Core query x2

yes, it can do all that. You can put a 8tb or more drive in it for all the music you want.....

Thanks. Sounds like what I need. I suppose sound quality is totally dependant on the quality of the DAC? Sorry, I know sod all about this but do want to archive the CDs

Yes, but the analog stages of the DAC/ preamp are just as, or perhaps more important to the sound quality. If you could give details of your system, context of your query, perhaps more help could be offered by the forum.

Good point. SuperNait (use internal DAC), Allaes, cabling all Naim

Oh, and HCDR on the Nait (makes a huge difference)

Daft Apeth posted:

Thanks. Sounds like what I need. I suppose sound quality is totally dependant on the quality of the DAC? Sorry, I know sod all about this but do want to archive the CDs

Reports by people who have tried the Core in this mode (SPDIF output) seem to suggest it’s quality is good, though I’m not sure there are many direct comparative assessments against references (E.g. NDX, Melco, Innuo Zenith).

Thereafter the quality/character of the sound is very much indeed dependant upon the DAC - I’d suggest Chord Hugo, or its bigger brother, TT, or for a real ‘wow’ factor, Dave. They can even be used without a separate preamp if you don’t have any analog sources to integrate. A large proportion of people who have tried Hugo seem to think it is superb, commonly descrivpbed as having a very analog-like or ‘natural’ sound, however it is also evident that some people prefer the Naim DAC - you should listen and decide what suits you.

This is how I use my own Core - s/pdif into the DAC. I am currently about half way through ripping all my CDs into the Core which stores them as WAVs (you can choose FLAC instead, but I'm hedging my bets on WAV..). 

The DAC in the Supernait is/was good.  It will suffice for now, I'm sure.  However,  the Naim DAC is quite a bit better and can be upgraded even further to be up with the very best regardless of price.  Some may recommend others such as the Chord DACs, which are quite popular on here of late. They're good too, but a bit different to the NAIM DAC - less warmth, better defined space, a bit more cerebral (I have both).  

Cool. Thanks. This has been bugging me for a while. I think the DAC in the SuperNait sounds fine but then again I haven’t compared it to anything. Probably better not to know at this stage 

I assume buying some type of uber reliable back up drive at same time wouldn’t be a silly idea? Any recommendations?

I’m curious how you guys feel Core into SN DAC would stack up music wise compared to current CDX2, Hiline, Powerline (no PS)?

Thanks again

Daft Apeth posted:

 No need for NAS drives, switches etc?

 

Ideally you still need to give it a network connection. It needs it for online metadata lookup etc while ripping CDs, and for adding downloads if you buy music this way as well as on CD. This will apply to any CD ripping and storage device though.

Daft Apeth posted:

I assume buying some type of uber reliable back up drive at same time wouldn’t be a silly idea? Any recommendations?

I’m curious how you guys feel Core into SN DAC would stack up music wise compared to current CDX2, Hiline, Powerline (no PS)?

If you don't want to run a NAS on your network for backup, you can just connect a USB hard drive to it.

I would guess that to compete with a CDX2, you might need to add a better DAC to your system, but that is just a guess. That's where your dealer comes in.

I have used my Core directly in to my Dynaudio XD 600s,they are active,and accept the SPDIF digital out from the Core.Very simple system that sounds fantastic,but no internet radio or Tidal is a no-go for me,so I use the 272 in the chain to get these options.My Core is wired to my router with Ethernet,so I can control it with my iPad.I have two systems running off the Core...one active,and one using all Naim gear.

Modem only a couple of feet away so Ethernet connection won’t be a problem. Hadn’t considered the Tidal issue (not that I have a subscription anyway). I guess that is where the streamers come into the equation?

How about the quality (soundswise) of the Uniti Nova Dac compared to the Dac of the Superuniti?