NDX/555PS/Hugo vs Linn Klimax DS/1

I would try a NDS (smoother) or a CDX2 (more analogue).

In my experience computer (Macbook) rips don't sound as good as Naim server rips - but I am not the expert, just my experience.

Regards

Simon,

I went from ndx,555dr and ndac to nds, 555dr. The nds was better in every way to my ears. On first switch on from cold too, it really is in a different league. I was so happy with the ndx set up that I really thought of the used nds purchase as a demo and had a feeling it may not better the ndx set up, but it was an itch I needed to scratch. Needless to say ive now sold the ndx and dac, and my system has never sounded better.

Just noticed your other thread. You have a 552/500. This is what I use, and I believe the nds really is a no brainer, or you really should audition it before making a decision to buy anything else.

Thanks Mr Happy!

Dev B, and guys, can I not use my UnitiServe to rip CDs, store them on my NAS, and then play them through Klimax DS/1?

I went from NDX Ndac/555PS to NDX/Hugo + £££ & (to me) better fidelity.

As ever, audition for yourself - It really is the only way.

G

I'd be tempted to run the NDX native into a Chord Hugo.. The thread title suggests you might be doing this, but not your OP. Certainly the Hugo has  a very smooth analogue sound with gorgeous bass definition with the NDX as a transport... in some ways there is a certain similarity  with the NDS/555PS but the former certainly seems to do it better for me.. with a lovely a inner resolution and narrative with much music that I find obviscated  with the NDS.

Simon

PS I did not like my 555PS on my NDX at all... Everything came a little too etched and unnatural to my, perhaps, delicate ears.

Not sure if demo-ing a Hugo by running it on a NDX is a possibility here in HKG, hence my posting this thread here seeking any experience you guys may have. Any sharing of views here gents?

You can replace the 555PS on the NDX with a Hugo and it will sound 'smoother and less digital, edgy'.

G

^_____ plus 1

What I hear from my current NDX/555PS set up is pretty much the same as what you described Simon, although the PS does improve the QS of NDX by a large margin already.  Adding a Hugo would be the most cost effective route to go down to (provided it could improve on the aspects which I mentioned above), but selling my current set up to go for the KDS/1 is also a temptimg move, as I am having a chance to get a good bargain on it (provided I could still use my UnitiServe to rip my CDs and store them on NAS for use with KDS/1, as I prefer it to ripping on Mac).  So, decisions, decisions, decisions...

https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...hord-hugo-on-552-500

https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...ds-1-vs-hugo-rematch

G

Thx G, but is it not possible to run a Hugo into a NDX/555PS combo? Or is it mandatory to "replace the 555PS with a Hugo" as you suggested? ie. getting the 555PS out of the picture?

The 555ps is redundant with Hugo in circuit. You really don't need it...honest!

G

Even though i'm not the worlds greatest NDS fan, i'd still take it over a Hugo with anything. On sound quality i'd take a CDX2/555PS, CDS3/XPS2 or CD555 over the NDS however. Never compared to a Linn Climax, but in a Naim system, my gut feeling is NDS if streaming is your bag. I have heard a full Climax system sound very nice though, and heard a 'Dave' the other day which blew me away, in a bad way.

I did -- and ended up with KDS/1 into 552/500.

Thx AMA.  Can you further elaborate it pls? For example, how did they compare in terms of different sonic aspects, ease of use etc.. And perhaps other  reasons if any of your final purchase decision. Cheers!

HH, I have only heard Hugos on 552, 252 and 282 systems.. the NDS certainly is a great option especially if you have a 555PS - however given the OP's 500 based system I really would try and audition - as the qualities of the Hugo become even more apparent on a 500 series setup - at least in my experience - I am sure others' ears will differ.. but if the KDS is your bag then all bets are off

Hi Simon,  you said that "...the qualities of the Hugo become more apparent on a 500 set up..." Can you elaborate and clarify a bit? Thanks!

I concur with you Simon. The Hugo really shines in a 500 system, especially with a Super Lumina IC.

Simon HK - ok - SUBJECTIVITY HEALTH WARNING - but with the Hugo, compared to the top flight Naim DACs, I hear a certain vibrancy and texture colours on voices, wind instruments, brass and many other acoustic instruments that I can't obviously hear  with the NDS. There is a certain feel and space around the  elements in the audio or music with the Hugo sound- or perhaps my brain just has to work less hard to hear it. If you compare a top setup LP12 with NDS, you hear a similar, sort of difference in feel, albeit the noise floor is greater with the LP12.

I know a few on here have a LP12 and Hugo and hear similarities between the two - but I think they tend to nod to the LP12 overall. Of course there are other variables such as masters etc - but you get the idea.

Simon

Edit Steve J just chimed in as I typed - and I believe Steve has a Hugo and LP12 on a 500 based system.

Just use a Chord super STA din to din between your ndx and 552. This will remove the digital edge, lower the noise floor and improve dynamics. Surprising but true.

Guys, I'm so ignorant about Hugo! Forgive me, but may I ask are you guys referring to the Hugo TT or the standard portable version of Hugo? the difference in prices between the two is great.

Standard Hugo for me...and I concur with everything SUBJECTIVE Simon say's above.

G

and me..

Shouldn't be a problem, but if you're going to store and serve Unitiserve rips on a different NAS, use FLAC, not WAV. Otherwise you'll have metadata problems.