newcomer to streaming - advice sought

Posted by: StephenCC on 02 September 2018

HI. just some advice.  I was brought up on hoping to buy high end hifi, with source components, preamps, power amps and power supplies, and all to be connected directly together by best quality interconnects, but now realise I will never be able to afford the separates system I want.  So, I have taken a reality check and decided to buy a system I can actually afford and get on with listening too - hence settling on a Nova and Core and a pair of Dynaudios.  Here I am then looking to buy these and to consider all options for connecting the Core and Nova as effectively as possible, but I am somewhat 'unnerved', due to my lack of knowledge and appreciation of streaming, when presented with what I regard as 'inadequate' cable connection options....  
 
Using ethernet cables, the Nova and Core are linked to the broadband router directly or via a switch - which is the best option?.  That is itself must surely have an impact on sound quality?, as the 'data' is passing between the Nova and Core via a router or a switch (connected to the router) - the router and switch surely containing components of dubious quality?   I have probably in the last two sentences shown my ignorance.  Why is there not a simple option to connect the Core directly to the Nova with a quality interconnect? - I'd like someone to explain that, since, for example, the music source and sound production in the Uniti STAR is not linked by an Ethernet cable.   Also, why, if we are dealing with digital streaming of data, does it matter about the quality of Ethernet connecting cables? Naim suggest the Ethernet cables are of no consequence (as long as Class 5/6), yet folk on the Forum swear by v expensive AQ and other cables.  If the Ethernet cables are a weak link in the sound production, surely Naim would have provided their own in-house or commissioned Ethernet cable designed to optimise the linked components?, along with a matching switch and/or router.
 
Any advice, thoughts....
Posted on: 02 September 2018 by NickSeattle

I suggest you wire your new system to your existing network via a switch and cheap CAT5e/6 in order to have access to Internet radio etc, and to allow you to control the systen using the Naim app on a mobile device.  This is what I do; it works very well.  Baseline from here, and play with alternative wires, switches (or lack of a switch) , and tweaks at your leisure.  It is possible that, if there are any gains to be had from here, you will not find them worth the cost, complexity, or sacrifice to usability.

Naim have taken pains to make setup successful, if you follow their guidelines.  

Good luck, and enjoy.

Nick

Posted on: 02 September 2018 by TallGuy

If you don’t have a switch connect your Nova and Core to your router with cat5e cables (or cat 6 if that’s all you can get). Enjoy the music  !

if you do have a switch connect the Nova and Core to the switch and the switch to the router. If you hear a difference go with the layout which sounds best to you. If you’d like to try a switch then don’t initially spend on anything other than a cheap one. A good example is the Netgear GS105.

You can ask your dealer if you can borrow some more exotic cables, or buy from the net on a try and buy/return basis. 

It’s all down to your ears and budget really. Just start with The Nova, Core and router and experiment if you feel the urge, but it’s not vital. 

The Star doesn’t store it’s music locally so it is either  on a USB device or network device - a generic NAS or Core (yes, I’m aware you can do a direct connection from Core using spdiff but it’s not reported as best option).

I’d be more inclined to spend any “cable money” on the speaker cables or mains than extra super special “Ethernet” cable (quote marks as some of them don’t actually meet the standards to be called Ethernet).

The good thing about the Core, verses a NAS is that the Core can be considered an appliance - making it possible to use networking as your transport solution ( which is Naims preferred method) without needing any networking skills or knowledge. 

The good thing about the Nova is that you get performance equal to, or better than, many separates , including some Naim combinations, in one smart, simple to use box - going back to your first words, it’s real Hifi, not a compromise. It’s more than capable of letting the music move you.

Sorry, that’s quite a long reply.

Posted on: 02 September 2018 by Bart

You can connect the Core directly to the Nova if you want -- use a Naim DC-1 (BNC to BNC) cable. 

Personally, I prefer to use a networked server (connect the Core and your Nova to a switch).  You need nothing more than a bog-standard Netgear switch and inexpensive ethernet cables.  Feel free to experiment with exotic cables if you like, but if you don't like you need not fret about it!

Posted on: 03 September 2018 by Huge

Have you actually bought the Core yet?

Posted on: 03 September 2018 by Gazza
Bart posted:

You can connect the Core directly to the Nova if you want -- use a Naim DC-1 (BNC to BNC) cable. 

Personally, I prefer to use a networked server (connect the Core and your Nova to a switch).  You need nothing more than a bog-standard Netgear switch and inexpensive ethernet cables.  Feel free to experiment with exotic cables if you like, but if you don't like you need not fret about it!

As Bart says you can connect directly the Core to Nova with BNC to BNC cable. First you will need to set the Nova to the input that the BNC is connected to. Then you have to select play from the Core App, not the Nova App.......you also will lose any album cover artwork on the Nova screen.

Posted on: 03 September 2018 by Mike Sullivan

As others had said, you can connect the Core to the Nova. But when you rip CD's on the Core, the Core needs to be connected to the internet to get the MetaData (track listings and cover art work) and to use the Naim App, your tablet/phone needs to be connected over your wi-fi.

Now, I have just bought a Nova and Core and are very happy with it, it is all very simple to operate and sound's wonderful - I am using Totem Forest Signature speakers - still burning in, but are lovely. The Nova and Core are in separate rooms. I have in-wall Cat6 internet that I had installed for a home office/network setup. I actually run a cable from my router to a Netgear switch that feeds the Core, Smart TV, an Apple 4K TV and UnitiCute/NP100 in the office/media room. I have a separate Cat6 cable from the router to an Apple TimeCapscule that operates as the WiFi and a second switch that runs to a second smart TV, 4K Apple TV and the Nova in the lounge. I have yet another connection from the router to my computer. Surprisingly it all works fine and the sound quality in both systems is great and it can all run together.

Anyway, have lots of fun with this wonderful audio journey. I'll also put it out there, that the Nova is on par, or will exceed, many a box system and may well be all you ever need.