Im about to tear down and rebuild my system in the next couple of weeks to accommodate a change from NDX to NDS. I also want to take the opportunity to move the 52PS away from the 52 and optimise power and speaker cables if of benefit. I’d like to get this done now if it’s going to be noticeably worthwhile. I have a four tier and three tier podium racks.
Thoughts and opinions would be welcome as I hate messing with a system that is working well as I always assume I’m going to break something and if I have to do this then I’d rather make fundamental changes in one go.
First thing is sorting out the racks. I am thinking of the following (measurements are distance between the bottom of the above tier and the top of the lower tiers):
If I understand your layout, I would put the XPS2 under the 52PS, with one of two 135’s under the XPS2. Then the other 135 would go under the NDS. Optimum length of NAC A5 is 7-10m, which may be overkill for your needs, but yes, 5m should prove of benefit.
Why would 5m speaker cable be of benefit over 3.5m(assuming the poster does not want his speakers to be 10m apart)? Are you suggesting either a better sq or an easier life for the amps? Surely there would be no detectable difference in either
I power my nds with an xps-dr and find no need to change to a 555ps… enjoy! By maybe try your nds on your current system instead of implementing other changes- the uplift in sq will be t dt own to the awesome nds, we don’t need snake oil taking the credit!
Having the 135s both on the bottom tiers was my first inclination but then I thought aesthetically XPS2 would look better under the NDS. Also gives me a pure Olive 3tier rack. I’m happy to go either way but not sure whether there would be any noticeable difference.
Mains cables aren’t a problem discuss here (as long as you’re not doing something daft/dangerous with them) . Third party SNAIC and Burndy cables can’t be discussed.
Back to your question, a Hydra works very well with Naim kit. Keep an eye out in the usual places for a pre loved 4 head. If you don’t like it then it’s easy to sell on for no loss.
If you don’t have one already, then a dedicated mains install is very worth while.
The NDS upgrade should be a lot of fun and make the most of your classic 52/135 combo
Fwiw, a couple of dealers I asked mentioned that they use a Hydra themselves, rather than a collection of Powerlines. Naim boxes really like star-earthing.
I use a Hydra for my SC (for 52/ Superline), CDXPS (for CDS2) XPSDR (for NDX2) and 300DR.
I’d also agree with the comments that getting an electrician to fit a dedicated radial for your mains may well be a significant upgrade for not much money -it was for me.
I’ve already got dedicated mains but a Hydra might help keep things simple and tidier (heck it might even sound good) I’ll keep a eye out for a 4 head as I’ve got a 3-5week lead time on the new rack.
If Grahams reply to my query they may get a sale but you can’t order new online at the moment, you have to request more info. That was Sunday, heard nothing yet.
I can certainly understand that as I do the same thing myself - but I do so knowing I’m shortchanging myself on conventional Naim wisdom. But aesthetics are important too, in my book.
