Instructions and manual for NAIM DAC-V1 in Russian

R U K O V O D S T V O P O E X S P L U A T A T I O N I C I F R O …

NAIM Receivers and Amplifiers

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MANUAL

D I F R O - A N A L O G O V P R E O O V A T E L /

PREPARATIONAL AMPLIFIER DAC - V 1

RUSSIAN

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• 1 Introduction 1.1 Background information
• 1.2 Audio inputs DAC-V1
• 1.3 Audio outputs DAC-V1
• 1.4 Volume control
• 1.5 Bit-by-bit file analysis

Naim DAC-V1 DAC

Manufacturer: Naim Audio Ltd.

www.naimaudio.com

Price: 93,400 rub.

At the moment, the British Naim produces two external converters, and the DAC-V1 model is assigned the role of a DAC, intended incl. and for working with a computer. The device is assembled in a proprietary half-width molded case and has an unmistakable design and ergonomics. Among the digital inputs, there is an asynchronous USB interface, through which you can supply a signal with a maximum resolution of 24/384. To do this, however, you will have to download and install the driver. In addition, there are three coaxial connectors and a pair of Toslink optical connectors. For listening to music on headphones, a full-size 6.3 mm jack is located on the front panel.

The DAC-V1 uses a proprietary signal processing circuit, which is produced by a high-speed SHARC processor. It digitally filters data and up to 16 times oversampling to remove interference beyond the audible range. The PCM1791A chip is responsible for conversion to analog, after which the signal is supplied to a fully discrete output stage.

Control is carried out by buttons on the front panel, and to mute the sound (Mute mode) you only need to touch the illuminated company logo.

During the experiments, it turned out that the sound of the USB interface is almost as good as (and in some cases superior to) other connections. In addition, the capabilities of this port are much more promising. The main thing is to choose a decent cable.

Through its line outputs, the DAC-V1 delivers a sound that is simply outstanding in realism, with every note presented to the listener with the utmost care.

It must be said that Naim's sound presentation is so integral that when listening, the thought does not even arise to analyze individual sections of the range. The DAC is distinguished by its remarkable dynamics and special sound freedom, inherent exclusively in high-end equipment. Literally the entire frequency range has been thoroughly worked out, stretching from the powerful moving bass to the crystalline upper register. And all this with almost perfect tonal balance! Unfortunately, against the backdrop of this splendor, the telephone output is no longer so good. With a sufficiently high sound quality, loud notes sometimes penetrate into the sound, and roughness appears at the upper frequencies.

PLEASED

Accurate, dynamic sound, full support for high-resolution files.

DISAPPOINTED

The quality of the headphone amplifier could be higher.

Compact DACs with USB input || Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS || Tangent Booster DAC2 || Audioquest Dragonfly v.1.2 || NuForce Icon DAC || Furutech GT-40 || Hegel Super || Denon DA-300USB || Parasound Zdac || Musical Fidelity M1DACA || Rega DAC || M2Tech Young DSD || Naim DAC-V1 || Lehmann Audio Linear USB SE || North Star Design Impulso

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Playing music from your computer

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Playing music from your computer

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Click “Advanced” to set the desired sample rate and bit depth. Select “24bit 44100Hz” as the default format. Check the box next to “Allow applications to use the device in exclusive mode.” Click OK.

Attention:

default sound control panel

Windows 7 does not support the full range of sampling rates of the DAC-V1.

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Click “Advanced” to set the desired sample rate and bit depth. Select “24bit 44100Hz” as the default format. Check the box next to “Allow applications to use the device in exclusive mode.” Click OK.

Attention:

default sound control panel

Windows 8 does not support the full range of sampling rates of the DAC-V1.

2.1.3 Setting up the sound control panel in Windows 8

The pictures on the side show the Windows 8 Sound Control Panel to help you configure the DAC-V1 in this OS.

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Open the “Hardware and Sound” section and select “Manage audio devices”

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In Playback, select the DAC-V1 as your default device. Click the Properties button to open the settings panel.

Naim Audio DAC-V1 - DAC BUYING GUIDE

It's a DAC, digital preamp and headphone amplifier all in one - the perfect desktop solution

Bit-by-bit testing
Naim takes a simple approach to audio processing: the digital signal going from the computer to the DAC must be bit accurate - in other words, the DAC must receive all the data, no more and no less.
To achieve this, Naim offers a set of test snippets that are available for download and used during the DAC setup process. Naim's idea of ​​component DACs was not immediately accepted; For a long time, its CD players did not have digital outputs at all. A decent solution by its standards - buffering and re-synchronizing data to eliminate jitter - was implemented in the Naim DAC; It is also used in a new compact model with asynchronous USB inputs aimed at the desktop audio market.

In search of the best sound, we even paid attention to the volume control: it has digital control, but at the same time analog adjustment

The DAC-V1 also serves as a digital pre-amplifier; it has three electrical digital inputs and two optical inputs that accept 24-bit/192 kHz signals - and the USB port supports formats up to 24/384.

