Naim DAC: USB vs. S/PDIF input

Posted by: nbpf on 21 December 2018

A few nDAC users have found that .WAV files replayed from a USB stick connected to the nDAC's front USB port still sound a little bit better than the same files streamed through an electrical BNC-BNC connection.

What are your findings? Have you found a S/PDIF feed for the Naim DAC that meets or perhaps even exceeds the sound quality of replay from USB sticks?

Posted on: 21 December 2018 by OuYang

I play DSD64 files from Roon to Allo DigiOne Player into Naim DAC's BNC, same file using USB stick still sound better but not that much. I did not use very good power supply or BNC cable on DigiOne so I am still happy with the result.

With DSD128 USB stick is the only way to go. But my concern is that does DSD suits Naim DAC or not? In theory Naim DAC use R-2R DAC and will convert everything to PCM before feeding DAC chip. Maybe Hi Res. PCM is better than DSD for Naim DAC.