streaming with melco/NDX experiences

Tried an N1A with a 272. The 'player' Ethernet port sucks all of the joy out of the music, we found it much better to just use the 272 through the switch instead. 

Interestingly the old NS01 still sounded better from a timing perspective. Probably well worth holding out for the Core to see what improvements that brings to the table...

I am using an N1A with an NDS connected directly and I find it a big improvement over connecting via the switch. My 16 bit WAV rips from the Unitiserve are particularly impressive when playing from the Melco's disc.

David O'Higgins posted:

I am using an N1A with an NDS connected directly and I find it a big improvement over connecting via the switch. My 16 bit WAV rips from the Unitiserve are particularly impressive when playing from the Melco's disc.

Hi David,

Does the Melco present the Unitiserve metadata correctly to the NDS?

Keith

It does Keith, but only after Alan Ainslie did a job on my files, and I still have some problems, particularly with multi disc albums (esp. opera). I am looking forward to comparing the Uniti Core to the Melco, as it will presumably deal better with the Unitiserve rips from the metadata point of view. (Oh dear, I probably haven't expressed myself correctly in technical terms, but I hope you know what I mean!

hello david,

you are using a melco n1a with your nds. Have you compared the nds/melco with the nds/unitserve?   i am curious because i have the nds/unitserve.  thanks

I found the buttons on the melco N1A just crazy (they require way too much force). Also, for every rip the N1A requires a button press before ripping and one thereafter, which is impractical inmy setup (where I want the server out of reach from the listening position). In addition, the N1A wasn't as quiet as I had expected. No comment on sound quality, but sometimes such practical aspects just help decisions,

S.

My experiences are only positive. I have no issues with noise, hear nothing in my setup. I have a huge uplift in sound quality since using the Melco while I already was coming from a setup with a improved powersupply with my NAS. As I rip on my computer, I don't have an issue with the buttons as I only need to push them a couple of times after an import.

Keler Pierre posted:

hello david,

you are using a melco n1a with your nds. Have you compared the nds/melco with the nds/unitserve?   i am curious because i have the nds/unitserve.  thanks

Yes, I started with a Unitiserve, (with a TP supply). I used this to rip all my discs and in my opinion it is far superior to the Melco as a ripper, not least due to the N-Serve app interface. 

Stefan Vogt posted:

I found the buttons on the melco N1A just crazy (they require way too much force). Also, for every rip the N1A requires a button press before ripping and one thereafter, which is impractical inmy setup (where I want the server out of reach from the listening position). In addition, the N1A wasn't as quiet as I had expected. No comment on sound quality, but sometimes such practical aspects just help decisions,

S.

Agreed that the Melco UI is horrible. I have never tried using it to rip from a USB CD drive as I can see no advantage in using it as opposed to using dBpoweramp on my PC. The only time I use the buttons are to backup, to upgrade the firmware or to re-index the DB.

Thanks guys can the melco transcode flac to wav ? Curious as heard some peeps say prefer sq from wav 

Matthew Johns posted:

Thanks guys can the melco transcode flac to wav ? Curious as heard some peeps say prefer sq from wav 

 

No, it'll just play the FLAC files. I do think WAV sounds better than FLAC, certainly through the Melco.

I've ripped a couple of CDs with a portable cd drive into the Melco but I can't see the point either - just rip on the MAC with dBPoweramp, which does a super job. Can't say I find the Melco's buttons a big problem, give how little I use them. I do wish, though, that you could back up & restore over the network via a NAS...

Hi guys. 

I used a melco into an NDX for a very long time and enjoyed every second of it. Yes, the melco could do with a bit of help with the UI and it's a bit of a clunky box etc, but you hardly ever have to actually touch it. It sat in another room with a high quality cat6 cable connecting it to the NDX straight through a hole in the wall. Anyway, I love it and from my opinion partners very well with the NDX. 

I've actually now moved from NDX / supernait2 to a devialet 120... havent worked out whether I love it or hate it yet. Very different sound! All still via the melco though. 

Steve 

Matthew Johns posted:

Hi hopefully re-posted into correct forum,

 

curious about peoples experiences of SQ when streaming with the Melco units (N1A and N1Z) into a NDX 

1) is there a uplift in SQ compared to say a good NAS?

2) more me wondering how melco would fare say against the new uniti core OR the innous Zenith Mk.II set up ?

anyhow interested in peoples experiences with it in streaming setup and whether any noticable uplift in SQ......

also as an aside is the melco capable of transcoding FLAC to WAV?

 

views/opinions appreciated

thanks again 

I did Melco N1A versus Innuos Zenith Mk11 back to back, over and over. No variables. Same plug. Bith USB direct into a Hugo. 

The Melco coloured the sound. Sounded emptier and less dynamic. Less involving and smaller soundstage. More digital. 