There are filters at the USB input; The DAC-V1 does not use 5V USB power to completely eliminate the possibility of electrical noise.

In the search for better sound, we even paid attention to the volume control: it has digital control, but analog adjustment. This Naim has a very good headphone amplifier.

Open sound

The Naim DAC is easy to set up and use (plug in a NAP 100 power amplifier and a couple of speakers and you have a simple system). It has the typical Naim sound - direct, impactful and driving, demonstrating finesse and control, as well as giving a full insight into the inner workings of the music.

Get Lucky Daft Punk in FLAC 24bit/88.2kHz highlights Naim's solid low-end power and surprising lightness; The same can be said about David Bowie's The Next Day, which sounds a little ordinary in CD quality but becomes much more alive when played back on the DAC-V1 in high resolution. This transformation perfectly demonstrates the benefits of HD audio on high-end equipment.

Naim isn't just about groovy rock; The same dynamics and control delight when playing complex classical pieces. Wagner's music in 24/192 format amazes with its power and at the same time the presence of the smallest details; chamber recordings in 24/352.8 allow you to hear any nuance in the playing of each instrument and even feel the space and air of the hall in which the recording was made.

For its price range, the DAC-V1 is very good; This is probably Naim's best DAC to date.

Galvanic isolation

One of the main enemies of good sound in a DAC is the electrical noise (or interference) that is transmitted between sections of the device. This problem is even more serious if the DAC serves as a preamplifier - the more signals, the greater the likelihood of problems. To avoid interference, Naim uses optical galvanic isolation between sections of the DAC-V1: no direct electrical paths, no potential for noise.

Naim DAC-V1 $2270

IN NUMBER LANGUAGE
USB ports
1 •
Digital.
coax inputs 3 •
Digital
optical inputs 2 •
RCA inputs
0 •
RCA outputs
1 •
XLR outputs
1 •
Digital.
optical outputs 0 •
Digital
coax outputs 0 •
Headphone output
1 •
Wireless
broadcast No •
Finishing options
1 •
Dimensions (HxWxD)
9x21x32 cm

RATING *****
FOR
Construction quality;
great sound, cool headphone amp CONS
Not much ultra-high resolution material, but that's temporary
VERDICT
Outstanding DAC for desktop audio or for a complete kit

Based on materials from WHAT HI-FI? SOUND AND VIDEO

Naim was in no hurry to join the world of ones and zeros; its first CD player came out rather late (according to the company, the format was initially too imperfect). It released its first network player quite quickly, but the first DAC was released only in 2009, and this desktop component also slowed down its release. But better late than never.

The V-1's signature black and green design and compact body immediately identify it as a Naim product; it has an aluminum casing, an OLED display and the usual high quality finish.

Ultra high resolution

This is the second DAC in the company's lineup and the first to also serve as a headphone amplifier. For direct connection to a laptop, it has an asynchronous USB port, allowing the DAC to independently control the data flow from the PC, which reduces jitter and, in theory, improves sound quality.

Like the other test models, it also serves as a preamplifier; for connecting sources there are two coaxial and optical inputs, as well as one BNC input.

These five interfaces are capable of receiving signal resolutions up to 24-bit/192 kHz, and the USB port supports formats up to an impressive 24/384. There isn't a lot of music in such high resolution yet, but it's nice to know that there will be something to play it in the future.

When creating the device, the main goal was to provide the best possible sound; and this approach was completely justified.

Naim fans will be pleased to know that this preamplifier has all the hallmarks of a signature sound - powerful drive, focus and richness, along with refinement and fine detailing.

The transparency of Naim's sound allows you to clearly hear every fragment and every instrument, combined into one coherent whole in the most natural way; nothing stands out from the overall picture, nothing gives the impression of an overly sterile approach.

Eminem's Who Knew makes the DAC V-1's powerful low end instantly appreciated, while his rhythmic talent makes the song easy to follow. It is worth noting the high dynamic power, as well as the texture of the voice, which gives the necessary aggressiveness to the speech.

When we forget about listening to individual tracks and remain in our seats until the end of the album, this speaks of the high quality of the components; it was the same this time.

The recording of Beethoven's Third Piano Concerto in 24-bit/192 kHz is an excellent example of the benefits of HD audio and quality equipment. It sounds simply amazing: an incredible amount of detail, tangible volume, impeccable dynamics, fully conveying the drama intended by the composer.

So, although the Naim DAC V-1 was a long wait, it was definitely worth the wait. This component is not cheap, but the enjoyment from the sound of each song more than justifies its price.

What's special about it?

In addition to supporting formats up to 24-bit/384 kHz, the DAC V-1 ensures that the correct data is extracted from the source computer: it has a bit accuracy check algorithm, and you can download a set of Naim files to check the DAC's data transfer accuracy. The higher the quality at the input, the higher the output.

FOR Incredible sound; support for ultra-high sampling rates; excellent headphone amp CONS Slightly smoother treble than competitors VERDICT Amazing quality; probably Naim's best DAC at the moment

Source: SOUND AND VIDEO magazine | August 2013