Next black box

Posted by: JulianB on 13 December 2014

Hi everyone,

 

Was wondering if anyone had an idea as to what the next black box  will be?

 

I personally would love a ndac2 with usb input & pre amp (say 252/282 level) and PS upgradable.

 

Cheers

Julian

Posted on: 14 December 2014 by Harry

I'd like to see a 500 level streamer or a 552 streamer/pre, but it's anybody's guess if or when that might happen.

Posted on: 14 December 2014 by SongStream
Originally Posted by JulianB:

Hi everyone,

 

Was wondering if anyone had an idea as to what the next black box  will be?

 

I personally would love a ndac2 with usb input & pre amp (say 252/282 level) and PS upgradable.

 

Cheers

Julian

+1 Me too, exactly that.  The prospect of such a product, with a boost in performance over current DACs, is why I've resisted the upgrade bug for the time being, sticking with the V1, and resisting the temptation to upgrade my amp of 10 years-ish service.  I am impatiently waiting.    

Posted on: 14 December 2014 by Dustysox

There must be something in the works for Statement.

 

Obviously source first rule does not apply with Statement!

Posted on: 14 December 2014 by Harry

Could be Dusty. Unlikely to be a CDP so that leaves something streamy, which hasn't been covered off at 500 level yet, unless a 555PS or two with the NDS can be regarded as a 500 level component, a bit like the DAC, which I suppose is reasonable.

Posted on: 14 December 2014 by Jude2012
Originally Posted by SongStream:
Originally Posted by JulianB:

Hi everyone,

 

Was wondering if anyone had an idea as to what the next black box  will be?

 

I personally would love a ndac2 with usb input & pre amp (say 252/282 level) and PS upgradable.

 

Cheers

Julian

+1 Me too, exactly that.  The prospect of such a product, with a boost in performance over current DACs, is why I've resisted the upgrade bug for the time being, sticking with the V1, and resisting the temptation to upgrade my amp of 10 years-ish service.  I am impatiently waiting.    

+1

 

My belief, perhaps naively, is that Naim already has the building blocks to do this - a full or half width NDS case with brass damping, pre-amps and power suppliers galore.

 

Is it time to start the wishing list thread for CES 2015 Ii see that Focal are listed as one of the exhibitors)

 

J

Posted on: 14 December 2014 by Dustysox
Originally Posted by Wat:

I would like a DAC that was even better than Hugo or Antelope level or higher.  

This would be a big upgrade over the NDS so it is important NDS, NDX, ND5 users could use it as an upgrade through their digital outputs.

 

It should include

 

  • Async USB or Thunderbolt interfaces 
  • Optical and Coaxial interfaces
  • Automatic Room Correction (ARC)
  • Play DSD, DXD and PCM natively 
  • Have an option to convert PCM to DSD after applying DSP/ARC
  • Support up-sampling to Quad DSD
  • Avoid off the shelf DAC chips if appropriate 
  • Have XLR, DIN and RCA outputs
  • Not need for an external PSU
  • Not need powering up when not in use
  • Not buzz mechanically
  • Not have any noise network stuff on-board  

Software upgrades through USB - insert stick with software, press upgrade, button done (no computer required)

 

It needs to be built in the UK under Naim quality control 

 

 

All good points Wat, however a great release is coming....Spotify to a Naim streamer soon....go figure!!!

 

 

Originally Posted by Harry:

Could be Dusty. Unlikely to be a CDP so that leaves something streamy, which hasn't been covered off at 500 level yet, unless a 555PS or two with the NDS can be regarded as a 500 level component, a bit like the DAC, which I suppose is reasonable.

Well said Harry. With the release of Naim cables etc I did wonder if Naim would also address the Ethernet cable? I now have a Chord C Stream in place, and had not heard it I would never of believed that the Ethernet cable would of made such a difference. 

 

I did also wonder if the Hugo might of delayed any release by Naim, as this little product has been such a game changer. So what are we looking at? A DAC & Streamer......Naim release date...roll on 2020!!!!

Posted on: 14 December 2014 by Harry

I've switched to C-Stream from something more expensive because it sounds so "right" to me. As you say about Spotify (with which sentiment I agree) - go figure! Still, never a dull moment

Posted on: 14 December 2014 by Brubacca

I hope that they are working on two new streaming products.  An entry level and a a Statement Level.  

 

Please bring out a ND5si..  Anyone from naim listening?  Please bring to market a proper entry level streaming source. 

 

Posted on: 15 December 2014 by JulianB

Thank you all for your replies !

 

Hopefully someone from Naim is reading our xmas list

 

 

Posted on: 15 December 2014 by joerand

Not to worry. Santa and the Naim elves will let them know .

Posted on: 15 December 2014 by YanC
Originally Posted by JulianB:

Hi everyone,

 

Was wondering if anyone had an idea as to what the next black box  will be?

 

I personally would love a ndac2 with usb input & pre amp (say 252/282 level) and PS upgradable.

 

Cheers

Julian

+1

I think that makes it +4 so far

 

I would add:

1) DAC should be at Ayon/Weiss level

2) Functionality should be simplified to bare essentials (3 analog in, 3 digital in,  no cassette recording functionality).