I have just aquired an NDAC for my Naim Nait 2. I believe that the chipset is rather special and is an R2R design around two chips..PCM1704K.
I am waiting for it to get to me but would like some feedback on the compatibility of this older DAC with my Nait and the change from an Innuos Pulse mini to an Innuos Zenith mk3 ? The speakers are as mentioned still the little Harbeth p3sr as I have limmited space.. So I am near field. What are peoples thoughts. Any input would be appreciated..
There was a thread on this a year or so ago. Worth a read I’d have thought.
Roger
The Innuos Zenith has a USB output only, but I don’t think the NDAC has a USB B input. You will need a USB to SP/DIF converter I think, but may be wrong, please check.
Not wrong.
I had a quick squint down the thread mentioned, but found nothing from the Naim Service Dept. So I assume it’s not seen as an issue.
Did I miss something? After all, I do have a vested interest in this topic….being the owner of these truly wunnerful beasts 
You would want to keep the pulse mini. Presumably it can pick up the server information.
When my ND5 XS was sent back to Naim for a new screen, they also replaced various capacitors according to the invoice.
the pulse mini will allow direct connection into the dac via spdif out but the zenith wont (usb converter needed) so id keep the pulse mini, its a fine streaming transport, especially if you add the psu to it too.
Thanks I think they are available. Gustard U18 , Matrix X‑SPDIF 2 , Mutec MC‑3+ USB ,Singxer SU‑6. All seem to be available. There is an internal converters SPIDIF available for the Newer Innuos Stream models , but not the Zenith mk3. However i think there are a couple of converters available as you say to take USB to SPIDIF.
Thanks Roger will take a look
So no issues Suzywong.. All looking good .. Thanks it may be an idea to contact Naim service dept for some info on it..Enjoy your NDAC. I will be putting mine in my system as soon as I have the correct connector or boxes to convert usb to spidif.
Yes, Hifi‑dog , I’ve been using the Pulse Mini for a while with its own DAC, running straight into the Nait 2 through the Innuos Sense app. And by the way, Sense actually sounds better than my Roon setup, but that’s a whole different debate.
So, an improvement should definitely come with the Zenith Mk3. I’m hoping the sound will be much better through my lovely Harbeth P3ESR speakers.
The CD ripping facility is an extra along with better power supplies..Also using Naim DAC helps synergy for Naim other than using the the much cheaper dac in the Pulse. So that is the reason for change. I have a lot of CD’S and 2tb drive is a great idea. I agree and love the litle Pulse a lot. Will probably end up with one of the kids who share Audio interests.
It is a different debate but not much. That Roon is slightly poorer than Sense in many configs is a known thing. More up for debate is whether the Naim DAC is a significant upgrade on the Innuos DAC.
Completely agree as even the cheaper DAC in the Pulse mini seems pretty amazing just running analog into the Naim Nait 2 .. The nait 2 was serviced around a week ago by Darran at Class A and it has come on song now with my P9 turntable . The sound is effrortless . So expecting big things from the Naim as it brings Naim Synergy and twin PCM1704K chipset
Will be interesting to hear what you think. I didn’t need the Naim DAC as I’ve a Chord Hugo TT2 but when I finally heard a couple at the homes of friends I though it was a lovely DAC but perhaps more because it didn’t have as much of the Naim DNA as you might think.
I don’t have direct experience of the DDC devices you mentioned. I use an M2TECH HiFace between Innuos Zen and the DAC in my Naim streamer. The M2TECH USB to SPDIF converter is no longer available new, but you might find one for sale on the web. I think there are some very cheap USB B to SPDIF converters on the big river, which might be a way to get started, although probably not the final destination. I imagine spending more is necessary to get the best out of the Zenith and Naim NDAC.
Well the Nam DAC is an r2r Dac and they seem popular.. Yes Naim do great amps.. I like DCS usually.. We will see if any DNA exisys
Yes I will be researchig what may and may not be the best … The advice here is great.. Thankyou
The ndac is sensitive to the quality of the transport.
Instead of buying a usb/spdif converter, it might be better simply upgrading the pulse mini to a good quality streaming bridge (doesn’t have an internal DAC, just digital output to the ndac).
A limetree or primare np5 would be a good option. A few hundred quid second hand.
The NP5 sounds excellent with ndac. Although if you are into the Sense app. you might not like Primare app. it’s a bit basic, but I’m quite happy with it. And it doesn’t do qobuz or Tidal connect.
I’m finding the nd5 xs2 into my ndac very good, especially since firmware version 3.12. To my ears it’s awesome.