Naim NAP 100 and DragonFly DAC

Posted by: AJK on 13 September 2015

Hi,

 

Can anybody advise me when a DragonFly DAC will work effectively with the Naim NAP 100 Power Amp.

 

I am looking it as a temp measure until I can afford a V1

 

Thanks

Posted on: 13 September 2015 by Brubacca

This should work.  Not sure how good it will sound, but it should work.

From AQ webpage

  • USB Stick-Size Digital-Audio Converter
  • Plays All Music Files: MP3 to High-Res
  • Drives Headphones Directly
  • Variable Output Drives Powered Speakers or Power Amp
  • Fixed Output Feeds Preamp or Receiver

 

Just use the variable output mode

Posted on: 13 September 2015 by AJK

This is what I also read on the Dragonfly manual.

 

Has anybody got any experience

Posted on: 13 September 2015 by Solid Air

No, but I do own both. You'll need a fairly unusual cable, but aside from that it should work. The sound quality will be rather limited because the Dragonfly costs just over a hundred quid and has a 3.5mm jack output, but it should be listenable. And the NAP100 is brilliant.

 

I certainly haven't regretted owning a Dragonfly for when I'm traveling. It's far better than my regular laptop's DAC, incredibly convenient to use and works well with mid-range headphones (and maybe better, haven't tried). So even if it's short term, or the SQ with the NAP100 isn't perfect, the Dragonfly is a useful thing to have.

 

Posted on: 13 September 2015 by AJK

Hi 

 

AudioQuest do a cable. 3.5mm - 2 RCA (Evergreen) 0.6 m - £25.

 

Br,

 

Andrew

Posted on: 13 September 2015 by AJK

Hi 

 

AudioQuest do a cable. 3.5mm - 2 RCA (Evergreen) 0.6 m - £25.

 

Br,

 

Andrew

Posted on: 13 September 2015 by karlosTT

As a  suggestion, you might also consider the iFi nano iDSD dac.  It costs a little bit more, but has RCA outputs and a proper analog volume control -  so perhaps theoretically a better match for something like the 100.  Its reviews are very strong indeed.....