Why Naim's failure to update firmware actually does matter....
Posted by: Goon525 on 03 May 2016
(The story so far - when Naim added Tidal as an integrated streaming option last Autumn, quite a lot of people had technical issues, drop-outs etc. It seemed that these might be fixable by a firmware upgrade - one was originally scheduled for before Christmas, then we were told that there were one or two minor problems that made it more sensible to hold it back until early in the New Year. It's now May.)
I joined the Naim family when I bought a SuperUniti four years ago. I've been pleased with both its sound quality and its reliability. I haven't suffered much from technical problems with Tidal (to which I moved from Qobuz because I thought the SU integration was well handled) and continue to be happy - although it niggles me that Qobuz, which for various reasons I'd prefer to Tidal, isn't available.
So why am I bothered about the endless wait for a firmware upgrade that I don't really need because I don't have a problem? Well, I've been giving a little thought to upgrading at some point to 272 + 250DR, following in the footsteps of such as Hungry Halibut here. It seems to offer quite a big upgrade for just one more box (and quite a bit of cash, of course). But I have very cold feet about the level of support Naim now seem to be offering with their streaming gear. I would prefer to feel that I was dealing with a company that was aware of customer requirements and keeping on the ball to meet them. What's happening now about those Tidal customers who (presumably) continue to have problems? What's happening about opening up Naim Streamers to more than two options? The company seems to have gone very quiet - and so, I feel, when I do come to upgrade, I will have to look around more widely.
Adam Zielinski posted:I find it baffling that people buy inferior operating systems and complain they don't work well....
iOS app just works, like the Apple computers....
I believe that Naim offers an Android version of the app because a very significant share of the market use it. You may find that 'baffling', but most reasonable people accept it as a matter of fact.
I share @HOL's frustration with the Android implementation. Hopefully a better release is on the way...
Atherton posted:Adam Zielinski posted:I find it baffling that people buy inferior operating systems and complain they don't work well....
iOS app just works, like the Apple computers....
I believe that Naim offers an Android version of the app because a very significant share of the market use it. You may find that 'baffling', but most reasonable people accept it as a matter of fact.
I share @HOL's frustration with the Android implementation. Hopefully a better release is on the way...
Call me unreasonable then 
Android has a large market share because the devices tend to be cheaper. Just because it's popular it doesn't automatically make it good. I do hope there is a better Naim app for Android soon - when I used one, I was perplexed by it.