It makes perfect sense, dedicated transformers and capacitors per channel must account for something.
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Cheers daddycool,
I know this is a basic question but I’m asking as I don’t know! Like the look of the WiiM ultra streamer which has its own DAC. As it can handle high def audio will this still work when connected to supernait as this can’t handle high def or will the supernait DAC be bypassed? Thanks, andy
Meant to say hicap
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Depends which input you use, if you use one of the analogue inputs than the DAC will be bypassed. Incidentally, I think a ND5 is your solution!
Understood. I’m lucky here in Soton because Saints coverage on BBC Radio Solent is always on FM, so I pick it up nicely on my NAT05, or in the car. This is true even when Pompey or Cherries are playing. Those teams seem to be on DAB or internet.
Hope you can get everything sorted.
Chris
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I’m not an expert on the SN1, but from the specs on the Naim website its DAC supports up to 24-bit/192kHz for digital input PCM only (no MP3, AC3, DTS). So I would say that covers your hires requirement.
The budget streamers are getting better and better, and the WiiM Ultra gets good reviews. You can of course use the streamer’s own DAC and connect it analogue via a regular phono/RCA cable. In that case a RCA to DIN cable is generally preferred, as it makes an audible difference on a Naim amp. But you might just as well try the DAC of the SN1 first.
You can use the DAC section of the SN1 via either Optical (TosLink) or Coax (RCA). Opinions on which is preferable seem to be divided here. So I’d say just try what works best for you. In my opinion the Chord C-Line cables provide a sensible “Naim-sound-compatible” starting point for either option, without breaking the bank, but there are others of course.
Four ways to go and compare 
In any case you’ll have up to date digital gear on a budget.
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I’ve used the dac in the sn1 for a couple of years when I fed it via optical from a Mac Pro with optical out. That worked great. The SuperNait had a hicap dr and that is a massive difference to the bare SuperNait.
I would go for a second hand nd5xs2 first and later consider the hicap dr.
Alternatively, I would get a 3rd party streamer and the hicap dr.
both are good routes for a similar financial outlay.
Oh, I love my sn1.
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I had an NDS with my SN2, but had a HiCap2 for the SN2.
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Some good advice above especially from @daddycool but I would not buy a ND5 XS2 it is a lot of money and there are other better options out there.
Personally I would start with a WiiM Pro Plus or Ultra (Pro Plus if you require Apple AirPlay and don’t need a screen) or a Cambridge MXN10. All have their own internal DACs as well as digital outputs so you can see what sounds better - using their DACs or the SN internal one. I would but secondhand as you would lose no/little money if you had to sell it on.
You could then start exploring an external DAC is you wanted. A good one would cost sub £1000 in the used market (something like a Denafrips Ares2 or Chord Qutest) and once again sold on if need be. (I had a BS Node and Qutest and I thought it bettered a ND5 XS2).
And don’t overlook ChromeCast - your phone/tablet tells your router where to get the fed and the data signal does not go via your phone like Apple AirPlay.
Lots to explore.
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But be careful if you want AirPlay functionality for eg using BBC Sounds play again facility. Wiim Pro Plus offers this whereas Ultra does not
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An auction site has some Cambridge MXN10s for £200 with coupon at the moment - worth a punt?!
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Just want to say a big ‘thank you’ for everyone’s expertise, time and advice on the above. I popped along to my Naim showroom this afternoon to get a WiiM streamer but made the mistake of having a look around and may want to retract my appreciation to you guys now as you may have cost me a small fortune!! They are selling a NSC222 and a NAP 250 (new version) refurbished ‘A’ grade for £8499. I’m seriously tempted and I’m going back tomorrow to have a demo. Hopefully it will integrate well with my speakers (Dali epicon 2) and cable (TQ ultra black 2 (4metres)). Will miss my cds though if I bite the bullet. Thanks again.
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Thanks- Hope Ross Stewart is fit for you soon as he’s a natural goal scorer. Was great for us but he’s so unlucky with injuries
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Wow, from investigating buying a WiiM for your SN1 to demoing NSC222/NAP250 in a single day, that’s got to be the fastest budget step up on the forum yet! But it does make sense.
ps: if you can also demo or buy used a stretch of NACA5 with that you’d have more reference.
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It was a bad mistake going upstairs as the stuff up there is unbelievable! To be honest I’m out my depth as you’ve probably guessed by my questions. Just after as good as SQ as possible. The set up detailed was lovely. I’m hoping they will let me test it out at home with my speakers.
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Inevitably, how did it go?
C.
They had an audio show on and couldn’t get near it while I was there so going to try tomorrow…
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I have been seriously tempted by the Hifi Rose for the tactile and visuals alone!
They can’t get Spotify Hifi working, and the Naim combo sounds better, but I’m only human
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That does look the part.
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