Any news of the nDac software update?

I guess that those who could answer your question either have agreed not to do so (the beta testers) or have reckoned that it would be better if nDAC users would move to other products and companies (Naim's policy makers).

I believe that comment on this is embargoed until the Beta firmware for the DACs makes an official release.

Right, the beta testers have signed a non-disclosure agreement and Naim appears to believe that it makes sense to announce an upcoming firmware upgrade for their nDAC and then let months pass by without providing any information on the current status of their project. Not good, in my view. Best, nbpf

I was under the impression Richard that these updates (firmware) are in fact currently in Beta form as we speak and that by all accounts we are waiting on the fully baked product.

True but getting a fully baked product might not be completely trivial, depending on which functionalities such product is meant to support or improve and on the limitations imposed by the hardware, e.g., on memory and execution speed. From this perspective, it is understandable that Naim is not announcing a precise release date for a well defined set of features. But, in my view, it would have been sensible for Naim to communicate which issues the firmware upgrade was designed to address at the time Naim called for beta testers. And, later on, to communicate on a somehow regular basis, what the current state of the project is. I was planning to buy a PSU for my Naim DAC this automn but, under these circumstances, I have decided to wait until it becomes clear(er) whether Naim will further develop and support their DAC product line. Best, nbpf

Thanks for all the answers.  It would be nice to have something a little better to look forwards to over Christmas.  

I guess the learning from the improvements made on the NDX, NDS, Streamer / Preamp could also be applied to the nDac ?

I guess so. But my understanding is that the latest firmware upgrade for Naim streamers was, in the first line, designed to improve functionalities, not sound quality.

What the upcoming firmware upgrade for the DAC products is designed to improve, has not been communicated, as far as I know.

If you are looking for specific features, perhaps a call to Naim could be helpful.

I am not sure but my understanding is that the beta test still is open. If so just email Naim and ask to participate.

Claus  

Claus, a request for beta testing a firmware upgrade for Naim DACs was opened on Sept. 9 and closed a few days later: https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...ac-v1-users-required. Since then, there have not been updates on the status of the project, as far as I know. I might be mistaken, of course. Best, nbpf
 

Is this 'software' update something in addition to the 'firmware' update already being discussed in the other thread https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...date-for-dac-v1-ndac 

If you're baking a cake, its easier to determine the difference between soft and firm, when the baked mix emerges from an oven.  With DACs, its harder to know when a ware is 'firm' or 'soft'.

What is the difference between the 'software' update and 'firmware' update?

Hardware : "the physical components of a system that the firmware and software run on." (1)

Fimware : "semi-permanent software running on a system that may or may not be updated often, and usually require a higher level of skill or effort." (1)

Software : "the set of user programs running on a system that are designed to be updated often by those users." (1)

Vaporware : clothing used during vaping, or "computer hardware or software, that is announced to the general public but is never actually manufactured nor officially cancelled." (wiki)

Unaware : our current state as to date of DAC firmware release

(1) source : danielmiessler dot com

Beta group members are sworn to secrecy regarding new features. Is sound quality a *feature* ?

In order to be able to install an operating system on a computer -- windows, for example -- some programs have to already be installed and running. For instance, you have to be able to access a cd or dvd reader or to accept inputs from a keyboard in order to start the installation process. This software level is often referred to as "firmware".

From this viewpoint, firmware updates or upgrades are different from OS upgrades, let apart from upgrades of specific application-level software components. In particular, firmware upgrades -- if not successful -- may leave a device in a "bricked" state.

In devices like the Naim DAC, the distinction between firmware and software is fuzzier: these are not general purpose computers meant to run application-level software under the control of a full fledged OS. Thus, from the point of view of the user, there is just one software level. It is for this one software level that an upgrade is currently being beta tested.

It is obvious that, under the hood, there are different software components making up a firmware release. But for us users, it is just one software level and one upgrade.

I do not know. But no matter how strict or loose the agreement between Naim and beta group members is or can be understood to be, it is finally Naim which is responsible for informing their customers.   

Yes and how come biscuits always go soft and cake always go hard when left out ?

 Tis true.....and perhaps Naim will find a solution to this age old problem as well

Mustn't link, but were you to go to my website, which is my name all one word dot com, you may find that, as of 11.00 this morning...

I presume this means the embargo is lifted and those who took part in the beta evaluation process are now free to share their experiences with regards to sound quality improvements. Looking forward to that feedback.

At last! Thanks Andrew. And to answer the OP: yes, sound quality on the nDAC is substantially improved. 

Being able to improve both functionalities and sound quality at virtually no extra costs is a great previlege. The firmware upgrade also sends a very strong signal to owners of the Naim DAC range of products and is a reward for their patience. Thanks to Naim and to all beta testers for making this possible! Regards, nbpf

Yes: I received the press release earlier this morning – around 10.20 – with a 11.00 embargo on it.

https://www.naimaudio.com/news...-available-naim-dacs

I thought so Andrew, you'd have been in trouble otherwise! 

I thought DSD need async USB to be of any worth, am I being dim here? Surely if its being converted to optical or what ever its no longer DSD?

Silly question but: how to update the FW? Using USB male-male cable connected to PC and rear panel USB socket? I was surprised to see “normal” USB socket on the rear panel and realized that do not have such a cable..