the vast majority is satisfied with it. If not, i will pay you back
No, I think you mean NDS, not NDX2, the nice thing about the new streamers they are more resistant and tolerant to network ‘optimizations’ and tweaks.
The legacy streamers were hugely more sensitive in this regard.
The current streamers use a different streaming architecture and method when streaming where data transfer occurs for only a part of the media playout, as well as low voltage differential interfacing to minimise the effects internally within the streamer of Ethernet switching noise… this was one of the main reasons why I upgraded to the new streamers…
If you use Ethernet it makes the world of difference… and it largely frees you up from vagaries of different Ethernet cables, switches etc, my NDX2 is excellent in this regard,
Clearly if you have common mode noise issues that may cause audible signatures anyway, whether it be coupling via audio interconnect, automation, mains or Ethernet lead, but that is nothing specifically to do with Ethernet or its interface.
Although to my ears my 555PS on my CDS3 really upset the CDS3 balance, and was very much more comfortable with the XPS2, the CDS3 was optimised specifically and only for 44.1/16/2 playback using the Pacific Microsonics DSP… it will almost certainly sound sweeter than the NDX2 which uses a different DAC and DSP and is optimised to necessarily cover a range of sample sizes and sample rates.
Are you saying that the choice of a switch would have less impact on a NDX2 compared to the legacy streamers? As I mentioned above, I’m hoping my Cisco 2960 just ordered is going to help with sorting out variable SQ on my system. I’m guessing the culprit in my case is my cheap TP link switch.
I asked my dealer this very question today and should I change to the Cisco. He said no, use what is reliable with the NDX2 as Ethernet cables and switches have little impact in the new streamers, I suspect others may disagree, but as he said, otherwise, where does it end?
Precisely… assuming the switch is functioning correctly and is not an excessive EMI source.
Obviously the Cisco Catalyst devices can be configured to provide other benefits such as to assist UPnP apps to operate in a more performant way, aid IPv4 discovery latency and undertake true network optimisation, such as I do, but I think very few do that here, they just plug and play and I assume they get by fine.
There have been lots of comments on here about how cables and switches make a significant difference with the ND555, so I suspect there’s more to it than the dealer implies. That said, these optimisation tweaks are not a requirement and most owners probably never go there. Fundamentals such as system support and a high quality mains feed will make far more difference than fancy wires and should be attended to first.
I certainly enjoy the simplicity of my Nova. I need a break from all this other stuff and just enjoy some music!
Good idea. It’s important to remember why we bought these expensive boxes in the first place. It’s all too easy to get caught up in geekery and tweakery and end up listening to the system rather than the music.
i mean both Simon. i tried at my dealer place with the ndx2 also.
I beg to differ, based on personal experience. Have you tried a CDS3/555PS in your system FR?
Best regards, BF
no, just cdx2/555dr. But my optimized nds is far away now. I strongly believe the cds3 will close the gap.
your dealer is wrong. try a cisco 2960 on your ndx2. I did the test. You will be surprised.
I bought two Cisco 2060G for my network, since the refurbished ones don’t cost much more than new consumer switches. I swapped out a Linksys Gb 8-port unmanaged switch for the Cisco on my NDX2. If there is a difference I can’t tell what it is, and it certainly isn’t anywhere near the kind of improvement upgrading from lavender DIN to HiLine provided.
I like having the additional reliability of the Cisco, but in the end it doesn’t improve SQ for me in any meaningful way.
we are all different. I tried a vodka and cisco switch on the dealer ndx2 ( before connected to a tp link and cheap ethernet cable). The improvement was immediate. More body, involvement, authority.
Ditto for fancy ethernet cables. I was convinced to try the Supra Cat8 ethernet cable, so I did since it was a relatively inexpensive experiment. I didn’t notice a difference. I left it in the system for a month or so, before replacing it with my original Blue Jeans Cat 6a (tested) cable that costs about 1/4 as much. No difference whatsoever.
I think for most people using anything more expensive than a std Cat 5e or Cat6/6e cable that passes spec is likely money wasted.
i respect your point. It’s your experience but not mine. Anyway we share, it’s the goal here
FR, the 2960 really has little effect now… although you may hear conducted noise like you get on your automation lead etc.
The acid test is play a track, and get someone to unplug the Ethernet lead without you knowing (the track still plays out)… what do you hear?
I hear no noticeable change, but I do use an off board DAC… but the radio test shows I have little conducted noise as well.
each room, each system, each routers…each ears. I believe you, but i don’t heard that at my dealer place. It’s not only about noise, the sound had more grunt, body and authority with the cisco and vodka cable.
FR, do the test though… it really is interesting and be quite revealing… It was Trevor Wilson the ex MD of Naim who told me they had fun with that internally with Naim…when testing the prototypes… the mind can play funny tricks… and you may of course prefer the sound with network noise…