Firmware update NDX2 3.8.1 (5437)

I posted a week ago that I updated my ND555 to 3.8.1 (5437) hoping it would fix the dropouts I get usually in the first few seconds of a track. I can confirm it appears to be getting worse under the new firmware with the signal stopping and starting multiple times. Earlier this evening it did it multiple times then without any input from me it appeared to reboot itself like it had crashed then started to play normally. Is anyone else having similar trouble on a ND555 ?

Using WiFi or direct wired?
Seems that most people that have connectivity issues use WiFi
My ndx2/555drps is direct wired and never had any drop outs. Only problem I have had relates to occasional problems with the Naim app on my iPad.
Lately when I want to shut down the ndx2, when I hit the settings icon it takes a bit long to display the various options. Even this problem is intermittent and really not a problem
David

David , I have a fuly wired system using Black box Cat 5e from a Synology 214+ NAS from a Netgear Gigabit switch feeding a Cisco 2960G switch just before the ND555. This is exactly the same setup I used with the NDS for 8 years without a single dropout.

I have rebooted everything several times but after a while the dropouts return although last nights crash/self reboot/play OK was a first. I also noticed I lost the digital 1 fibre input providing TV sound during Glasto and had to switch to a different digital input and back couple of times to restore the signal.

I also wondered if it was an intermittent LAN signal so I unplugged the LAN cable whilst it was playing and it continued for about 2 minutes before the buffer ran out which was quite amazing.

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Very similar problem on a NDX2: eventually and randomly, the APP loses connection with the NDX2 and the playlist in progress begins to break and plays staggering, as if the signal stopping and starting quickly multiple times.

This to me sounds like a network problem. How are you connected up?

Presumably you got no dropouts while the LAN cable was unplugged? (It’s a serious question btw!)

Wired, fuly wired system using Devolo 1200 PLC for the last 10 years, plus Chord EE 8 switch, plus ENO network system filter; same system for the last 3 years, and all the rest of devices working properly.

In fact, the NDX2 has worked perfectly, without incident, from the V 3.8.0 update to the V 3.8.1 update, and everything else on the network works without any problems.

If it is not the firmware update, the only possibility would be something from Tidal in origin, since they have been several weeks with continuous software of the platform updates. But it’s still strange…

I confirm there were no dropouts with the LAN cable disconnected but that was only for a couple of minutes.
I never had drop outs in 8 years with the NDS on 4.4 then later 4.8 (did not like 4.6 or 4.7) but started getting them after a a few weeks from new on the ND555 under 3.8.0 and it appears to be more frequent on 3.8.1.

Not sure if i can help here in anyway, but just to add, i use Tidal HiFi via the Naim App on a daily basis, sometimes for hours on end. I haven’t experienced any drop outs, and i have the latest Firmware on my NDX 2.

Perhaps your best bet maybe to perform a factory reset and then to uninstall and then reinstall the Naim App? Sorry if that has already been mentioned.

Thanks, @Stephen_Tate.

Yes, that has already been mentioned, and I know it; but I’m still trying to study the incident before deciding to do a factory reset. We will see…

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Finally I have done a factory reset on the NDX2; after the reconfiguration everything seems to have gone to its place, both in terms of SQ and in terms of operation without incident. However, I’ll keep it in quarantine for a reasonable period of time, and I’ll inform the forum of/if any new incidents.

Despite posting earlier in this thread that I didn’t notice any difference in SQ I have started to notice a certain hardness and overbright character to the sound which is becoming more irritating along with the frequent dropouts.

I have followed @newcomer’s example and performed a factory reset on the ND555 which is very simple and has made a huge difference. Not only has it appeared to cure the dropouts and app disconnects there has been a definite uplift in SQ with everything sounding much better.

The ND555 is only about six weeks old and although it has been runing in on repeat with the amps turned down when not listening I was rather underwhelmed at it’s perfomance compared with the NDS. The factory reset has changed it completely and I now see what all the fuss is about.

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When you say a factory reset how are you achieving this? I have never done one but am susceptible to hard/bright sounding music . Might be worth me having a go. I guess you lose all settings?

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You are using powerline ethernet and happy with the results? Surely this demonstrates the fallacy that network transport layer makes a difference?

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The ND555 is definitely a different beast. You need to also give it more time to unfold it’s qualities and need to ensure that the surroundings are also great (good switch, good Ethernet cable and good NAS).

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Exactly as the post above. Power off the 555PS wait 2 mins. Hold down the play and input buttons whilst powering up and keep them held until the display window is active. I don’t have any stored favorites or playlists so nothing lost. I will check the inputs enabled settings later to see if they have changed. Sounds much better now and no dropouts all evening.

Yes, for 10 years now; but not just any, but from the best actually available on the market, Devolo 1200 kit, equipped with EMI and RFI filter. In addition, from the PLC Ethernet >> Audioquest Cinnamon Ethernet cable >> EE 8 switch (+ quality PSU) >> Eno Silver Ethernet Filtering System >> NDX2.

In my room, my system, to my ears, the ProAc K6 sing alive.

Does Naim actually recommend a factory reset after a firmware update? @Richard.Dane

I would do it, but I’m not sure if it’s a necessity. Check with Naim.