DAC loop for 272 - to naim headquarters

How is it now? What is current dig out for? Isn't it already possible to take digital signal from dig out and then route it back to any analog input?

Edit: Of course not: cause it has one of dig sources selected and not one of analogue

That's it. My suggestion is a doodle for the naim geeks: output a digital source on digital out whilst reading an analog signal (from the ext. DAC) for amplification.

S.

Would be interested to hear whether it's possible, anyone in the know?

In my view, the 272 is just right as it is. If people want to add a separate DAC, there is the option to buy an NDX and a preamp, and use a DAC inbetween. I can't imagine Naim wanting to add a facility to bastardise the lovely 272. 

Different strokes though, isn't it? An NDX is a similar price to the 272 itself, a Hugo half as much, not to mention Schiit models, the junior Chord, and so on. I could see a fair number of potential purchasers of 272s being encouraged by the prospect of being able to add a better DAC. It's considered a viable upgrade with, say, an NDX/282.

Conversely, given that there's been a fair bit of action in the DAC market over the last couple of years, and it seems likely to continue for a while, I wouldn't be surprised if some potential 272 owners had at least a small concern that the DAC section of their new pride & joy might be left behind.

No skin off my nose, any upgrades to the likes of a 272 will be way off for me. But I'd be interested just in whether it'd be technically possible, and if not, why not.

Well, I guess it would be a useful facility if people wanted to make their 272 sound like Schiit. 

Now, now, HH - don't get too protective of the 272! I think it can hold its own.

Most of the things people ask about on the forum are technically possible, but I think we can assume that if Naim thought there was a viable market then they would do it and if they don't do it, there probably isn't a viable market.

Now let me get back to listening to my 272.....

best

David

Just to clarify: this cannot  be done with the existing 272's firmware, as Olek indicated. My suggestion would need a (minor) tweak, that's all.

S.

I think it's great as it is.. My main thing/complaint I would like is for 1. Naim to come up with a stageline with it's own power supply or 2. allow the 272 to light it up or 3. Allow one of the Analog inputs to be configured for Phono and present a phono stage. In my opinion and to my ears a NAC-N272 + NAP250DR + LP-12 setup with a good phono stage. I am using a non-naim phono stage only because of these limitations.

Stefan Vogt posted:

Dear naim headquarters,

could you please add an external DAC loop facility to the 272? It's easy to do: you'd just need to switch to an analog input WHILST processing digital sources iRadio, UPnP, USB etc. and directing them to the digital output. I know this would slightly defeat the purpose of an all-in-one, BUT it would make the 272 almost immortal (by allowing us to loop in external DACs).

Many thanks for considering!

Stefan

You can do that with lots of dacs that have switching headphone and  input facilities, just connect one to the analogue inputs of the 272 and bingo wings your flying.

In all respect, Tobyjug, but once an analog input is selected on the (present) 272, there is no signal on its digital output, since the digital processing is powered down (neither could one select amongst the digital sources).

S.

Marching toward a  Better Future -

Bringing back the (ironically re-envisioned)  Tape Loop.

Next Year -

2 Rows of Input Buttons.

Not sure this is even needed. If you wanted a pure analog preamp, just sell the 272 and get a 282 or 252.

Then you can add a streamer and the external DAC.

Naim digital sources are very good.

Why not consider adding an XPSDR or 555DR to the 272 instead?

Well, I just sold my 282. The 272 is pretty good and best VFM. When a little firmware tweak can make it even more flexible, why not! (OK, it's indeed a modern version of the good old 'tape loop' - well spotted, Adam).

Well, I think naim headquarters will have a good laugh now on this controversial thread. )-;

S.

Now I'm confused. You have an NDS + XPS. Why did you need the 272 ?

Hungryhalibut posted:

In my view, the 272 is just right as it is. If people want to add a separate DAC, there is the option to buy an NDX and a preamp, and use a DAC inbetween. I can't imagine Naim wanting to add a facility to bastardise the lovely 272. 

I agree. There is no need to add any DAC to the 272, not even the Hugo

Those who are interested can read fellow forum member Paristhea comments when he heard my Hugo into his 272, and then his 272 alone, into my 250 DR, and said, thanks, but I prefer my 272 as a digital source, and I am not going to buy a Hugo. Just search the forum for his comments and you will find it.

Or look for Mikapoh comparison between NDAC and Hugo, and he and his friends preferred the drive and musicality of the NDAC. 

Naim are have years of experience with digital sources, and know what they are doing. I assume we all are here because we are fans of the Naim sound, isn't it? Why mess with that? You paid good money for the 272, and it is a source/preamp with that addictive, musical "naim sound"

If you want to pay for a Schiit DAC, or want to add Mojo to the 272, why not instead, just buy an XPS-DR? or a 555DR?

I own Hugo and Mojo, and for some odd reason (as good as the Hugo and Mojo are) I still can't part with my Naim DAC V1. 

Analogmusic, you do get attached, I can't get rid of my CDX2 despite my CDS3 having come and gone. Also can't get rid of my NAT03 or NAT05 - I just love them so much. 

These are all sources that have their own unique sound signature and their own take on music and audio - I really don't want to limit my music experience by using just one source - and I guess there are others out there who agree. .. its why we have those inputs on our preamps although I don't have the 03 and 05 connected at the same time  

S

Simon, I am all for having multiple sources, and I bought a Chord Mojo (for the road). I sometimes use it with my NACS.

As it is a very portable DAC, I used to leave the headphone to DIN connector attached to both NACs (202 and 282) but I found out this makes the NAC perform sub-optimally when the Mojo is not connected. (i.e DIN still connected to NAC, but other end is not connected)

Do you have any idea with this would happen?

I don't know - I might guess its something to do with signal ground and earthing. What else do you have connected to the NAC?

DAC v1 for the 202 (set on chassis) and for the 282, Hugo, turntable, and a wire from the earth terminal of 282 into mains earth

I'll ask Naim, but not that important now, I just won't leave a loose interconnect...

Just to clarify for Jan-Erik: My profile was slightly outdated, and my 272 now has the streaming monopol in my system (well, there is an Aries Mini -> 2Qute -> 272 path, too). I find that the 2Qute reproduces acoustic instruments in a naturalness which is lovely and second to none. That's why I suggested that surprisingly controversial path for an external DAC - I wish I had the firmware code! Is it shareware, actually?

S.

Simon-in-Suffolk posted:

Analogmusic, you do get attached, I can't get rid of my CDX2 despite my CDS3 having come and gone. Also can't get rid of my NAT03 or NAT05 - I just love them so much. 

These are all sources that have their own unique sound signature and their own take on music and audio - I really don't want to limit my music experience by using just one source - and I guess there are others out there who agree. .. its why we have those inputs on our preamps although I don't have the 03 and 05 connected at the same time  

S

+1

Even though my 272 plays beautifully from WAVs stored on my Unitiserve, I still love listening to CDs on my CDX2.

best

David