Absolutely there is a change for the better in SQ in my ND555 local streaming from NAS. Haven’t evaluated Tidal yet. Started Qobuz subscription only yesterday.
Hello - I’ve reported this on another update thread — I may be the first one to report that I am not liking the sound quality changes as a result of the firmware update on my ND555. The sound has moved from being rich, three dimensional and ‘real life’ to what I can only describe as an extremely clean and detailed ‘studio’ sound with a markedly reduced soundstage, and an exaggerated top end (albeit with loads of detail) which makes listening a ‘toil’ rather than a pleasure. From reports only StoogeMoe on the other update thread has hinted of similar experience - albeit with NDX2. Anyone else experiencing this? Unfortunately it’s a game changer for me now - built my system around the ‘original’ sound of the ND555 - and now back to ‘square one’…I’m so upset that an update that didn’t specify any SQ changes has done this.
This is the trouble with firmware updates that change ‘sound quality’. One person’s improvement is another’s deterioration. The fact that Naim presumably feel it is an uplift, as also other users, is of no consolation to the person who prefers the sound as they bought it.
And presumably other firmware improvements like added services cannot be separated from the sound change, so reverting to old firmware denies you those improvements.
Personally I am glad that my DAC is fixed and no firmware changes are possible, so I cannot lose out through a change being negative to me. But that is not the case with my renderer, where firmware updates are frequently offered - though as they don’t have any bearing on the DAC performance sound quality changes are likely to be far less marked.
It was during beta testing, not sure how that can be done in the real world…one to ask Naim. In cases like this…i would unplug the unit, make some tea, drink it, power up…see if it makes a difference.
The factory reset is still possible as for the older streamers ? Some have done a factory reset which improved the sound of their update. ( after usb update).
For me it’s mostly been positive, the increased scale and space suiting my NBLs and there is no loss of flow. When I set up the system with the ND555 in the first instance I spent quite some time experimenting with plug order to find the most coherent, it seemed to have a quite marked effect (with a string quartet the sense of the musicians playing off each other is very much there, if the music should swing it really swings, emotional impact is communicated well but there’s nothing syrupy about it), both digital and vinyl benefit from this. Later, fairly limited experiments with network cables has resulted in a further enhancement of this aspect for the ND555. The FW update has played into this and brought the ND closer to what I enjoy from my vinyl (which is back together with freshly serviced superline). I did hear one rip with a very promnenant cymbal that had me checking my cable dressing. Excessive ringing has often been cured by making sure the Hiline isn’t touching anything and this time it was resting on an SPdif cable from the DVD5, now it isn’t. I’ve not heard anything else that struck me as wrong but time will tell.
As suggested, I have powered down and done a factory reset - unfortunately no change! With all the positive feedback about the update I’m wondering how come I’m the only one experiencing change ‘for the worse’ - it’s not subtle - other family members have commented too! I’ve checked all system related ‘usuals’ and everything exactly as it was before I updated. The thing that upsets me is that I spent an awful lot of money and time building a system that I loved around the ND555 and in a five minute update it’s gone! If I can’t roll back to previous version (Naim don’t allow it) I would try re-installing the new version 3.4 - that can’t be done over internet either with the update methodology built in to the ND555.
Hi, I would suggest that you talk to your dealer about this. They are there to support you, and can liaise with Naim, as well as helping you to determine whether the changes you hear are similar to other units.
I understand Naim are under pressure from the likes of Apple and Google not to allow people to use old firmware which includes their services, i.e. AirPlay and Chromecast. This was not an issue with the old streamers, so reverting to old versions on them was straightforward.
For me (on NDX2) this update was an improvement, which seems to be the majority view here, but if you’re not happy, lets hope you can reach a resolution.
I recently bought an ndx2 and asked Jason ref any particular settings etc to use to get the best out of it; this was his reply. I’m not suggesting this will resolve your issue, but it’s possible that we all have our streamers set up differently. Without Jason’s recommendations I would have disabled Bluetooth and server, and others as I don’t need them.
Sorry to read your disappointment, the ND555 is indeed an expensive piece of kit.
A more resolving system can be disturbing, especially if you’re used to a smoother presentation.
And, by smooth, I mean with less of what actually is in the record.
For me, that lack of details was a problem. I even was thinking about trying something else (Chord, dCS, etc.)
But, of course, if for you that change is for the worse then your disappointment is very much understandable.
You could try placing differently your speakers or/and sitting positions. That might be of some help.
If not, then installing an old version of the firmware could be the only solution. But that would mean being stuck with a version of the firmware and not having the benefit of future updates…
I suppose the thing to do would be to contact your dealer, or Naim. They might provide with an alternative solution.
That’s a strange decision from Apple & Google. So effectively saying they don’t want their services to accessed via decent streamers? Are they planning to build their own?
You gave to jump through an awful lot of hoops to get Apple certification, and they are uncompromising. You either do exactly as they ask, or you don’t get it.
With the old streamers, Naim chose not to bother, which seemed sensible to me for a company that prioritises sound quality over convenience.