Audiophilepure

https://www.soundstageultra.com/index.php/equipment-menu/1224-naim-audio-nss-333-streaming-dac

The NSS 333 is based on the latest-generation NP800 streaming platform, which Naim claims to be futureproofed via software upgrades. In my experience, Naim is superb at updating its player and app software. This platform was originally developed for Naim’s second-generation Uniti models, and proved extremely dependable during my lengthy evaluation period. The only issue I noticed was that it seemed incapable of accessing the UPnP playlists I had created for my first-generation Naim NDX streamer. Tidal playlists worked fine, but those involving locally stored files were problematic. It’s an annoying limitation for users of Naim’s first-generation streaming hardware who want to upgrade to the new platform, assuming mine was not an isolated case. My recently acquired NDX2, which uses the same streaming platform, has no issues in this regard.

The DAC features Naim’s favored Burr-Brown PCM1791A chip running in external filter mode. There are two separate digital boards; the first fitted with an ARM microcontroller for system control, while the second contains SHARC digital signal processing circuits. Discrete class-A op amps are used with custom Naim filters. The circuit uses custom polystyrene ultralow-dielectric-absorption post-DAC filter components. Two fixed-frequency 44.1kHz/48kHz synchronous master clocks are employed for ultra-low jitter. The NSS 333 uses Naim’s proprietary DSP 705.6kHz/768kHz integer oversampling digital filter. Although not considered exotic, the 1791 DAC was chosen after extensive listening tests because Naim found it sounded superior to more expensive options.

https://audiophilestyle.com/ca/reviews/lumin-l2-music-library-network-switch-review-r1253

Sound from the Lumin L2 to the dCS Rossin APEX was, as it should be, amazing. What surprised me most was the dead silence and black background while playing music. This wasn’t something for which I listened, as I was just trying to kick back and enjoy the music. It was one of those things that was immediate once I hit play.

With the Lumin L2 delivering nothing but music, leaving any upstream electrical issues behind via optical isolation, my Rossini APEX was elevated to another level. I must have listened to Aoife O’Donovan’s entire catalog four or five times over the ensuing two days. The album Aoife plays Nebraska was recorded live in Brooklyn at Aoife’s home, and sounded like she was literally playing right in front of me. There is a special under-produced feel to this album, in addition to fantastic music, that when heard through a revealing system can really place O’Donovan in the room.

Another Aoife O’Donovan album  that I purchased from Bandcamp and placed on the Lumin L2’s SSDs is Age of Apathy Solo Sessions, recorded live at The Audio Temple at Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL. It’s another barebones recording that really shines and reveals a three dimensional image when played on components as capable as the L2 > Rossini APEX combo. The dead silence and black backgrounds were ever-present on this album as well, leading me to keep listening until 1:00 am this morning. This transparency made it so easy to listen at low volume while my family slept, yet still hear every single detail as if the level was turned to 11.

https://www.hifinews.com/content/matrix-audio-element-x2-pure-network-attached-dac

As a networked DAC/preamp, there are various ways to use the Element X2 Pure, but for much of my listening I ran it straight into the aforementioned Primare A35.2 power amp, streaming via Roon. This made for a fuss-free, clutter-free system and long, jukebox-style listening sessions where the DAC’s defined, open sound appeared suited to every flavour of music.

The genre-hopping exuberance of Amadou & Mariam’s Dimanche À Bamako album [Because Music; 44.1kHz/16-bit], where African, Middle Eastern and Western instruments bubble away in a blues/reggae-tinged melting pot, spotlighted the Element X2 Pure’s ability to capture timbral differences and microdynamics. The grooving gait and vocal presence of ‘Senegal Fast Food’ was so enjoyable I tried to sing along – despite not understanding the French lyrics

https://www.hifinews.com/content/matrix-audio-element-x2-pure-network-attached-dac

The precision of this DAC’s delivery and focus of its soundstaging made clear the differences in production between ZZ Top’s Tres Hombres album from 1973 [Warner Bros; 96kHz/24-bit], and their best-selling 1981 set Eliminator [Warner Bros; 44.1kHz/16-bit]. The former shines a light on the guitars with a forward, open sound, while the latter – which saw the Texan trio add synthesisers and drum machines – puts Billy Gibbons’ six-string further back, aiming for a thicker, more atmospheric feel. Different approaches, but both thrilling.

https://www.hifinews.com/content/denon-dnp-2000ne-networked-attached-dac

What about that HDMI input? Well, there’s a lot of good music content to be found on your smart TV. One of my favourites is Bruce Springsteen’s Letter To You, a sweet and poignant Apple TV documentary covering the recording of the artist’s 2020 album of the same name, and touching upon Springsteen coming to terms with his advancing years.

I’ve watched it many times in its Dolby Atmos incarnation, but in stereo through the DNP-2000NE and the rest of the Denon separates it was equally delightful – crisp, enveloping and intense. Everything about the production – the black and white imagery, Springsteen’s voice-over, the excellent recording of the band – is made to pull you in. The well-featured DNP-2000NE was up to the challenge.