Zenith is the better product, it's pretty easy to hear for me. There was much more natural sound when using the Zenith. Melco was a bit ropey by comparison. But the Melco was much better than the MacBook even on battery. Not sure what the 6k model sounds like though!

I also tried Regens, Olimex, Gustard and more. All a waste of time. Zenith straight into Hugo with a short 15cm usb was the best bet. Expensive USB cables a waste of time and money too.

My plan is to get hold of an NDX soon to try the Zenith over Ethernet into NDX(with and without Hugo) I expect that change my world again! Ha

I lined up a Core audition and then had a car crash. So not gotten round to it yet. 

But it'll either be the Core or NDX for as my next purchase. But not so sure the Core will be any more 'silent' than the already very impressive Zenith. 

It'll be interesting to learn what you think of the Core - it could be fantastic, or a damp squibb!

Do let me know how you get on with your ndx trial over Ethernet will be watching with interest 

I'll probably like it (The Core), say that it's the best thing since sliced bread, then after 2 weeks put the Zenith back in and say I don't like it.

Going by track record, that is. 

Takes me a while to see what I prefer it seems.

i am also very curious of your experience with ndx and innuos zenith vs ndx/core in ethernet mode. I have an nds/555dr/unitserve non-Naim ps and don't know yet if i can improve:

my choices: a different ps for the unitserve ( with a good power cable)?

      a uniticore with samsung 850 pro ssd and powerline?

or an innuos zenith in ethernet mode(as a nas)?

i have read some posts about the melco, and some people think it sucks some involvement from the music. But other are very pleased with it ( also in nas mode)

So i am following you all....

i am curious to have comments about nds or ndx uniticore vs unitserve i have...and again also the innuos zenith

ThatsNotMyNaim posted:

I'll probably like it (The Core), say that it's the best thing since sliced bread, then after 2 weeks put the Zenith back in and say I don't like it.

Going by track record, that is. 

Takes me a while to see what I prefer it seems.

 

 

i am impatient to have your feelings between innuos zenith and uniticore...

If the Zenith is fitted with a 1tb ssd, where does one put the rest of their music -- attached USB drive or on a nas or is it either/or?

There's a 2TB version. But it's a pretty penny more. I don't have that much music clearly. 1TB is enough for me even with WAV imports.

Keler Pierre posted:

ThatsNotMyNaim posted:

I'll probably like it (The Core), say that it's the best thing since sliced bread, then after 2 weeks put the Zenith back in and say I don't like it.

Going by track record, that is. 

Takes me a while to see what I prefer it seems.

 

 

i am impatient to have your feelings between innuos zenith and uniticore...

My dealee won't have one until January. 

I have a suspicion that it (Core to Hugo) won't sound anywhere near as good as an NDX to Hugo. Seems obvious right?

I will post back again when I eventually get to hear one. 

Core > DC1 > Hugo

Zenith > 15cm shielded USB > Hugo

Zenith (As expensive 'store') > Ethernet > NDX > DC1 > Hugo

These are the questions I want answered before moving onto separates like 202 / 200 (Though I have no idea what to go for at the moment as I am told they all differ a bit). Replacing my XS2 (Still tempted to add FCXS for a while). 

Supernait2 didn't do it for me in my system. Found it all bit kicked back and recessive. Slower sounding than the XS2. Uninvolving for some reason. 

ThatsNotMyNaim posted:

I have a suspicion that it (Core to Hugo) won't sound anywhere near as good as an NDX to Hugo. Seems obvious right?

 

Not sure in what way it is obvious? Core is a much more modern product than NDX, with the benefit of years of experience and development. In this relatively young and rapidly developing field it is easy for products to become outdated, even when a planned successor may not yet be available. All I would say is, don't close your mond to the possibility, but assess how it truly sounds.

Keler Pierre posted:

i am also very curious of your experience with ndx and innuos zenith vs ndx/core in ethernet mode. I have an nds/555dr/unitserve non-Naim ps and don't know yet if i can improve:

my choices: a different ps for the unitserve ( with a good power cable)?

      a uniticore with samsung 850 pro ssd and powerline?

or an innuos zenith in ethernet mode(as a nas)?

i have read some posts about the melco, and some people think it sucks some involvement from the music. But other are very pleased with it ( also in nas mode)

So i am following you all....

We shall see!

RE Melco - "Sucking the life (involvement) out of the music" would be well aligned to my experience/opinion. 

It sounded thin, withery and restricted dynamically. Also it sounded ADHD to me with Roxy Music like it was on crack. The Zenith is way more expansive and dynamic. Ebbs and flows. But has poise also. Depends what you listen to as always!

Haven't gotten round to Powerline or other aftermarket cables in my system yet. Adding a cable to the Zenith will be interesting.

Zenith vs core will be interesting read, i am all eyes and ears! How nice to having the opportunity to try and return this kind of product!