Marantz NA8005 + Synology NAS or DAC + Synology NAS?

[siudai8888]

Hello All

I am trying to work out what I should be getting for the computer-source/decoding part of my Hi Fi setup. The rest of my setup should make up of the Luxman 507uX amp + ATC SCM-11 speakers. I am still debating whether I am going to get a CD player. But I am quite sure that I would want to have a computer file-source to it. My mind was originally fixed on getting the Marantz NA8005 network streamer/music player---until I saw some posts saying that one can connect the Synology NAS (which I will get anyway for network streaming with the Marantz, if I am getting it) directly, via USB, to a separate DAC (possibly of a higher quality than the internal DAC in ther Marantz). Does any of you have comments on which set up would sound better? Or are they really similar? Thanks for any input you may have!

 

[cheeseboy]

the question of which would sound better, unfortunately, can only be answered by your good self, as there are too many variables to take in to account in order to give a definitive answer.

If you are going to buy the synology anayways, maybe try that route route first, before you splash out on a dedicated streamer as you may find that works fine and dandy for you.

In theory getting the seperate DAC would give you more flexibility if you wanted to get a CD player or anything else to add on to it anyways.

Good luck!

 

[Leeps]

The Marantz certainly is an interesting and versatile product. It does have an array of digital inputs, so can double as a conventional DAC anyway. However it does also pack in Spotify Connect (a major plus to some) and Airplay. It can also be app-controlled, which few standalone DACs can be. Having got used to controlling my system including volume by app, it seems a pain to use an app for choosing your music, then having to resort to a separate remote control for volume only.

I'm not sure if the Synology NAS would have these features, so your decision might depend on how important they are to you. Considering that the Marantz doesn't have a disc spinner, the DAC ought to be pretty good for the price.

As an alternative, have you considered the Marantz SA8005 CD/SACD player? It also has digital inputs so could cover all your disc spinning and DAC duties. But it doesn't include Spotify.

 

[ID.]

Great amp, although more clinical than the traditional Luxman sound. It really deserves better than the NA8005. I'm sure it will do great things with the ATCs, but I think it can also easily handle better speakers too. I'd have thought the NA11S1 would be a more appropriate level product, but personally I'd be inclined to use a Synology running directly into a DAC. I think the Luxman DA-200 runs a similar price to Marantz streamer. I'm a fan of it's detailed yet smooth, full-bodied sound. You are also getting pre-amp and headphone capabilities there, so you could look at other DACs that focus all of their budget on the DAC function.

 

[Hi-FiOutlaw]

Look at Naim DAC V1, Primare DAC30 (my favourit, but the most expencive) and wait for the new Rega DAC R.

 

[manicm]

Everyone here is missing the point of the NA8005 entirely. Yes it contains a DAC but its primary purpose is as a streamer - be it from NAS drives, internet radio, Spotify etc. If streaming from NAS, like 99% of streamers, the NA8005 is meant to be connected to a router, and NAS to the router/switch as well.

It has USB to connect with memory sticks, hard drives as well. But NAS drives are not meant to be connected directly to the streamer.

 

[manicm]

Great amp, although more clinical than the traditional Luxman sound. It really deserves better than the NA8005.

The NA8005 is not a budget-priced piece by any stretch of the imagination. And might sound a lot better than you think.

 

[Hi-FiOutlaw]

Everyone here is missing the point of the NA8005 entirely. Yes it contains a DAC but its primary purpose is as a streamer - be it from NAS drives, internet radio, Spotify etc. If streaming from NAS, like 99% of streamers, the NA8005 is meant to be connected to a router, and NAS to the router/switch as well.

It has USB to connect with memory sticks, hard drives as well. But NAS drives are not meant to be connected directly to the streamer.

The Synology NAS is a great streamer, it has a constant update app that runs in any ithing ( IOS, Android and windos) it has internet radio as well, and many few people knows this.

 

[Xanderzdad]

I'd second that. I'm using my Synology NAS as a streamer (via my router) into my Pioneer AV Receiver.

All controlled by the Pioneer app (although the Synology DS Audio app also works well).

 

[ID.]

Great amp, although more clinical than the traditional Luxman sound. It really deserves better than the NA8005.

The NA8005 is not a budget-priced piece by any stretch of the imagination. And might sound a lot better than you think.

I've heard both, and the Luxman deserves better. It sounds good, but...

Not sure what pricing is like where the OP is. I'm going off Japanese pricing where the Luxman isn't overpriced and the Marantz is relatively cheap.

 

[siudai8888]

Thanks！ would the Arcam CDS27 be any better？

 

[fidelnirvana]

To the OP,

I own both the both the Marantz SA8005 and NA-11S1.
Marantz SA8005/NA-11S1 -> Krell KAV400xi -> Jamo Concert 8

The NA11 was a recent aquisition and I managed to purchase it used in mint condition from a dealer for just over £2000.

I agree with another poster that the NA11 would be a more appropriate match for your Luxman. If your current budget does not stretch to a NAS + NA11 (or something similar quality) , I would buy a NAS plus a stop gap DAC, and then purchase a network player when funds permit.

I think the NA8005 DAC may be superior to the SA8005 as it has 2 clocks (one for 44.1Khz and multiples and another for 48Khz and multiples).
The NA11 has received numerous excellent online reviews and is a Stereophile A+ recommendation where it was compared very favourable to an MSB DAC costing 12 times as much!

Featurewise, the NA8005 support all the audio formats NA11 does plus it can network stream AIFF and DSD files . It can also playback AIFF and DSD from a USB drive inserted into the front USB port. There is another post on this forum where NA8005 owners have given useful information although there is some misinformation about the digital out capabilities. Check the user manuals on the Marantz for detailed information about their capabilities.

One thing to note is the Airplay support. I use Qobuz to stream lossless flac 16/44. A Qobuz app is installed on my laptop, iphone and ipad. On the iphone/ipad I can direct the audio out to airplay and select airplay on the NA11 - very convenient! Airplay is an Apple protocol that supports up to 16/44.

Qobuz -> iphone/ipad (airplay) -> wireless to wired network -> NA11 (airplay source)

I don't have a NAS - it's the next thing on my buy list. However, I use JRiver Media on my laptop. I can use it as a music player where audio is sent to USB B input on the NA11. JRiver can also operate as a network music streaming server which I can control from my iphone/ipad using the Marantz app so a NAS is not an absolute necessity.

You mentioned about CD players. I could used the SA8005 as a CD transport and connect to the superior DAC in the NA11 via coax.

 

[krish123]

Hi,

I am interested in the NA8005 but im trying to figure out whether it will have enough quality for my system which is as follows:

Musical Fidelity 550k amps + MF A5 preamp

Monitor audio RS6 speakers but may upgrade this after getting a streamer.

Im planning on buying a NAS drive and play through a streamer.

I would love to go for the NA - S11 but i think its a bit to pricey, even second hand i would of thought it would go for £1500+?