Setup
Contents
The Primare NP5 is connected with an ArtSpeak SPDIF cable to the SPDIF input of the Naim ND5XS streamer. This allows a comparison with the Naim’s internal streaming board. The signals from the Naim streamer’s internal streaming board and from the SPDIF input follow the same path to the DAC. The NP5 is connected to the Cisco Switch with the Belden Ethernet cable. The rest of the setup consists of:
- Naim XS2 integrated amplifier
- Naim ND5XS streamer with DAC
- Naim standard DIN interlink
- Audio Physic Spark II speakers
- Ricable Dedalus speaker cable
- ArtSpeak SPDIF cable
- Cisco SF110D-05-EU switch with iFi PowerX power supply
- Belden Catsnake Cat5e ethernet cable.
Playlists used: pop/rock playlist and classical music playlist.
Excellent…
Thank you Martijn! This was all very helpful. I’ve incorporated your suggestion of a d-link switch to the Ethernet chain btw. Big improvement at such a low cost investment. Now wondering what I should get as a streamer upgrade. Really appreciate your help. And what you guys have been doing with your testing and reviews 👍🏼🙏🏼
Feel a bit weird as the only commenter! And sorry to ask this as I know it would not be a simple answer but: Would Volumio Rivo be a considerable or marginal step up from this network streamer in your opinion? As in with at least an Ifi power supply upgrade. Many thanks 🙏🏼
Hi John. The Primare NP5 MKii is better than the Rivo when used with SPDIF out. The Rivo is better with AES or USB out. Having said that, the differences on SPDIF show up – in general, it depends on the specific equipment it is paired with – with DAC’s in the plus 1200 Euro range, or amplifiers with DACs in the plus 2500 Euro range.
The Primare doesn’t have AES or USB out, only SPDIF (on coax or toslink). So it depends for what connection type you are looking for.
In software, Volumio is clearly better.
Before I forget: Primare made some software updates. Qobuz and Tidal are integrated now in the Primare app, but the presentation in the app and the way you select music from either service is very rudimentary as compared to the way Volumio works with Qobuz and Tidal integration, or to other third party options out there, like the JPlay app for iOS, Audirvana or Roon.
A search entry field has been added to the radio section, so you can search on a radio station name now. The radio station selection and the way you can bookmark stations works nice. I’m not a big internet radio listener, but I have used this a few times with the Primare app. Their selection of high quality radio streams is quite nice.