Thread: NAIM DAC connection??

I've just got a Naim DAC & have it connected to my Mac Book Pro via a 3.5mm jack plug at the headphone socket of the Mac & the other end of this cable is an optical connection which goes to the Naim.

Is this the best way to connect??

Should I be using a coverter of some sort?

It seems to sound alright but I'm wondering whether I'm getting the best performance.

Thanks,
John

Originally Posted by got tinnitus

John

Running a MBP and Naim DAC, too.

Optical on the MBP isn't the best option. Sure, it might sound OK but there are better options.

I ended up with a USB to S/PDIF adaptor called "The Bridge" from Halide.

What playback software are you using?

Currently I have all the usual options on trial.....PM, Audirvana, & my favourite is
Amarra....sounds the best to my ears.

I'm auditioning a Conrad Johnson HD3 tomorrow. It's USB, so I won't need to add any other devices, so it's a hard decision whether to stick with the Naim or go with the CJ. I can't really afford to add other connection devices to make the Naim sound better.

Did you find a noticeable improvement in sound quality when you moved away from the optical interconnect to the Halide?

Thanks for the advice.

Originally Posted by Audio_ELF

The ideal connection is via one of the many USB to SPDIF convertors you can buy - these start at devices like Musical Fidelity V-Link and M2Tech HiFace around £100; then step up to Halide Bridge and Musical Fidelity V-Link 192 (yes this is a different device) for £250/300 upto devices like Audiophileo 1; Wavelength Wavelink and Berkely Alpha USB from £750 upwards.


Eloise

Thanks for some useful options ....John

Originally Posted by Audio_ELF

Does that imply that you are currently demoing the Naim DAC also? If so you might want to check out Naim's streamers which connect via Ethernet...

Eloise

Yes, I've narrowed my choice down to either the Naim or the CJ. I did look at Naim's other products, but this all a bit too complicated for me! I'm a strictly 2 channel audio guy.....sit down & listen to music type. I just want the best sound I can afford, to sit down & have a listening session!!!

I've tried many, many DAC's & to be honest I haven't found any that I've really liked, except for these two & even then, they aren't a lot different than my CD player.

Thanks for the info & I'm sure I'm going to learn a lot from this forum & the new journey I'm taking.

i like my naim dac a lot. had it for over a year. tone audio just released their review and corroborate my experience with it. i found the halide bridge to be a huge upgrade over the optical connection, and this despite having a nice glass toslink cable. saving now for an xps2. good luck!

Originally Posted by Musicophile

The CJ has the advantage of the built-in USB. It is true that the Naim DAC, while excellent, would really benefit from an external USB/SPDIF as suggested above.

If you're interested in some background reading on the concerns around the optical out:

Optical out.. Good???

In any case, you're doing the right thing and audition both. In the end, it is sometimes healthy to forget the theoretical discussions and just see which one you really prefer.

One more recommendation: you don't mention how you play your music on the Mac. Look into 3rd party players like Audirvana, Amarra, PureMusic, Decibel, they can make a significant difference.

Thanks, see post #4

So, I've had a listen to both units & they are both very, very good. I feel the Naim DAC suits my system better, as it has a beautiful warm sound, very refined, with all the detail & transparency of good digital. The CJ, in comparison, was, I shouldn't say bright, but rather, crisper overall & ultimately a little tiring in my system with 3 way horn loaded speakers.

I have the Naim running with a Stello U3, thanks to my dealer & this , as you say, makes a huge difference to the sound.

I think I'll be pretty happy with this combo for quite a while.

Thanks.

I use USB sticks with the Naim and coupled with the TeddyXPS power supply it's sublime. The Naim as a standalone dac has some rough edges, but once you add the external power supply, it's not even the same dac and you're in reference digital territory.

Originally Posted by skyline

I use USB sticks with the Naim and coupled with the TeddyXPS power supply it's sublime. The Naim as a standalone dac has some rough edges, but once you add the external power supply, it's not even the same dac and you're in reference digital territory.

Thanks Skyline,

I've been wondering which of the Teddy power supplies to use. Last time I looked on his site I couldn't quite work it out, but now I see he has it clearly listed as the XPS replacement for the Naim DAC.
A bit pricey, but I know it will make a big difference.

Cheers,
John

Hi John,

The Teddy XPS is a bit pricey, but Naim power supplies are $$$. It's good to have the Teddy option.

Originally Posted by skyline

The Teddy XPS is a bit pricey, but Naim power supplies are $$$. It's good to have the Teddy option.

Just to note: I believe Naim consider your warranty invalid if you use their products with third party power supplies.

Eloise