confused and in need of help

If you want streaming then it has to be the NDS from your options, top of the range and great SQ.

I use the HDX, which is superb, but that is a server, not a streamer

Nick, in terms of SQ, streaming is not neccessarily better or worse than CD.. many of the standard consideration apply.

The primary driver is flexibility.. Streaming can be play your (ripped) CDs as well as downloads and with Naim is just starting to support web streaming services... Though there is a wait for Qobuz and other lossless services... And that could be your challange.. Timing.

The Hugo is a great DAC, and indeed many of us drive our Naim amps with one... So choices...

In your position (and please audition all audio components first) I would consider

• Keep your CDX2 and connect a Hugo to its digital out using SPDIF coax, assuming it's the later CDX2 generation.
• Get a used Sonos Connect for web streaming including qobuz, Deezer, Spotify etc a swell as local UPnP or file replay. Connect via Toslink to your Hugo.

you will have a great reference.. And when Naim introduce lossless web streaming you can audition an NDX or NDS etc to see if it is better for you. It might be for example later the NDX could replace the Sonos and you later get the NDX to play into the Hugo permanently... that is a cracking source that I personally consider tops all Naim digital sources currently.

you could sell Sonos or retire for other domestic duties.. Or keep for non Naim supported streaming services..

Eitherway you have options right now without having to go through big changes.

Goodluck.

Simon

Many thanks Simon, very useful.

unfortunately I don't have the latest generation CDX2 but I assume I can upgrade?

in terms of ripping, would you recommend the unitiserve or an alternative?

many thanks

Nick

You can upgrade the CDX2, but the conversion turns it into a transport. The internal DAC will not be connected to anything.

Keith

Nick, if you want zero hands on and don't use a computer at all I would go the Unitiserve. Alternatively I would use dBpoweramp on a PC or Mac and rip to a NAS file store. I would get a NAS with a processor that could support it running either Asset or Minimserver UPnP media servers on it.. These media server program web sites suggest suitable NAS's.

Your fastest route is a computer. I suggest your next port of call should be a dealer. To my ears, HDX beat CDX2 and it still managed a convincing performance when used alongside a CDX2 with both plugged into the DAC. So streaming has it. But CD playback might sound better to you. I wouldn't be inclined to go on what other people say. A couple of AB demonstrations appear to be in order.

Improving sound quality would depend on which level you buy your streaming devices. The CDX2 already offers a certain level of performance. So either you go for the comfort and ease of streaming, but look for similar quality or you go for also better sound quality. So what would that mean for you that you have several options:

1. As Simon suggested get a more advanced DAC as you have a xps you also could go for a NDAC but I guess the Hugo right now trumps it, while I can't speak out of own listening experience. In this way you would be still on cd and would enable yourself to dip into streaming by adding a streaming solution which is connected to the dac.

2. You are convinced of streaming and would like to shoot for a bit better sound. Look for a NDX which still enables you to combine it with option 1. I guess you will find it on a better level as the CDx , but audition first.

3. You are convinced of streaming and want to step up. Consider to audition the NDS or find a combination of the NDX or HDX with a premier Dac ....

Going into streaming primarily for SQ may not be cost-effective. There may be an improvement in SQ (versus CD) if either use you move to better quality components or listen to 'HD' music (effectively carrying more data than standard CD levels). The first isn't really a fair comparison because it depends on the kit and cost, and the second is complex. . . some people can't tell the difference, and HD music isn't all that widely available.

Most people go into streaming for ease of use. While there may be very marginally better SQ - maybe - it's the convenience of having all my tracks and albums right there all the time and picking from my iPad and playlists that I really like. As long as it doesn't sound worse it's a no-brainer in terms of ease of use.

If I were you I'd dip my toe into streaming and see whether it's for you. For example, you could get a second-hand ND5sx or UQ and try it out. You can then sell it either to upgrade to something equivalent to your CD or if streaming doesn't work for you.

You could also get an Auralic Arias streamer (The version with two femto clocks and very good external powersupply). Then get a Chord 2qute dac. Its is more or less a hugo dac with less features but it has galvaniced USB which the Hugo does not....the 2qute should should arives in marts 2015.....

Its a more costeffective solution then to buy a an NDX.....Computeraudiofile has rewiewed the Auralic Arias streamer and said..... """" I will say the Aries is as good as or better than all other sources I’ve had in my system""""......maybe he have'nt heard the NDX/NDS....