Qobuz on iPad and NDX

direct usb connection is only for usb storage not for 'signal streaming'.

I feared so

The NDX USB hardware can only proprietary stream Apple audio apps. This does not support, as. Aleg says, async USB audio. The Qobuz app relies on Async USB audio. You need a DAC V1 or a Hugo for that.

I understand that this Apple only streaming does not appear on the NDS and it's the NDS that can only use it's USB interface for storage.

Simon

Anyway, works not that bad (further testing needed) over airplay. I also read about  - eventual - future integration of qobuz in the Naim world.

Thanks for your replies !

Fingers crossed, though I did hear a rumour that the phase 1 of the new NStream control software might only be for Spotify and not Qobuz .. we will have to wait and see.

Simon

Hi P.Bonte,

Qobuz can be played via direct connection to the USB input on the NDX and NDS. 

Here's how you do it:

- connect the iPad to the USB input;

- select the USB input using nStream;

- you shoud see locally stored (iTunes) tracks on nStream;

- select and play a locally stored track using nStream;

- stop the track using nStream;

- close nSteam;

- open the Qobuz (or Spotify) app;

- play as usual;

- enjoy :-)

Set out like this it looks a bit of a faff, but so does making a cup of tea!

As you would expect, it sounds better than via the Airplay. I use an Audioquest cable for a further improvement, but still use Airplay a lot because it is easy and convenient.

Keith

Keith, interesting, I shall give that a try later.

Simon

Thanks a lot Keith,

It works , and if the description you give could seem a bit complex, in practice it is very easy !

Philippe

I footered around doing this for a bit before the NAS was set-up.  I was never convinced enough by the results to make it worth the hassle.

G

I only do it if I want to sit down and listen properly, which is rarely the case with Spotify due it its sonic limitations. Qobuz is a slightly different proposition as it sounds significantly better than Spotify so it's sometimes worth taking the trouble. 

Keith

And having just ditched Spotify Premium for Qobuz Hi-Fi, I really do wish Naim would get their act together and integrate it. My current iPad and Apple TV solution works, but I suspect there is a degree of sonic degradation, albeit minor.

I'm using both at the moment. Qobuz sounds so much better, but the choice is limited and I use Spotify to share with friends and my kids. 

Try the direct connection. I would be interested to see if you think the improvement in SQ is worth the minor inconvenience.

Keith

Sonos have integrated Qobuz, so a cheap-ish Sonos Connect is a good way to access it.  The Sonos Connnect can have a wired internet connection, which minimises dropouts, and you then use digital-out to your NDX, HDX, DAC, etc.  Music selection is via the Sonos app.

Thanks very much for that solution, KRM. Having recently upgraded to an NDS and thereby eliminated the NDAC, I've really missed the direct USB streaming connect that the NDAC provides. So your workaround fills what for me has been a major gap.

John