I recently auditioned a Bluesound Node Icon against a Uniti Atom (preamp out to Exposure Monoblocks + Proac spkrs).
The Atom sounded great: I especially liked it’s pace / timing and detailed sound, but the cost was a stretch so I bought the Node–which sounded really good for its price, tho lost some of the Naik’s timing…
Question is, would a 2nd hand Naim DAC added to the Node Icon bring my SQ in line with the Atom, give or take (e.g. ND5 XS / nDAC / DAC-V1)?
My other kit: Crimson 610C pre, 2x AVI S2000MM monoblocks, Proac Tablette 50 speakers, Chord interconnects, Naim speaker cable
The Naim DAC uses the top-end PCM1704 chips and a version of the discrete analogue output stage that is a feature of all Naim’s top digital sources, so is quite a step up on the ND5XS, DAC-V1 and Atom when used as DACs, however, much will depend upon the quality of the digital source that feeds it. Certainly the DAC can be considered something of a bargain these days at its secondhand price. It’s also upgradeable too with an XPS or 555PS. You can even use the older Olive CDPS (with suitable Burndy) and XPS to good effect.
From my experience the “sound” you are referring to is not just related to the DAC but also the pre amp section. I don’t know that the DAC alone will get you what you’re after.
I agree with Richard - the NDAC would be a great choice, but then you need a decent digital source to use with it. A cheap streaming source will work well enough, and will likely better the Atom, but a more capable digital source would be worth considering. The obvious Naim option would be an ND5XS2 using its SPDIF out, or a Core if you only want to stream locally stored files, but there are plenty of non-Naim options to explore.
Thanks for the quick–and really informative–replies. The Naim DAC option is appealing, given its doable 2nd hand price and sonic pedigree–plus a reasonable chance it will have a sound along the lines I like…
I wonder if these units are generally considered reliable and/or readily serviceable, given their age?
P.S. @Mark84 good point about the preamp’s effect on overall sound. I guess if I got one of these DACs and felt my Crimson preamp was holding SQ back then I could explore other options there.
Important though the preamp is, I would start by getting the source right first. It should still bring improvements to your existing system. Then you can think about preamp upgrades at your leisure.
I had a DAC-V1 but this was better by a Chord Hugo2. I would consider giving the Qutest and Hugo2 a listen as these can be found for less/similar money as the nDAC. I fair few on the forum love Chord DACs.
You may be discovering the problems of buying not quite what you really want and then trying to correct it by further purchases. It’s easy to end up with a lot of duplication (two DACs and maybe two preamps) and you can readily spend more for less effect.
The nDAC is a great piece of kit but performance does depend on source and I doubt many would have experience of using it with a Node Icon. If you’re thinking of ditching your pre another route would be the Atom HE into your power amps. The Chord Qutest is another great option, I’ve found it works well with the Nait 50.
With so many choices and ways to go, I’d be inclined to simply enjoy music on your current setup until your finances allow a good choice of the gear you really like. Then go auditioning for an affordable endgame system and work out the best way of getting to it, avoiding expensive serial upgrading. Hope that doesn’t sound patronising.
@PeakMan,
thanks for the post. I was pleasantly surprised to receive advice to take upgrading slower, with more care. It feels good advice; after all, listening to music on the kit you have is where I’ve received the most long term pleasure (the Node Icon is my first hifi upgrade for ~25 years!).
I’m actually in two minds: sit tight, or tinker–perhaps try some 2nd hand purchases of kit like an nDAC or Chord Qutest–for fun, exploring different combinations… I could always sell things on that don’t do it for me, and like others here I also have a “2nd system” elsewhere (attached to the TV)…
Of note… I’m really enjoying getting to know the Node Icon, its sonic signature is really growing on me–or is it burning in–or is it both… It feels a step closer to my “perfect” sound than the failing Marantz CD17 that it replaces as my source… So no rush…
Thanks again, and I’m definitely enjoying the journey.
I went from a Bluesound N130 to a Bluesound Node Icon (that I now use in my office) to a Naim ND5XS2. The Icon was a major step up from the N130, but the ND5XS2 is definitely a more capable streamer (hardware and software). If you like internet radio and Qobuz Connect, Naim is much better. Instead of adding a Naim nDAC, you could also enjoy the Icon as-is for a while and invest in a Naim streamer later.