quote:

Originally posted by pcstockton:
If that thread is not the penultimate definition of "technology geek-dom" i dont know what is.

Fair enuf.

As you want to manipulate 0s and 1s on the file, it is basically the same thing as playing around with a tone control. Instead of mouse, keyboard or switches, the SuperLine just has plugs.

quote:

Originally posted by pcstockton:

Even with an HDX, I would still need a DAC.

Why? It has phono and din analogue outputs like the CD players.

Naim's D to A technology works great for me in their CD555.

Graham,

Yes I would assume the DAC in a $20,000 CDP is top notch. At least it better be! Same goes for the HDX.

I just dont need/want anything else the HDX does, besides the DAC.

I am ALLL dialed in on the other issues.


FYI, the "PC" in my screen name stands for Patrick Charles

quote:

Originally posted by pcstockton:

I just dont need/want anything else the HDX does, besides the DAC.

That message is coming over loud and clear.

The HDX is causing an interesting split in the members of this forum. The product is coming very soon and it does what it says on the tin. As with all new technology it will probably be late and buggy I have spent many years working in bleeding edge IT technology so speak with bitter experience.

Those who've heard the early models are reporting positive feedback. If it fits into your lifestyle/workflow then great. If not it's not fair to continually have a go........ The product is coming so accept it.

Personally, I'm happy feeding CDs into my 555 I'm with the "400GB is far too small" contingent.

G,
I am happy playing vinyl,Not to happy with CD Replay at the mo but i will get that sorted.
Its only because the vinyl is so good.
When you want to sit and listen to music IMO its nice to put on a album or CD.
looking at Andy's pics in system pics the Sonos looks like a good bet for just having music in your home for everyday use and when people are round for dinner and the like.
You get good radio stations on it as well.
Stuart

quote:

Originally posted by Graham Russell:
The HDX is causing an interesting split in the members of this forum. The product is coming very soon and it does what it says on the tin. Those who've heard the early models are reporting positive feedback. If it fits into your lifestyle/workflow then great. If not it's not fair to continually have a go...

I don't think folks are "having a go". I think there are a number of us who are curious as to how Naim are approaching the whole digital Hi-Fi question.

The two main digitally-orientated products Naim have brought out so far - SuperNait and HDX - might attract a few new customers with the digital features they bring to the table, but I don't think they are going to have much economic impact on the much wider and I would suggest more lucrative existing client-base, ie

1) Those who already own Naim separates, and thus won't buying a SuperNait anytime soon, but are looking interestedly at its DAC capabilities

2) Naim owners who want to feed their systems with a digital source, and thus need a DAC, but who find the bespoke, captive-box solution of the HDX unappealing for a variety of reasons

It seems quite a few of us here think Naim could address both of these with a Naim-badged standalone DAC - digital music is here to stay so there will always be a need for a box that bridges to and integrates with (both sonically and aesthetically) our existing and very fine analog Naim systems. I think the market is there for such a product and the R&D for it is already done. By contrast, the R&D involved in bringing a totally new product like the HDX to market is much more substantial and the new technology a much harder sell. However, Naim clearly feel there is a market for the HDX and are banking on selling a lot of them to recoup their investment - fair enough, good luck to them and I hope it sells by the shed-load. So in conclusion, I'm not "having a go", I'm just expressing surprise that Naim are choosing the latter, rather uncertain route into digital hi-fi (Naim HDX) before the more obvious and less risky former (Naim DAC).

Good thread, lots for us at Naim to think about. For many the HDX will be the answer for bringing all the different places where music is kept into the main hifi system via the HDX. You will have to wait to hear the performance of this machine but I can say we have kept the music replay as the top requirement.
For me my 555 and Lp12 remain and the HDX is a truly welcome addition, listening to hi-res 24/96 is really a great experience, this could put some life back into our industry after the multi channel music diversion. We want to make a better sound so we enjoy our music more..watch out for some naim 24/96 releases! dac there didn't seem much point before ...

quote:

dac there didn't seem much point before ...

So is there now?

Paul,

I think it would be far easier for Naim to make a ethernet playback version of the HDX with no Hard drives in it at all, than for say...Linn to have to add them to their boxes.

Having heard their DS range this week and with no need for internal HDD's myself, at present they do appeal more than the HDX.

Now, a HDX with Netstreams capability and no internal HDD's, that is quite appealing.

Cheers,
Roy.

HDX has StreamNet capability. No internal hard disks, wait and see....

Roy,

I posted on another thread that I think that splitting the HDD from the rest of the HDX and giving PSU style upgrades seems to me to make a lot of sense. It would:

1. allow Naim to more easily make upgrade paths available, especially as the technology upgrades.

2. Separate the vibrations from the HDD from the audio circuits.

3. Give a way for the people who are not into IT a way to leverage this technology without having to get into setting up a network etc.

4. Speaking from an IT perspective - if you stream your files from a NAS you need to have an operating system at each end to handle the packaging and unpackaging of the data; as well as adding complexity this also add a vector for hackers to attack. I do like KISS.

5. The HDD module could have its own PSU upgrade path.

M

M,

I think Naim need to add 2 things to their product portfolio,

1) A approx. £2k Naim ethernet attached box with no HDD's, Streamnet capability, Internet Radio. Probably with a matrix LCD on the front. No need for colour panel.

2) A approx. £500 and a £1000 ethernet attached room amp. Let's you then distribute from the main box to remote rooms. Price difference let's you spend less on rooms for background music and more on rooms where you are more concerned about the quality.

Roy.

2b already exists in the form of the NNP02 room amp, due out shortly.

Roy, the price is the price right now for this technology and the vast amount of features and back up security the hdx has, the take it out of the box, 2 connectors in and your ready to rip, stream, replay add USB if you wish and ipod docking takes some beating, but thats all features the real strength of the hdx as you will hear soon is the amazing sound. Our complete ripping engine system, Naim audio output stages plus all the other Naim house designs add up to a class leading product with Pace Rhythm and Timing by the bucket load. Wait until you hear how the hdx handles complex music and keeps control and musical involvement compared to any other streaming or server on the planet, oh then you can add the XPS.

Paul / David, completely agree that the HDX sounds like an ideal one-box solution and difficult to beat.

I'm looking forward to trying one out and hearing it !

It is interesting times just now and I have to say, even though all the questions, a pleasure to see Naim moving forward with new technology. It is steps like these that mean that Naim will be around for a long time.

Roy.

(so, when can I hear one in Scotland

soon Roy unless you fancy a trip to sunny salisbury before
all the best
paul

I have a few meetings coming up in Milton Keynes, Newbury and Slough shortly. May be worthwhile scheduling some free time around them ?

Roy.

Hi Roy,

One of the options could be to attach an IP netstreaming box, rather than a direct attached storage box.

Perhaps Naim could serially attach a series of boxes - introducing a HiFi interface technology:

Serial Component Superfi Interface - SCSI.

M