I am sure that this has been asked before, but I have been unable to find the answer by searching. I have just added a NDX5 XS2 as the transport to my NDS, which I now use as the DAC, and I am thrilled.
I think I remember reading a review online, a while ago, saying what a difference a second PS555 made.
The alternatives for my upgrades are limited to speakers or this second PS, so would appreciate any insights.
My PS555 is not DR. I will not move away from my olives or SF speakers, I would go to the Olympica III but might have a wifely issue, anyway I believe in source first.
I’ve heard/read this as well. Check the old forum and or search here.
I’d go for it if you can but I wouldn’t be in a rush. Amazing what the ND5xs2 can do as a transport.
I never tried a second PS on my NDS. My dealer advised against which is unusual for a dealer. Try a search on here as I seem to recall threads on this in the past. IIRC views were very mixed.
I would probably ask myself why do I feel the need to upgrade first. If you are happy with your system, it doesn’t hurt to stay put.
Alternatively, if you really feel the need to spend some cash, in your shoes I would think of optimising what I already have (which seems to be reasonably balanced by looking at your profile), by considering any improvements in network, cabling, rack, clean power and/or subwoofer if you feel the need.
You might be able to still find this online; if it’s the same one, here is some explanation of what each ps555 is doing:
“ Naim Explains
When used with a single 555PS, the analogue and digital supplies for the NDS only share the primary winding of the transformer, while the transformer’s secondary windings, regulators, Burndy power connect cables, and NDS internal layout and wiring looms, are all separate and physically separated by the greatest possible distances consistent with other design optimisations. The only connection between the two analogue and digital sub-systems is at a single point on the printed circuit board, close to the digital-to-analogue converter.
In practice some unwanted residual coupling of digital noise to the analogue supplies can be expected through the inevitable inter-winding capacitances within the transformer. Using two 555PS supplies will eliminate this source of digital-to-analogue contamination. However, just as important (or perhaps more so) is the reduction of total current taken from both 555PS supplies, allowing both to operate at a lower noise level. Using the second 555PS just for the analogue side of the NDS will be a big contributor to overall power supply purity, as the now removed digital circuitry has comparatively high current demands. In our experience, noise levels far below those that would conventionally define a low-noise supply can nevertheless be significantly audible in the quality of music replay.”
I have 2 555psdr on nds.
Never compared to one only - 2 already there.
But had done it with nd555. It’s different !
A bit rougher with 1ps - smoother and more refined with more texture with 2 ps. With 2ps it gets a bit brighter. Overall 2nd ps is better!
But, Both setups are good.
Most here prefer 2ps! Also with nds. @frenchrooster had also updated lately to (not discussable) 2nd ps.
Forgive me, but I do not understand. Why do you need a ‘transport’ for the NDS? What are you ‘transporting’? The only thing that either accept are digital 1’s and 0’s? Or am I missing something?
It baffled me too when I came across this. I agree ‘transport’ is an anachronistic term not suited to streaming. Here is the logic. Think of a CD transport and a DAC, which were sometimes in separate units or most commonly in one. Streamers can also be looked at in this way; the transport is the part that takes the digital stream from the source, be it a NAS or service like Tidal, this stream is then passed on to the DAC which converts the digital signal to analogue, which is what we can hear.
So in the context of my system, the NDS as a transport is outdated both in terms of how it handles the stream and the functions it does not provide such as multi-room HiRes streaming, Roon etc. However I really like the sound of the NDS DAC which, to me sounds much better than a NX2 and much much better than the NDX5 XS2.
So I use the NDX5 as the ‘transport’, which is more capable and offers more functions than the ‘transport’ part of the NDS.
The result is I keep the sound of the NDS (slightly improved) and the functions of an up to date streamer.
I hope that makes sense and that it is correct as I am not a techie by any means
Hi, did you notice any difference in terms of sound using ND5XS2 as transport compared to NDS? I can accept regarding functionality, but in terms of sound quality I am a bit skeptical. I have a simple Node 2i as trasport, but I use it rarely as most of the times bare NDS is more than enough
I was skeptical as well, however, my first impression was negative, which surprised me, as clearly there was a change in the sound. Now as it has been up and running, it has improved as Naim does and I am very pleased. I think the sound is a bit ‘tighter’ so more PRaT. It has been a great purchase for me, as I love all the new functionality which is why I bought it, and to find it has improve my listening experience is a wonderful bonus.
Hence I am wondering what a second PS555 would do!
The forum rules prohibit discussion of non-Naim power supplies.
We do not permit discussion of modifications to internal components of Naim equipment and this also extends, at the Moderators’ discretion, to products from other manufacturers and electronic DIY discussion. This also applies to discussion of companies who undertake unauthorised modifications to Naim equipment.
Modification extends to the use of 3rd party or home-made power supplies and any cabling that carries DC power between Naim equipment.
The message is a light hearted admonishment of a member, referenced by Drago, for running just such a power supply. This forum is run by Naim, so it’s kinda expected that we all respect that and minimise mentions of things Naim explicitly ask us not to in their rules Heck, I feel bad just for explaining it
Heck, I feel bad just for explaining it 