This is all a result of a question posed to me recently by T38.45 (below is the link)
I have been building my system in pieces after hearing how well Chord and Naim work together (which they do). Purchased the NDX2 as an upgrade over my NDX1 - big difference. Next came the Hugo1. In came the Innuos (got a great deal) and then The TT2/Mscaler. Never along the way did I consider the redundancy. Never along the way did I consider the potential redundancy. Tunnel vision I guess.
I use Roon, but rarely if ever use Apple Play or Chromecast.
Can anyone chime in and let me know of any benefits I may not be thinking of - or should I consider moving on from the NDX2?
You are not the only one to use the NDX2 as a transport into a Chord Hugo , @Simon-in-Suffolk chose this particular combination and is very pleased with the results.
Not really redundant - the NDX2 can work in one of two modes - digital transport output mode or analogue output mode (but not both at the same time). Either option will not be using the other option. I look at it as resilience. I would say adding an off bard PSU provides more redundancy with the NDX2. The NDX2 working in digital output transport mode is truly stellar - I personally am not so fond of its analogue output - but then I donāt use that option.
In my opinion the major advancement with the new streamers was the digital transport architecture and design - and that is what you are now reaping the benefits of.
The front end design is the same in all three streamers, ND5XS2, NDX2 and ND555 - with the latter having an extra screened case around the transport section
Exactly - when run its digital transport output mode its superb. There are a lot of fans of its analogue output as well.
When I spoke to Naim about the option of providing a stripped down NDX2 without the analogue output stage - they said the difference in production cost was too minimal for the impact to the addressable market. They have a product that can reach both markets togetherā¦ pretty good product design and marketing in my opinion.
Trying that now, but I am having connectivity issues. I have contacted Roon, as the Mscaler appears but I get a message that states āDevice Not Foundā. So I am currently stuck in that loop. Waiting for a response. I was hoping the transition would be more seemless.
Thanks Simon. While I have your ear, why did you decide to continue with the Chord DAC (Hugo 1 I believe) and still use your Naim Streamer? I am assuming you do not use Roon, but rather the Naim App to access your music library.
I appreciate the technical input - as I have a rather limited understanding of that end. More relying in the ears in most cases.
But, if I can streamline things, save a few dollars (or recover a few dollars and allocate them elsewhere), I am all ears to opinions.
I have a simple Chord Mojo in my main system, but I do miss the Naim āattackā every now and then. If Iād get a Naim based streamer (please, my dear, please), I would not replace the Chord Mojo with it, but keep them both simply to switch every now and then.
Frenchrooster, that was my first thought as wellā¦I would use upnp mode with ipeng or whatever just to see how the SQ isā¦not roon in the first shot to compareā¦
Exactly , just to compare both transports. If Innuos is better, the OP will gain money selling the ndx2.
For me, only my taste, the redundancy is more on Chord combo sideā¦if it was me.
May I ask why you use the Innuos zen and Melco n1a simultaneously. I think to remember you have already responded to it in the past, but donāt remember why.
Because, on first appearance, itās a sort of redundancy also, not ?
You may even top this with their Phoenix USB re-clockerā¦