nDAC direct to NAP 300?

Posted by: My naim is immaterial on 02 December 2014

Found myself only using one input on the 282 and the volume fixed ( Sonos to DAC with variable digi output. Tried a few Naim streamers n prefer nDAC processing, can't hear any difference just for streaming purposes (ALAC) between MACs. PCs, Apple TV, Sonos or Naim, with these ears, Naim app/UI just awful).

I'll cut to the chase: is there some way of a cable/box just increasing the fixed output ( whatever gain 10 O'clock on the 282 is), so I can connect the nDAC directly to the NAP 300.  Selling the superfluous 282 and taking another link out of the chain ?

Thanks for your thoughts in advance,   Marc
Posted on: 02 December 2014 by The Strat (Fender)

I know nothing about streaming and DACs but there is absolutely nothing superfluous about the pre-amp let alone one as high end as the 282.  In a nutshell it creates that glorious richness and staging of the music.  Even if what you wish to do is technically feasible your 300 needs the 282. 

Posted on: 02 December 2014 by dayjay
Originally Posted by My naim is immaterial:
Found myself only using one input on the 282 and the volume fixed ( Sonos to DAC with variable digi output. Tried a few Naim streamers n prefer nDAC processing, can't hear any difference just for streaming purposes (ALAC) between MACs. PCs, Apple TV, Sonos or Naim, with these ears, Naim app/UI just awful).

I'll cut to the chase: is there some way of a cable/box just increasing the fixed output ( whatever gain 10 O'clock on the 282 is), so I can connect the nDAC directly to the NAP 300.  Selling the superfluous 282 and taking another link out of the chain ?

Thanks for your thoughts in advance,   Marc


I doubt if you can with an ndac.  With the Hugo there is a digital preamp built in and what you suggest can be done although I've not tried it with a 300 but the Ndac doesn't have that facility

Posted on: 02 December 2014 by james n

The 300 (as with most if not all Naim power amps) sounds at its best with a Naim preamp in the chain.

Posted on: 02 December 2014 by My naim is immaterial
Originally Posted by The Strat (Fender):

I know nothing about streaming and DACs but there is absolutely nothing superfluous about the pre-amp let alone one as high end as the 282.  In a nutshell it creates that glorious richness and staging of the music.  Even if what you wish to do is technically feasible your 300 needs the 282. 

Woulda thought the DAC n power amp are more likely to do that and the pre's for switching inputs and adding gain to the signal, without any colouration.

 

 

Posted on: 02 December 2014 by Jude2012
Originally Posted by My naim is immaterial:
Originally Posted by The Strat (Fender):

I know nothing about streaming and DACs but there is absolutely nothing superfluous about the pre-amp let alone one as high end as the 282.  In a nutshell it creates that glorious richness and staging of the music.  Even if what you wish to do is technically feasible your 300 needs the 282. 

Woulda thought the DAC n power amp are more likely to do that and the pre's for switching inputs and adding gain to the signal, without any colouration.

 

 

Hi there,

 

I think this thread may offer some insights and possibly another option - https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...or-on-the-amp?page=1

 

Jude 

Posted on: 02 December 2014 by My naim is immaterial

Many thanks Jude, you,were right.

Posted on: 02 December 2014 by heihei

Martin Colloms uses a passive volume control with his 300 rather than a pre. It's the Audio Music R-S.

Posted on: 02 December 2014 by Jude2012

@ Heihei's post, reminded me that Martin Colloms' excellent review of the 300 in September 2013 did not use a Naim pre.

 

Jude 

Posted on: 02 December 2014 by james n

Yes - just looked at the mag. I wonder how much it would have scored if he'd put a 552 in front of it. 

Posted on: 02 December 2014 by dave4jazz
Originally Posted by james n:

Yes - just looked at the mag. I wonder how much it would have scored if he'd put a 552 in front of it. 

james n

 

Maybe you should read the thread referenced by jude2012 above (again?) and then comment. 

 

Dave

Posted on: 03 December 2014 by james n

Thanks Dave - having tried it myself with different DACs and a few different Naim power amps (didn't bother with my 300 though) i prefer a Naim pre-amp in front of a Naim power amp if i want the best performance and want to keep the Naim house sound. Each to their own though 

Posted on: 03 December 2014 by Jude2012

The question for me is whether the pre in Naim V1 can do the NAP300 justice (clearly from the thread I referred to, there is evidence that it is worth pursuing as an option)

 

Jude