Firstly, I wanted to say a huge ‘thank you’ to the ASR community. Finding this forum has been hugely educational and has radically improved my understanding of HiFI technology and the industry.
I thought I’d briefly share my experience comparing a ‘high end’ DAC/streamer with a ‘budget’ DAC that measures well.
Perhaps like others with higher-end audio gear, I was somehow convinced that my NDX 2 must still be better than a £300 Topping, even if it measures well. There must be something else that makes the NDX 2 sound better? Surely!? It costs 18x more!
I bought the D30 pro to try it. If it wasn’t as good, that would be fine, I’d use it somewhere else.
In a very subjective, totally non-ASR compliant test, I simultaneously played the same tracks on both devices. I switched back and forth between each on different inputs, playing short 10-20 second sections.
To me, the Naim and Topping devices were almost identical. If anything, I felt the Topping was a little more detailed (5-10% max`), but I fully recognise this could easily be my bias for supporting the underdog. I am also nowhere near a trained listener.
I guess the point of posting this message is that if, like me, you think you’re high-end DAC is still somehow better, just try a high measuring DAC like a Topping. You might save yourself a ton of money!
I sold the NDX 2 the next day…. bought some Revel speakers instead and am in audio heaven
Thanks all again.
I thought I’d briefly share my experience comparing a ‘high end’ DAC/streamer with a ‘budget’ DAC that measures well.
Perhaps like others with higher-end audio gear, I was somehow convinced that my NDX 2 must still be better than a £300 Topping, even if it measures well. There must be something else that makes the NDX 2 sound better? Surely!? It costs 18x more!
I bought the D30 pro to try it. If it wasn’t as good, that would be fine, I’d use it somewhere else.
In a very subjective, totally non-ASR compliant test, I simultaneously played the same tracks on both devices. I switched back and forth between each on different inputs, playing short 10-20 second sections.
To me, the Naim and Topping devices were almost identical. If anything, I felt the Topping was a little more detailed (5-10% max`), but I fully recognise this could easily be my bias for supporting the underdog. I am also nowhere near a trained listener.
I guess the point of posting this message is that if, like me, you think you’re high-end DAC is still somehow better, just try a high measuring DAC like a Topping. You might save yourself a ton of money!
I sold the NDX 2 the next day…. bought some Revel speakers instead and am in audio heaven
Thanks all again.
). The bloom is quite off the rose on that front. I have no idea how long it will take to fix, but apparently the screens are back ordered. Along the way I’ve discovered that Naim is a pretty “tweaky” company, and has pretty dedicated fans, but I’m not loyal that way.
