Had I not got the Zenith Mk. 3 and Chord Hugo TT2 that would certainly have been an option I’d explore. The built in DAC with the Mini was only okay but I’m sure work will have been done to change that and, at minimum, I’d think they deserve a listen.
1 Like
Nice to see that Innuos is finally introducing an I2S output with this new line.
Will these various upgrades to Stream1 and Stream3 make any difference at all? I doubt it especially if you have a good DAC. I currently don’t have any streaming services and have always listened mostly to my local files, so I don’t know if that matters either. But the big question is still Stream1 or Stream3? If I can get a good price on Stream3, then maybe. Is it too naive to believe that Naim will come up with a replacement for Naim Core?
Not sure what the Stream3 will bring over my Innous Pulse (Pulse PSU also designed by Sean Jacobs) into a Chord DAVE. When the Stream3 is launched I’ll try and borrow one from Fanthorpes to compare.
If you are not wholly wedded to Innuos and in light of their price rises over the past couple of years, you might do worse than try a Naim Core before they disappear completely. It’s quite ease to import your Zenith backup to a Core’s storage.
You can choose, and more importantly replace/upgrade your own storage media, albeit with reduced functionality, eg internet radio, streaming services, over the current Zenith models/software.
Worth a thought maybe?
ATB, J
My concern about Naim Core is that Core has a fantastic SQ and an horrible software. So at the moment I’m mostly for Innuos. Naim should make a new server/streamer with better software.
I’d get hold of a loaner Core to play with and see what it’s actually like.
Unfortunately the Core inherited a lot of bad press from its archaic predecessor, the UnitiServe, much of which I took for granted until I home demoed a Core.
Core users have reported a variety of metadata issues, but I and others have yet to experience any 
. And most of those who have agreed they’re quite easy to remedy.
And you’re quite right, the SQ is awesome.
ATB, J
1 Like
Other companies may well have better software, I’ve no idea, but the Core software certainly isn’t horrible. Core is a terrific bit of kit. Sad to see Naim discontinue Core but pleased I bought one. It’s simple to use, looks great and sounds even better imo.
As a good as the Core may be, it can’t stream online, neither radio.
As a server, it’s a good product, but not enough as for metadata issues with downloads and classical box sets .
3 Likes