Hello, I’m considering a Core - is the hard drive user upgradable?
Any reliability issues with the transport?
I’ve read a number of reports of people unhappy with the poor software support for the Core.
Also, the workarounds from the community and that if you take it for what it is then it does a good job. Any thoughts on that?
It will be used together with NDX2, any interoperability quirks/concerns if I move away from a Naim streamer?
Thanks
You have to buy one and fit it, so yes it can be upgraded. If you want a bigger one, do a backup, insert the new one, then perform a restore.
If you haven’t read this already, this thread may answer your questions ref operational quirks.
Quick note: WAV is not the best format to handle metadata, better use flac…
I have a Core and I personally prefer to rip from my laptop, rework the metadata and then upload to the internal DD.
When changing/inserting the HDD or SSD be careful with the caddy screws, they’re tiny and should not be over tightened. I use mine with an NDX2 - the performance is faultless and the sound quality superior to the CD5Xs/Flatcap2 it replaced. I rip in WAV because Naim say it’s the best. Who knows? I have no problems with the app or the Core software. It’s basically plug and play. Enjoy.
I’m very happy with my Core. As far as I know, the SQ has never been questioned and Naim have used it as a source for demos at the highest level. I rip in Flac for use with an ND555. One reason I bought it was for the flexibility of choosing the storage unit. It’s very straightforward to install. Back up is simple too - I have a USB drive plugged in the back of the Core out of sight and back up is automatic.
Ripping seems to me to have improved with the recent software update - I think everything I have ripped since then has been identified and the metadata has been more or less complete. Making minor adjustments to the metadata via the app is simple. On occasion in the past I have ripped to my Mac and revised metadata in iTunes, which is also fiddly. I have not tried any of the proprietary software that others recommend. Multi CD sets remain an issue where one wants CDs to be present in one file, but that is also a problem with iTunes. There is a clear limitation with the software for classical CDs where the facility to differentiate between composer, performer, and conductor is lacking.
Changing the hard drive is a simple task but there are different screws for HDD and SSD.
It’s limited in relation to some metadata issues but I’ve never found that to be a problem. What you can edit is very simply done in the Naim app.
Sound is top notch and it works seamlessly in my system. I can’t fault it to be honest.
You better be quick, it is about to be discontinued in the near future.
No dramas, plenty available and I’ve put my order in. Just need to clear some shelf space now.
BNC out, or serve over the LAN?
In my dealers latest update they said that due to the Core being discontinued, Melco were offering a deal on the N100/D100 at £2450.
LAN out, with the possible exception of BNC. When you have a seperate DAC. However, that is a total unknown for me. 
