Software update for NDS

Posted by: Clive B on 10 July 2015

I have just received an email from Naim Audio advising me that there is new software available for my NDS. I have also found a post at the top of the 'Streaming Audio' page on this forum describing this update. It says:

"The NDS gets multiroom capability for the first time and all players now support the higher resolution BBC Radio HLS format, can use Spotify Connect in multiroom mode and benefit from a host of minor bug fixes. "

Would someone please be kind enough to explain what multiroom capability is all about?

And what is DSD?

Is this worth doing? I have done one update in the past to get version 3.22 which I found to be a terrifying experience. I realise I missed the Spotify update so do I need to do that one first? If so, I suspect it might require a return to Salisbury.

(It's largely because of these issues that I spent a small fortune sourcing a new Aro and having my LP12 upgraded!!)

Posted on: 10 July 2015 by Mike-B

Originally Posted by Clive B:

Would someone please be kind enough to explain what multiroom capability is all about?

And what is DSD?

Is this worth doing? I have done one update in the past to get version 3.22 which I found to be a terrifying experience. I realise I missed the Spotify update so do I need to do that one first?

Multiroom gives the ability to control streamers in separate rooms - e.g. NDS & Mu-so

DSD (Direct Stream Digital) is a file format but is completely different from PCM in that its bitstream - search Wikipedia for all the info. It sounds super, to me it has a different ambience compared to WAV & FLAC, maybe its because the recording process, maybe because ........ who knows, to me its now my preferred format choice.

Yes its worth doing - DSD alone for me, BBC HLS (HD iRadio) plus Spotify, plus on my NDX the SQ has gone up a step in all formats. Additionally you will need to update the Naim app (iOS or Android)

I can understand it might be "terrifying" if you are not used to working with computers, it doesn't need to go back to Salisbury, a dealer will do it, I've done it for a friend twice & many times on my NDX with beta testing. Once 2 wires are connected & a few clicks of the mouse, then its a 15 minute wait (& a cuppa)

Posted on: 10 July 2015 by hungryhalibut

If you never use Spotify or play a DSD recording, the update is worth it for BBC HLS alone. It's best to be on the latest firmware, and don't worry, you can go straight to the new version from 3.22.

Posted on: 10 July 2015 by Bart

Originally Posted by Hungryhalibut:

If you never use Spotify or play a DSD recording, the update is worth it for The Archers BBC HLS alone. It's best to be on the latest firmware, and don't worry, you can go straight to the new version from 3.22.

F.I.F.Y.

Posted on: 10 July 2015 by hungryhalibut

Nice. A new young person's web slang acronym...... I shall use it!

Posted on: 10 July 2015 by ChrisH

Had to look that one up.

You know you're gettin old when you don't know what these youngsters like Bart are talking about with their youthful acronyms!

Oh dear, think I'll head back to the music and wine...

Posted on: 10 July 2015 by Simon-in-Suffolk

Hmm ' fify 'means something quite different to me, and certainly not expect to use that term in polite company or on a forum like this .. Sort of along the lines of ' see you next Tuesday'

Posted on: 10 July 2015 by dayjay

I have no idea what you are all talking about - will have to google it

Posted on: 10 July 2015 by dayjay

Found two versions, sincerely hope it was the first one in this context

Posted on: 10 July 2015 by Clive B

Thanks chaps. Actually I called my dealer who said the he hadn't heard anything from Naim Audio about this update, but after I told him what it was meant to do his advice was not to bother. Apparently the Muti-room room facility hadn't been offered on the NDS initially as it was considered detrimental to sound quality. I told my dealer that I found doing the last update (to v. 3.22) quite terrifying and he concurred. It must be possible to make it easier than it is. (My hard disc TV recorder is always doing automatic updates.)

Regarding BBC radio, I have a NAT01 tuner which sounds better than any digital source, at least to my ears.

Furthermore, since I rip CDs using a Naim Audio NS01 which I don't think offers a DSD ripping option (it works the same as a UnitiServe), I don't think I'll be missing anything by not doing this update.

I did ask if the update offered the ability to stream from Qobuz, but was told that that update was still another couple of months away. I fear the NDS might be ready for deletion from the Naim Audio product range before that arrives!

Posted on: 10 July 2015 by Clive B

I think when the Qobuz update does come along I will take it down to Salisbury. I'd like to have that update and don't want to risk screwing it up.

Posted on: 10 July 2015 by Bart

Originally Posted by ChrisH:

Had to look that one up.

You know you're gettin old when you don't know what these youngsters like Bart are talking about with their youthful acronyms!

Oh dear, think I'll head back to the music and wine...

56 years young

Posted on: 10 July 2015 by Mr Mole

Originally Posted by Bart:

Originally Posted by ChrisH:

Had to look that one up.

You know you're gettin old when you don't know what these youngsters like Bart are talking about with their youthful acronyms!

Oh dear, think I'll head back to the music and wine...

56 years young

A mere babe-in-arms........

Posted on: 10 July 2015 by Bart

Originally Posted by Clive B:

I did ask if the update offered the ability to stream from Qobuz, but was told that that update was still another couple of months away. I fear the NDS might be ready for deletion from the Naim Audio product range before that arrives!

I hope that the NDS "lasts" more than another couple of months!

I'll probably try out 'multi-room' this weekend . . . just to see what it does. I've yet to really want to play the same thing from my Qute and NDS at the same time, as they are in very different parts of my home.