Onkyo ND-S1000

[ID.]

I decided I needed another digital iPod transport so I could set up my little head-fi rig in the bedroom, so I moved my ND-S1 to pair with my FUBAR IV, and bought the Onkyo ND-S1000 to use with my main hi-fi.

Appearancewise, it's like they've just remade it in aluminium instead of the cheap plastic. It feels higher quality to the touch, and I always like a bit of weight to reassure me. The on/off button is nicer too, if you're into that kind of thing. It sits on higher legs (nubs?) which supposedly isolate it better. My quick read through of the supposed improvements mainly centered on improved isolation of various sorts and improved components.

Size is the same. I think the WHF review stated that the ND-S1 was unnecessarily large, but that was to match it with some of their mini systems, so it could sit on top and mantain the same lines. This is also similarly sized, although I'm not sure if it is for the same reasons, although it does seem smaller than the DAC 1000 which would be its logical mate.

Soundwise, well I've only just put it in. Not huge changes, but resolution and imaging is a bit improved. Soundstage is bigger and the sense of depth is better. Transients seem cleaner. I may neeed to do some switching back and forth to convince myself that there really are differences to this degree, and I'm not just trying to convince myself that I didn't waste my money

I think the ND-S1 givs great value for money, The ND-S1000 seems to take it up a notch. Never listened to the Wadia transport, so not sure how it compares.

 

[jacobmorrison]

The digital signal it's extracting from the ipod should be the same and unless the units are carrying out additional signal processing then it's hard to imagine there being a significant difference between the two in terms of sound quality. They will probably have the same impact on the digital signal as a digital cable, which is debatable as the forums will attest. I ended up going for the pure i20 which does the same thing as the onkyo for £40 less and adds component video outputs and an inbuilt dac for emergencies. This wasn't enough to get the unit 5 stars from the reviews team whereas the onkyo did. Never did understand that one.

 

[ID.]

i20 not available where I am (and I don't need its DAC function), but I got a good deal on the ND-S1000 (plus the Aluminium is a better match with my main unit).

I was pretty sure someone would comment that it's al digital so there couldn't be a difference

As I haven't really compared carefully, nor can I be bothered doing so, I can't deny that I might be imagining things. BTW I have a fancy digital cable too

 

[danieeh]

Hi. I´m thinking of buying the onkyo nd s1000 but i´d like to know if my ipod classic 7th would fit with its case on and if the computer usb connection works ok. Does anyone know it? Thanks

 

[ID.]

I use mine with the most recent iPod classic. The space for the iPod is fairly wide, so it may fit with the case. I suppose it depends on the case.

I've never tried the computer USB connection, so I can't comment on how it is for syncing the iPod while docked.