Naim Dac

[daddycool]

@ninanina

I did own a Naim DAC in the past and it was pretty good but no match for the AN

Used prices for the Naim nDAC are half of those for that Audio Note, so that could be considered a predictable outcome.

I read that in the past you had very different systems, now with your XS3 you might prefer the nDAC. Who knows, but you can always try one again to recalibrate your experience.

Love mine with the NDX5-XS2 & DC-1 into the XS3 & Flatcap XS.

[Tamarin]

@edo

I like the ladder DAC sound and if the R26II proves to be reliable I could see upgrading to it’s big brother, the R30 someday.

No surprise, as the Naim DAC is also an R-2R DAC.

[edo]

But the nDAC is not a ladder design. That is a big difference.

[Smoothfidelity]

The Burr Brown 1704 chip used inside the nDAC is an R2R ladder design.

[Tamarin]

Excerpt from the Burr Brown PCM1704 Data Sheet:

As a chip-based R-2R ladder, it’s just a different implementation than discrete resistor ladders.

[edo]

@Tamarin

Burr Brown PCM1704

Thanks for the correction. So it seems what I like is a well implemented discrete resistor ladder vs a chip-based design. I’m always glad to learn a bit more about this hobby.

[PeakMan]

@edo

So it seems what I like is a well implemented discrete resistor ladder vs a chip-based design.

Does it? How many of each have you compared?

There’s a good deal more to DAC design than the chip or conversion method. Confining choice to a particular technology surely risks missing out on excellent products. Isn’t choosing by ear safer?

Roger

[edo]

I’ve owned a Denafrips Venus II and now the Gustard R26II & heard a Denafrips Terminator+ and a Holo May. That’s enough for me to formulate an opinion. Granted none of these are entry level DAC’s but I wouldn’t be in the market for entry level anything.

I do know that there is a lot more to DAC design than conversion method or chip brand. That is why I said I like a “well implemented” design. I hear something that seems more analog and less fatiguing with the better discrete resistor ladder DAC’s so I am choosing by ear. I’m certainly not the only one that has come to that conclusion. I liken it to some preferring tube gear to solid state even though it doesn’t measure as well. I’m firmly in the, if it sounds better it is better (for me) camp.

[Igel]

Avoid DR Power supplies with the nDac.

[PeakMan]

Disagree. I had my XPS upgraded to DR back when Naim were offering it. Used with nDAC it was a notable improvement in performance, though admittedly not as great as DR’ing a HiCap.

Roger

[suzywong]

@Igel

Avoid DR Power supplies with the nDac.

Please expand your thinking on this.