Streaming options

Posted by: Maughan67 on 17 October 2017

Hello all. 

I am looking to upgrade my current streaming set-up (Sonos ZP90 into 202/200), and have recently posted a few related questions. 

Having considered all comments and done a lot of research, my options appear to be:

  1. Sonos into Naim DAC
  2. Sonos into Naim V1 (which would also mean I could sell my Headline)
  3. Sonos into 3rd party DAC (e.g. Chord Hugo)
  4. Upgrade Sonos via WFS
  5. Replace Sonos with Naim streamer, probably ND5 but maybe NDX
  6. Replace Sonos and 202 and Headline with a 272

 

Certain pros and cons with all.

I know that an audition is the only true test, but it is always interesting to hear from fellow forumites. So...

Views?!

Thank you!

Matt

 

Posted on: 17 October 2017 by Kacper

Hi Matt,

 

going for ndx or 272 it sounds reasonable to me.

 

Kacper

Posted on: 17 October 2017 by Mike1951

If you're interested in streaming "lossless" files, you should be aware that all the NDX's can offer is Tidal with which there continues to be problems (see other threads).

Also, NDX's are now being referred to as "heritage" items...

Posted on: 17 October 2017 by Maughan67
Mike1951 posted:

If you're interested in streaming "lossless" files, you should be aware that all the NDX's can offer is Tidal with which there continues to be problems (see other threads).

Also, NDX's are now being referred to as "heritage" items...

My main use (95%) will be (and currently is) simply streaming of my NAS-based FLAC copies of my own CDs. So I am not too fussed about Tidal or similar. 

I do also listen to various general playlists via Napster, but that is usually throughout the house on all my Sonos zones, just as background music. So I wouldn't be losing any wider Sonos functionality in relation to the main use of my Naim system if I went down the Naim streamer option. 

That said... My current line of thinking (which changes daily) is to pair the ZP90 with a Naim DAC - even though my dealer wanted to steer me away from that option in favour of a Naim streamer. But it seems to tick a lot of boxes.

M

Posted on: 17 October 2017 by Maughan67
Kacper posted:

going for ndx or 272 it sounds reasonable to me.

The 272 does look like an interesting option! But I have only recently bought my 202, and it sounds great with the 200DR, and it just seems like I would be changing (almost) my entire current system if I went down that route. 

Also, any option that doesn't keeps the Sonos streamer and its app in the picture is starting at 0-15 down already. 

Posted on: 17 October 2017 by trickydickie

I very much enjoyed using a Sonos (ZP80) into a very good but non Naim DAC.  I had a 202/Hicap/200 at the time.

I moved to an NDX and retained the Sonos for a while to use for multiroom and other services.  To do this I used the DAC in the NDX fed by the Sonos.

When comparing the Sonos with local Redbook files to the NDX there was a significant difference in favour of the NDX so my thought is that by using a Naim DAC you may be limited by the quality of the Sonos as a transport.

If I were you i would compare an NDX and a Naim DAC fed by the Sonos.  Make sure the output on the Sonos is set to fixed, otherwise at lower volumes the Sonos will resample which degrades the sound quality.  the 272 is also an interesting proposition and should give you a pre-amp upgrade as well and simplify your system.

Richard

Posted on: 17 October 2017 by Huge

It sounds to me that for you both a Naim streamer and continuing to use the ZP90 is the best of both worlds.  The ZP90 will integrate your higher quality amp and speakers into the whole house background music system and a Naim streamer will provide a much higher quality sound source when you want to focus on the music.

Different units for different purposes - there's no conflict really.

Posted on: 17 October 2017 by analogmusic

Sonos into Chord Hugo. A big  upgrade which is also affordable.

I remember when I got my Hugo it was like "WOW"

In fact Hugo/202/200 is a very fine system. 

Posted on: 17 October 2017 by Kacper
Maughan67 posted:
Kacper posted:

going for ndx or 272 it sounds reasonable to me.

The 272 does look like an interesting option! But I have only recently bought my 202, and it sounds great with the 200DR, and it just seems like I would be changing (almost) my entire current system if I went down that route. 

Also, any option that doesn't keeps the Sonos streamer and its app in the picture is starting at 0-15 down already. 

Then try the option nr. 5,, - ask your local dealer if he is able to loan you NDX just for couple of days... I'm pretty sure you won't regret it