That is typically what you would pay, and of course if its oldish, you might want to get it serviced too, but then again I typically get pre-loved gear serviced when I get it to give some sort of confidence going forward
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That reads like a lovely journey!
It seems we share a preferred sound signature for speakers, I love the various Royds and also the classic transmission lines like the Rega Ela and your TDL Studio speakers.
Had I lived/listened alone I would likely also have ended up with a lots-of-boxes Olive system with restored vintage speakers. I was even pondering that again recently as there is a good market now. But I found that the black integrateds offer a lot of practicality and maturity.
Two things: First of all classic speakers are simply old speakers until fully restored, the difference is night and day. If you like the sound already, be amazed when you pick them up from a specialist that brought them back to (more than) original luster. Alternatively, at some point you may want to hear the new PMC Prophecy 1 transmission lines, to see if they bring the same click in a new package.
Secondly, throughout my journey, there has simply never been a replacement for source first. Your amps are at a great level already and have been serviced. You love streaming and it is your main (and only) source, so personally I would say go all in. As in sell off the NDX2 which is easy to do, and put all funds towards a NSS333. Have already seen them as demo or preloved for a reduced price, and according to the reviews here this is the source to have this day and age.
In your dream setup the bare NDX2 is not up to the rest. So you would go power supplies and possibly nDAC, and that adds up considerably in money and box count, and it is not Olive anyway. Personally I’d keep the Olive boxes, if you haven’t done so then sort out the mains, the network and the rack, and live with that for a while. If and when you then still feel the need for those 135s and that 52, there’s also next year, and beyond.
Hope this opinion helps, in any case have fun continuing your journey!
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I lived with NDS, 555PS, 82, