NDX and Apple Music

Streaming Audio
1

Probably all you NDX owners know this but just in case anybody doesn’t …

As my NDX does not have airplay, I thought I could not stream from the Apple app, But I connected my iPad using a lightening/USB type A cable and once you get a track going using the buttons on the NDX you can then control everything from the music app on the iPad. It sounds really good and you get a better interface than the Focal Naim app. This might be sacreligious but you can use EQ and I like the Late Night setting with older recordings.

2

Thanks for this. I have a NDX2 and will try the same.

I do have new and old iPad and would be curious if it will play in the native bit rate if playing at all.

3

I believe an NDX2 has airplay 2 so it should work natively without a cable if you prefer it. I would like to know if you enjoy the sound.

4

The NDX2 won’t work using an iOS device via USB. The 1st gen streamers did it (using Apple’s ‘Made for iPod’ certification) as an alternative to Airplay.

5

Hi, thanks.

tried before, and was hoping/anticipating recent updates would make it possible;

I use airplay 2 normally if I play from apple music.

thanks!

6

I seem to recall at some point (absolutely ages ago), Naim saying that their equipment was ‘Apple ready’ ….. and were just waiting on Apple to approve etc

This all seems to have fallen by the wayside… so I’m not sure whether it will ever happen or the reasoning behind this. Seems a great shame that Apple don’t make it easy (or allow?) direct streaming of their lossless high resolution files.

Something within the Naim / Focal app?

I’m not referring to AirPlay… but direct streaming from Apple Music at the highest quality.

Maybe Naim gave up due to the excessive waiting, but a gentle persuasive nudge at Apple may now encourage them to bring it to life ….. one hopes

7

I don’t think Naim gave up. Rather it’s Apple have not changed their mind. Likely Apple will never change its mind about this.

8

With an iDevice with a USB port, would a USB to Toslink convertor do the trick?

Apple Music to Mu-So
9

Yes, that would be a good simple option if you have a 2nd gen. streamer that can’t use USB directly. Assuming you don’t mind your device being tethered to the streamer, of course.

10

I had actually tried it with a QB2. It comes in handy on occasion

11

An iPad via SMSLPO100Pro USB to SPDIF converter into an nDAC sounds excellent.

Not quite as good as an NDX2 as transport, but for the money excellent SQ. We used this to get Tidal Max in the year naim took to catch up with firmware.

We now use the SMSL box for PS5 into nDAC.

1 Like
12

This topic was automatically closed 60 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.