equal to high quality, but I think that a rule of "good sense" (when we speak about reputable companies) would imply to confront products in almost a comparable price range.

Best regards

Technology move fast in the computer world. The Hugo will be superseded at some stage soon and be considered old technology in the same way that a lot of us feel Naim's DAC technology has dropped behind now. So, comparing kit of differing value can save you a lot of money when something like the Hugo comes along. Hopefully Naim will respond and develop a super DAC to keep everyone on here happy.

Hi Frog !

after upgrading my system with better speakers, I demoded the Hugo against the XP5 XS PSU for my ND5 XS and I had no doubts: Hugo was more detailed but the bass authority and the air that added the PSU to my Naim streamer brought me to discard the dac you mentioned.

Best regards

Technology doesn't necessary mean a better sq ! A hi-fi device is not like a PC where a quicker chip is game changing. Achieving a good, warm and not annoying sound is an equilibrium of many components that depends only in minimal part of how advanced the dac chip is. I believe that this rule can apply also in a "digital" music world.

I could be with you if you are speaking of confronting different technologies: the classical example is the CD vs. music stored in lossless files: a 15k priced CD player can have a worser sq than a 1k priced streamer because the CD has a mechanical spinning system that affects sq.

In the case of the NDS and the Hugo we are speaking about the same technology base.

Take care

Well I guess the DAC V1 is not today's bleeding edge! But I still love mine, and would commend anyone wanting a USB and SPIDF DAC to audition it. I am sure it is just as good as the day it came out nearly two years ago! In other words, just right.

ATB from George

+1 George !

I will add that neither my MAC Mini nor the V1 has missed a beat in the whole time. 

Okay my BT Homehub 3 was a bit flaky, but my new HH 5 with optical BB has been 100 per cent for two months, so that iTunes Radio is now such that I can be certain of no fault during a nice concert on Hires Radio Three for example.

But on iTunes music [AIFF at CD standard] files this is a simple to use and bug-free way to enjoy Hard Disc stored music, and it has no apparent flaw for my ears even after this nearly two years. An ace model that simply does what it says on the as well as or even better than any digital device I know even including superb CD players. 

It has no analogue inputs, but I last used an analogue source three years ago, and not looking back with rose tinted glassed, though the Mono Leak Troughline I had for Radio was really fine. But, this is better, especially since the Broadband upgrade.

ATB from George

As long as you have something that works for you what does it matter what else is available and what others think? If it does the job for you its all good. I'm happy with my Hugo which I think is a bargain and a real step up for me but I'm sure I'd be just as happy with other options if I'd bought them first. Its all good if it lets you enjoy the music, enjoy

Dear Dayjay,

I had the unmissable chance to have a good listen to some of my music with NDS, 552, S800s driven actively with three amps!

I returned home and my modest arrangement had not been ruined by that! Of course it was in a much larger space, and was perhaps a little more detailed, but nothing major.

Sometimes we are lucky to really find our replay sweet-spot in the cost versus performance of things!

Then we get lazy and stop hunting for something to remove a niggle.

ATB from George

I fully agree with you dayjay. I have sometimes the impression that some people cling to a device seeing it as the solution of all the problems of the world and forget the "big picture". I wouldn't be surprised if somebody at some point is going to sustain that Hugo, connected to the espresso machine, is able to enhance also the quality of his coffee

I find my V1 enhances Taylor's Rich Italian ground coffee!

Prove me wrong!

ATB from George

To be fair I have noticed a profound improvement in my coffee since I got the Hugo 

I guess that's what its all about George