Naim today released firmware updates to both the Naim DAC (colloquially known as the nDAC) and the DAC-V1. Both multi-award winning DACs have a strong following and large installed base and demand for DSD playback has been strong from some international markets.
The firmware updates add single and double rate DSD to both DACs. This has required some significant additional programming and optimisation of the core DSP code which has also benefitted sound quality. Beta testers were most adamant that sound quality had improved.
The Naim DAC accepts DSD input over S/PDIF or on a USB stick (dsf or dff files) plugged into its front or rear USB inputs. DAC-V1’s USB input is asynchronous allowing the connection of a PC, or Mac directly or using S/PDIF. Mac users need no extra drivers, Windows, including Win 10, users will need the new version 2.00.0 driver downloadable from the Naim website.
Sample Rate Conversion (SRC) has also been added to the DAC-V1. This allows the user to configure a digital input to adjust on-the-fly to input clock signals that are out of range. This improves overall robustness with S/PDIF sources that do not have an accurate clock.
Link to firmware downloads here
DAC-V1 Firmware Update Version 1.16 – English
DAC Firmware Update Version 4.11.8
Link to Windows Driver V2.0
DAC-V1 – Driver Installer – English
Links to original press releases and product images
http://www.audioplus.org.uk/naim/naim-launches-zero-spdif-jitter-dac/
http://www.audioplus.org.uk/naim/introducing-the-dac-v1-and-nap-100/
Link to more information about DSD and sample music downloads