272 with external DAC

Posted by: Stefan Vogt on 19 October 2015

Would it be possible to add to the 272 (and 172), via software update, a setting where any digital source (streaming, UPnP, internet radio) is sent to digital output as normal, AND the preamp section is set to analog input 1? If so, 272 owners would be able to loop an external DAC in!

Cheers,

Stefan

Posted on: 19 October 2015 by ChrisSU

I once had an idle thought as to weather or not this could be done with a Superuniti, which would presumably require the same changes. In the spirit of these low box count systems, I would guess that the chances of Naim implementing this are approximately zero. I think you'd need an ND streamer. (There, I managed to say all that without mentioning the 'H' word!)

Posted on: 19 October 2015 by Disposable hero

Originally Posted by ChrisSU:

(I managed to say all that without mentioning the 'H' word!)

Horticulture is actually very good for putting your mind at ease and to help in making very rational and competent decisions. After a day spent on horticultural tasks, weeding, planting flowers, some fruit trees and a bit of landscaping I was ready to visit a local hifi dealer.

The person serving was called Jugo, according to his name badge. Promptly I was led to a small device with coloured lights on top. Jugo pressed a button on the side of the device and I watched as it ran through a sequence of flashing coloured lights. Jugo explained - "look at the lights the flashing coloured lights as you become more relaxed and think only of good hifi... this item that you are looking at now is the only one you will ever need to see and hear".

So that was it, I made a totally independent decision without being misled by Jugo or being under any other influence and bought this device with nice coloured lights on, all because of horticulture setting me up in the right frame of mind for the day

Posted on: 19 October 2015 by Stefan Vogt

Originally Posted by ChrisSU:

I would guess that the chances of Naim implementing this are approximately zero. I think you'd need an ND streamer.

Thanks, Chris, for your slightly conservative estimate!

cheers,

Stefan

Posted on: 22 October 2015 by analogmusic

why is an external DAC needed?

The internal DAC of the 272 has been perfected by Naim to provide "boogie factor" clarity and fun.

Why not just use it and enjoy it?

Posted on: 22 October 2015 by Stefan Vogt

Well, some of us like experimenting! And if I'd find that an external DAC (including the nDAC!) doesn't give me an even better soundstage, naturalness of voices and instruments than the 272's internal DAC, then that would be a nice confirmation. Alternatively, when I find I prefer the external DAC, I'd just loop it in.

This setting could possibly be implemented in a software update very easily (somewhat similar to certain integrated amps where pre and power amp can be split), - I'm just wondering what naim headquarters think about my suggestion? Or is a separate streamer and preamp the only way?

Cheers,

Stefan