Probably a basic question. Is there anything that can improve the signal level variations? I am streaming on Tidal, and have been compiling playlists. Upon playback I find that I need to continuously change the volume level to keep my listening at a constant level for the room.
Your thoughts please.
Roon works for me. Short of using the Tidal app (with levelling turned on) and Chromecast I don’t think there’s a way to apply levelling within the Naim ecosystem.
If Chromecast allows volume normalisation, does it not also work in Tidal Connect? I no longer have an active Tidal sub, but that should give better sound quality that Chromecast.
Either way, there are options, but only for 2nd gen Naim streamers.
What are the options for 2nd gen streamers please. I have the option ON in the tidal app after checking.
Bear in mind recording level is also massively different even without streaming. CDs and Vinyl also vary significantly (CDs more so).
I believe the volume knob is perfectly sufficient (and intended) for this problem. Sometimes it’s best to not overthink the solution. It only becomes a issue if you are playing mix playlists as opposed to albums. Then constantly diving for the volume control is a pain.
Both of the solutions mentioned above are valid for 2nd generation streamers. @Chris1790 what are your listening habits if we may ask? Are you playing tracks on shuffle or mostly whole albums end-to-end?
1 Like
How are you streaming currently, and to what device? It may not be relevant, but it might help clarify thoughts…
As you have levelling enabled in the Tidal app, I’d suggest trying the Chromecast route as a first step - see if it does what you expect.
I don’t know if Tidal Connect implements levelling; I suspect not.
I’d not get too hung up on (potential) qualitative differences between Chromecast, Tidal Connect, the Naim native implementation using the app, or indeed Roon. It might matter to you. You might find it doesn’t…
Thanks for your reply. I think you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is when using playlists. An album end to end gives me no problems.
Roon can do this, though it is dependent on the sound analysis being present in Tidal/Qobuz source files for accuracy which is not always the case. In that situation you apply a default volume adjustment, typically assuming the file is mastered to the limit. Obviously for its own music library the sound analysis is used.
Personally I don’t apply any dsp/volume levelling for critical album listening and just keep my naim remote near me 
but have switched it on for automatically generated Roon radio/playlist stuff in the past.
Thanks. Yes I am using tidal with the leveling ON. I play with a 172, and with a loaned 222 via tidal connect. I do not know what chromecast is, I thought that was sending a picture from your mobile device to a TV.
You can forget about Chromecast (it’s a Google thing) with Tidal as you can use Tidal Connect instead if you want to use the Tidal app instead of the Naim app. Try it with the 222 and see if it works - you can’t use it on 1st gen streamers like your 172.
It is - but the protocol does support audio-only streaming too. There was a Chromecast Audio puck at one time, but they discontinued it. I think your 222 should appear as a Chromecast device; if it does, give it a try. I think that should use the levelled stream, whereas the Connect stream (deduced from your experience with 222 and Connect) does not.
Let us know what you find… 
Thanks. The only appearance to chrome cast was my Sony AG9 (Android TV ) I used it, and it sent a still of playing track + audio. Only sent high (44k 16bit ). Same thing to NSC 222 via Tidal connect, Max > 44k 16bit when available.
Hmm. You might need to enable Chromecast as an input from the Naim app. I can’t check at the moment - but I’m 98% sure I’ve had my ND5XS2 grouped with a Chromecast Audio before, so it should be there!
Cannot see any Chromecast inputs to enable. looked on 222 and Muso
I’ve checked - should be under ‘Services and Accounts’…
Currently streaming from Roon to ND5XS2 via Chromecast.
I’m afraid I don’t understand why you don’t see it on the 222.
Thanks. Yes it is in accounts and services and appears as Google cast and not chrome cast. It is enabled.
Bother. I can get it to work from BBC Sounds, but not from the Tidal app. Perhaps the functionality disappeared with the implementation of Tidal Connect.
Or maybe I never actually tried it from the Tidal app; in which case I’ve completely misled you. Sorry… 
A Roon trial is free - but that’s a different rabbit hole… 