Used Naim DAC

marcusman · February 27, 2021, 4:51pm

+1. One grounded, everything else float. I made this mistake at the outset.

TOBYJUG · February 27, 2021, 5:10pm

I didn’t go the Power Supply route with my Ndac. Rather tricking it up with fancy Nordost cables.
I would guess to be the same £££ outlay.
Would be very interesting to compare +PS and stock cables vs my version.

frenchrooster · February 27, 2021, 5:11pm

I would say not, because you use an external ps. But would ask Naim however.
Maybe @NeilS .

Guinnless · February 27, 2021, 5:14pm

Flash and dash cables do not make a fundamental difference to how the DAC operates. An external PSU essentially changes how the internal operate.

Big wheels and go faster stripes won’t make any difference to how much power a car has.

marcusman · February 27, 2021, 5:15pm

It does sound good without the PS IMHO. I’m trying to keep AAS ( Audio Acquisition Syndrome) or Upgradeitus at bay.

TOBYJUG · February 27, 2021, 5:24pm

My reasoning is that it’s another box that needs special attention to do what it’s meant to do.
Fine if you have the space and pockets in baggy trousers.

Richard.Dane · February 27, 2021, 5:25pm

Yup, I was actually really surprised at just how good it sounds as a stand-alone DAC.

marcusman · February 27, 2021, 5:31pm

I’m slightly turning my attention away from a PS to a TT. Rega 8 is just so tempting…

Richard.Dane · February 27, 2021, 5:34pm

If you get a nice TT like the P8 I doubt you’ll be listening much to the DAC anyway…

Blondy · February 27, 2021, 5:35pm

This Ndac was stored in the dealer’s warehouse for long time. Given to me with original firmware, Front panel faded. Perhaps I should find another one. But sq is good.

marcusman · February 27, 2021, 5:37pm

Firmware update is pretty easy to do.

marcusman · February 27, 2021, 5:38pm

This is what I’m afraid of! Nice problem to have I suppose…

Blondy · February 27, 2021, 5:51pm

Did that after one day. Improved SQ

TOBYJUG · February 27, 2021, 6:48pm

Are we talking more about go faster stripes on the attached caravan ?

NeilS · February 27, 2021, 7:16pm

Hi Guinnless, yes there is a benefit as the DAC requires the mains connection + the XPS, so the internal reservoir caps are still in use.

Regards
Neil.

Guinnless · February 27, 2021, 8:29pm

Thanks Neil. Next time we’re allowed out I’ll speak to Darran and have a trip out to Moorgate

Guinnless · February 27, 2021, 8:31pm

LOL
I love how caravans (mobile road blocks) always have contradictory names e.g. Swift

Fatcat · February 27, 2021, 9:00pm

I asked Darran about serviceing the NdaC nine months ago.

He replied
Naim would recommend 15 year service intervals for this product, so no work will be required just yet.

Guinnless · February 27, 2021, 9:08pm

Ta. Mine’s a 2011 model

Fatcat · February 27, 2021, 9:23pm

A couple of facts about the nDac (I assume they are facts as nobody ever argues they are not facts).

Using a PS555 is a huge upgrade over no PSU.
Using a high quality streamer is a big upgrade over using a cheap streamer.

But.
If you’re using a £200 streamer, is it worth buying a PS555
If you’re not using a PS555, is it worth buying a £3000 streamer.