Ndx with external dac

Posted by: Mand on 29 January 2016

If one uses an external dac with the ndx, then what term best describes the ndx's function?

Renderer, server, music bridge etc?

Does the ndx still benefit from an xps in this set up?

Does the ndx still sound superior to cheaper alternatives that can stream and output to a dac, and why does it sound superior?

(cheaper alternatives being Aires mini, bluesound nodes, sonos connect etc) 

regards

 

mand

Posted on: 29 January 2016 by Mike-B
Its a renderer,  its remote & local streaming function is not changed
XPS doesn't do much if anything once the DAC & downstream sections are un-used
The other questions & answers are all subjective
 .......... except where the cheaper alternatives cannot play up to 24/192 PCM & DSD64  
I would also include the Naim app streaming package that includes all in one iRadio, streaming etc. as an advantage over alternatives
Posted on: 29 January 2016 by Simon-in-Suffolk

The NDX in such a mode is a digital transport hub, and for UPnP specifically its a renderer when pulling media back with the Naim app, and a MDP when having media pushed to it with certain third party controllers or servers.

The XPS can make a difference - depending on your DAC, as the transport clock powersupply is further improved, but very much in diminishing return territory.

And yes having a quality digital transport decoupled from a quality DAC can make a significant and worthwhile audible difference

Simon

Posted on: 29 January 2016 by Adam Zielinski

1. streamer or perhaps renderer - who cares? 

2. It does sound better than ND5XS, even in the digital mode. I've ran that test for several weeks at home - and chose NDX

3. Once with a nDAC, adding XPS makes most sense on the nDAC.

Posted on: 29 January 2016 by GraemeH

I agree NDX sounds better as a streamer to NDAC than ND5XS.

G

Posted on: 29 January 2016 by Adam Zielinski

Of course. Sonically NDX into nDAC is matched by a CDX2.2 into nDAC.

 

Posted on: 31 January 2016 by Mand

So it would seem a bit ott to use ndx with xps with external dac.

i may consider selling both and get just a streamer to use with the external dac.

Of course only after careful listening.

Any recommendations?

Any flavour of Aries, Aurender!

Posted on: 31 January 2016 by Adam Zielinski
Mand posted:

So it would seem a bit ott to use ndx with xps with external dac.

i may consider selling both and get just a streamer to use with the external dac.

Of course only after careful listening.

Any recommendations?

Any flavour of Aries, Aurender!

I'm confused here.... The recommendation is to USE your NDX with an nDAC, but add XPS to the nDAC.

Posted on: 31 January 2016 by Mand

I never said I had an nDac.

my xps is actually non-Naim ( am I allowed to say that?) Moderator: no, edited.

New dac is in new integrated amp, so of course careful listening will be done before making decisions.

 

Posted on: 31 January 2016 by Sloop John B

Also consider whether what you end up with will support Roon.

IMNSHO it is the game changer for streaming. It just immerses you in your collection. 

SJB