Issues with streaming services

Streaming Audio
1

I own a Naim ND5 XS2 and have recently discovered an issue when it plays from streaming services: Strong mid-tones sometimes get a scraping sound.
The problem is much more evident with classical music, and it doesn’t matter whether it’s a piano concerto or an opera. Neither does it make a difference if it is Qobuz or Spotify (high-end); the same recording sound odd through both.

At first I thought it might be the speakers but the head phones revealed the same problem. And it didn’t matter whether I used the streamer’s digital or analog output.

I tried a very different approch, connecting my iPad to the amplifier. No problems with the same recording played through the Apple device. Neither did I have any problems with the streamer, when it played recordings stored on the NAS.

So my suggestion would be that there is a general issue with the streamer’s handling of music services. Unfortunately I can’t say if this is something that appeared with the latest firmware update but at least I didn’t notice it before.

2

Very strange.
Firstly on the streamer I’d remove power from wall for 5 minutes

Then perhaps try “Qobuz Connect” from the Qobuz app on your ipad to play through the streamer.

3

Hi @Miksko, it’s difficult to diagnose what’s going on without more details. Could you give a few examples of tracks that are showing the effect you describe?

Roger

4

Also try a factory reset on the unit:

Restoring ND5 XS 2 to Factory Settings | Naim Audio.

5

We have the same device in the uk, no issues like described, a very sweet spot product from Naim
Martin

6

I have thought of ways to crosscheck the issue and got a reason to reconnect with an old Sonos Connect. I also found a cable to physiacally connect my iPad with the amplifier.

The good news is that the issue doesn’t seem to be related with the streamer. The bad news, on the other hand, is that the problem probably is the amplifier’s preamplifier, which calls for a costly visit to a repair shop.

How do I know?

  • With an iPad physically connected with the amplifier, the problem remained. And so the problem did when I tried the Sonos Connect.

  • When the iPad was connected with a headphone amplifier I have at another place in the house, the streaming service sounded excellent.

So, tonight I will try the headphone amplifier as a preamplifier (yes, it is prepared for that double purpose), to make sure that combination will remove the problem.

The tracks I’ve tried by the way are: “Video games” by Lana del Ray and the third movement of Beethoven’s 5th piano concert.

7

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