ndx new board?
Posted by: oferr on 03 July 2017
When purchasing a 2nd hand NDX, as i understand, at some point during NDX's existence, one board inside the NDX was changed for a better sound solution board. Could someone tell me please when that happened, in order the purchase the newest version of NDX.
Thanks so much in advance
The original NDX was 24bit 96kHz capable and was then upgraded a year or two later with a new 192kHz board - is this what you mean? If so, just look for one that has the 192kHz capability. Many early units were subsequently upgraded.
The easy way to find out if a streamer has the updated board is to try playing a 24/192 or above hi res file - the earlier board could only handle up to 24/96. Also, from the manual,
" 24bit/192kHz capable streamers are identified by displaying 3DXXXXX in the “BC SW” line of their System Status screen (Setup > Factory Settings > System Status)."
The updated board also gives you Multiroom, Tidal and Spotify.
New updated board was fitted in 2011 according to the Naim website.
The only significant change was the introduction of the 24/192kHz streaming board in November 2011. There was also a change from a 9-pin RS232 upgrade connector to a mini-USB type B connector.
Thank you so much guys!!! I really appreciate your kind help.
OFERR, take your time looking around for a second hand one I was looking for one a couple of years ago after a couple of months a dealer ex demo popped up six months old at a substantial saving well worth waiting for a superb bit of kit. Trust you find one OK
ChrisSU posted:Also, from the manual,
" 24bit/192kHz capable streamers are identified by displaying 3DXXXXX in the “BC SW” line of their System Status screen (Setup > Factory Settings > System Status)."
The updated board also gives you Multiroom, Tidal and Spotify.
.... and the original 24/96 will be 2Dxxxxx in the same BC SW line on the status page. Quick to check visually or ask the specific question of the re-seller.
Regards, alan
ps - along with other upgrades Chris mentioned, I believe DSD playback is only on the 3D boards, not the 2D (noting I have a Qute, not an NDX...)
ChrisSU posted:The easy way to find out if a streamer has the updated board is to try playing a 24/192 or above hi res file - the earlier board could only handle up to 24/96. Also, from the manual,
" 24bit/192kHz capable streamers are identified by displaying 3DXXXXX in the “BC SW” line of their System Status screen (Setup > Factory Settings > System Status)."
The updated board also gives you Multiroom, Tidal and Spotify.
The original streaming board also had reduced memory so the streaming play buffer was smaller than the buffer in the later 3D boards
I had my unit upgraded a year ago, the cost was just over £350 and was done by a local dealer. It's an easy fit, I dropped it in first thing and had the unit back by lunchtime.
The streaming board can be upgraded (we call it the 192 upgrade) this is what gives most of the upgrades you are referring to. Very few NDX were shipped with the 96K boards and IIRC the upgrade was available for free for a few months after the release of the new streaming board.
Another upgrade this time of the mother board has been done: it changed the RS232 socket to a mini USB; it also included some minor changes in the lay-out that slightly improved Sound Quality. This upgrade is not financially viable...
Thank you everybody