Naim XD5 xs & Macbook

Optical SPDIF cable with min optical at one end, or an adaptor. The whole lot available on ebay for about 4 quid.

garyi, I've looked at the specs on the Apple website and none of the Macbook computers has an optical SPDIF output.

Hi,

MacBooks don't have an optical. 

Im thinking i just share the iTunes folder over the network? Shame you can't control the playback with a macbook.

I thought all Macbooks had a headphone/optical combo socket, although things may possibly have changed...... ?

Anyway, this presumes the OP wants to use the ND5 as a DAC rather than as a streamer.  If not, then s/ware options on the Mac include Asset or JRiver, which will turn it into a server.

Most (but not all) folks on here would recommend acquiring a NAS, dumping the music library onto it, installing Asset or Minim, a switch, and away you go.

Personally I would be happy with any of these 3 solutions, depending on situation & preference......

The new Macbook does not have a headphone out (which is where the optical out would be).  The Macbook Pros do (I think this is what Garyi is referring to, i.e. connect a mini optical into the headphone socket of the MBP).  Not sure about Macbook Airs.  

If you mean the new MacBook then no, there is no optical out.  Of the current Apple laptops only the MacBook Pro have a digital I/O. If you did have the MacBook Pro then an optical connection would be the simplest.

Beyond that your simplest / cheapest option is to add a UPnP server such as Minimserver pointed to the iTunes Music folder on your laptop.  This should then be seen on your network by the ND5 and the control point.

The ever dwindling list of Apple connectivity options.  Sigh.....

Oh well, this strengthens the arguments for the server solution.  Unless (if one were determined to go the 'DAC' route), the OP might consider something like the Gustard U12 for a 100 quid or so -  which will convert USB to SPDIF coax.  Apparently it works well.

Giles, yes you are absolutely right, and the dealer's thinking is entirely orthodox.

In keeping with that, you want to be setting up a server to deliver the audio data to your ND5.  Per my initial post, the Mac can do this with the aid of s/ware such as Asset or JRiver.  I think basic Asset is free, JRiver is free trial, then about 35 quid.

Or a NAS can do this, again with the aid of appropriate server s/ware (which may come ready installed on it, or may be installed once you have it).  This route will obviously require some additional investment, but not hefty by any means, eg 2 to 300 quid incl a switch such as Netgear.

Sorry if this sounded more complex than intended.  It really isn't, once you get cracking one way or the other.....

PS although wireless is possible, an ethernet cable usually gives a better result -  no 'hanging', drop outs, etc from a busy wifi network.  If you locate a NAS & switch not far from the ND5 this is very easy to achieve.

The assumption on here seems to be that the OP means ND5XS.

i don't have a MacBook, but my Mac mini works well as a music  server with ND5XS, running the free Serviio uPNP server app, with both ND5XS and Mac mini connected to a network hub (network switch, though would work with them both plugged into the router.

--------------

Taking digital audio output of Mac into the ND5's DAC, I.e. not using the music streaming ability of the ND5, may be retrograde step as the Macbook is probably not as good at that as tha ND5. (i haven't tried myself)  However, using  Audirvana on the Mac as the streaming software, and the USB output, with a USB to SPDIF convertor/isolator then into the ND5XS's DAC may be another matter.

Hi Giles,

I see that you have a parrellel thread running on how set up the ND5 https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...inners-set-up-advice

Anyway, you are right that if you want to use your system with a computer (such as your MBP), then a direct connection via an optical SPDIIF cable or USB cable to a DAC (such as the Naim DAC or Naim DAC V1) would be relatively simpler.

The other option is, as others have mentioned on here and in your other thread, is to use a NAS or computer with UPNP software on it and transfer data to your ND5X either wirelessly or via an Ethernet lead, using your home network and network switch.  Most folk on here prefer a wired connection. 

In terms of which is 'correct' between these two options is down to personal preference. My view that that the only benefit of the UPNP approach is that it allows you to access music stored on the NAS/computer on more than system in your house.  

So, don't be afraid to revisit and change what your dealer has suggested if you feel the DAC approach is best for you.

HTH

Jude

@ Jude & Innocent,

I respect both your points of view.  Indeed I advised further up the thread how to proceed that route, if it was preferred..

However it seems the OP bought the ND5 with the intention of streaming.  Had he intended the Mac>DAC route, he may perhaps have chosen to save money and bought a V1.

whatever....

The first part of my response addressed using the ND5 for streaming, the OPs direct question. The second addressed wanting to use the SPDIF output (if there was one) on the Macbook, because someone else had introduced it...

@ Innocent. 

Duly noted.  It just seemed to me that the OP may be getting bombarded with conflicting advice, inconsistent with that which his dealer had given, and quite possibly conflicting with the vision in mind when he bought the ND5.  That said, there are clearly other options and ways to "skin a cat" .  I for one am a firm believer in computer audio and the DAC approach, for what its worth.

@ Jude,

Not sure that "whatever" is entirely constructive, as regards the OP (or as regards anyone else) ?

Hi,

Thanks for the comments. 

I have gone for the wired approach to link the ND5 to router. 

The ND5 has been on two hours and im currently streaming via tidal and the music sounds a little thin i.e. not much bass. My previous unit was a CD5i. Consequently, this should be a step up?

Ive linked my mac book, via the server software and the play back is still thin.

FYI. The ND5 is ex-display, so im hoping it should have been run in a little.

Hi Giles,

That was quick ! 

To eliminate any network or other extraneous issues, try putting some ripped CD tracks that you know well (from playing on your CD5i) onto a thumb drive and plug that in the front of the ND5.  Playing those will give a benchmark or reference point of what the ND5 is capable of in your system. 

Also, what file format are you using ?  Naim streamers seem to prefer wav.

Just curious.  Did you have any sort of audition before you purchased ?

When/if you get round to installing a server, it can be configured for converting to wav "on the fly".  Meaning you can rip to flac and retain the benefits of easier tagging/metadata management, along with smaller file size.

I'm not sure how exactly Tidal performs vs ripped CD.  Most users on here are pleased with it, at least compared to spotify (assuming it's the premium/lossless version), but some have observed it doesn't quite match local file streaming for sound quality.....

Hi Giles,

Yes the Mac is doing the job now but I guess in a more basic fashion, than say Asset s/ware would do.  I would probably rip to flac for the reasons I gave above.  Asset can then be configured to transcode these "on the fly" literally as it serves them to the ND5.  The original file is untouched and remains flac, but the ND5 receives a wav version for playback.

It is quite possible to install it on the Mac.

People's experiences and perceptions are not universal, and what may offer best usability and/or sound quality for one person might not for another, especially in a different system with different musical tastes. However some of these things are easily assessed yourself, with suggestions from this forum providing plenty of ideas.