DAC V1, ND5 XS, NDX??? Confused

For sure it will improve your output of the Sonos. But if you use V1 USB input you get lot better quality than using S/PDIF to Sonos. Regarding NAS and V1, if NAS has USB port and ability to output audio to it, then you could use this combo and control playback either through the app or NAS remote.

If you want to use a NAS I'd try and go for a NDX which will be excellent for streaming. 

Good luck. 

Lindsay

mattchup posted:

I enjoy listening to music through my Sonos Connect (mostly Deezer) into my 252 SC, 250.2 and NBL's.  I have an LP-12 for my vinyl as well but this is more about the digital end.  I was thinking of adding a DAC-V1 to the setup for better sound through the sonos and also with the capability of headphone use.  Would this improve the quality of the sonos?  Can I also hook up an NAS to the DAC-V1 and listen to music files that way?  I'm blown away by the amount of different naim boxes that all seem to compete with one another on some level.  Thanks!

This is probably a Streaming Audio post.

To start to simplify your confusion, there are two main flavors of digital music delivery -- (a) direct from the hard drive to the player, or (b) over your home network.  You are currently using (b).

Other Naim devices that also work on the (b) principle are the ND-series players.  Given that you own a 252/SC/250 system, you should be looking at at least an NDX and probably an NDS if you want to match the quality of the rest of your system.  Currently, Sonos/Deezer in your system is really holding back sound quality. Deezer is always lossy, and you "deserve" to be listening to lossess (cd-quality) or better sources through your wonderful system.

Back to a vs b flavors.  The advantage of b is that you can put your nas is another room and not have to have it on your hi fi rack where you'll see it and very likely hear it.  If you stay with b (networked music), you can build a library of lossless music on your nas (rip cd's, purchase lossless downloads) and using the Naim App play it to your NDX or NDS.  That's certainly my recommendation, and is exactly what I do.  You can also subscribe to Tidal or Spotify and use those directly through the Naim App.  Tidal provides lossless files, while Spotify is still lossy (320kbps, just like Deezer Premium).

Do you intend to create a music library on a nas, or is this really just about streaming services for you?  

Apparently Deezer has lossless files now (Deezer Elite?).  I didn't see that when I first looked on their website.

Yes, thank you.  I do use Deezer elite and stream FLAC files.  Wouldn't an NDX be overkill for a Sonos?  I am not sure about adding an external NAS at the moment, just thinking for maybe something in the future.  Thanks for the replies so far!

Bart posted:

Apparently Deezer has lossless files now (Deezer Elite?).  I didn't see that when I first looked on their website.

Deezer Elite is Sonos only, so unfortunately not available through other streamers.

mattchup posted:

Yes, thank you.  I do use Deezer elite and stream FLAC files.  Wouldn't an NDX be overkill for a Sonos?  I am not sure about adding an external NAS at the moment, just thinking for maybe something in the future.  Thanks for the replies so far!

A NDX would replace the Sonos.  If you are tied to the Sonos (meaning you have no interest is replacing it within the Naim architecture) then your only move is a DAC V1 or ndac being fed digital from the sonos.  

I beleive that others are telling you that a NDX would sound much better than the sonos + DAC V1 for local files.  Since NDX doesn't support Deezer you would lose that functionality unless you kept the Sonos in the chain for Deezer listening.  

I can vouch for a NDX into a 252, I did use Sonos and a non Naim streamer into my previous  Olive system but changing to a NDX in that system was a game changer, upgraded last year to a 252 based system the NDX is stunning in the new system, music streamed from a NAS.

If you are committed to Deezer, you may decide to keep the Sonos in order to keep the lossless quality subscription. In that case, there are some third party upgrades you can make to a Connect, which you could then play through whatever standalone DAC you choose. 

An alternative might be to jump ship from Deezer to Tidal, which is integrated into the Naim streamers. The sound quality of Tidal lossless can be good, quite close to locally streamed CD rips, but it is also inconsistent, with some material only available at lower quality, and large gaps in the catalogue, so you should try a free trial before you commit to such a change. 

In my experience, steaming music with Sonos was never satisfying until the device was modified by Wyred4Sound, pared with a good DAC like the V-1, and used with a audiophile quality power cord.   Outboard re-clocking devices reduce jitter and may bring similar benefits.  Without these upgrades, the presentation sounds too “digital”, and has a poorly defined soundstage.  I expect MATTCHUP hears this shortcoming when compared to the Linn LP12.

 I purchased a used ND5XS last year to pair with SN2, which I owned at the time.   The streamer disappointed as a stand along device when compared to the W4S Sonos/V-1 DAC but sounded more or less equal when used with the V1.  The NDX is a better component, so the results may be different.   

 I also tried several other high quality DACs, such as the PS Audio DS Junior and Resonessence Invicta Mirus .  These dacs had a different presentation than the Naim V-1 Dac that was better in some ways.   However, the sound didn’t really “lock-in” until I purchased the MicroRendu, LPS-1 power supply, the Cardas USB connector and DC power cord, and Sonic Transport I5.  Streaming music from Tidal or a USB drive attached to the Sonic Transport has never sounded better.  The devices are compact and easy to use, too.  Very highly recommended.  See the “Hugo of Streaming” threads on the forum for more info.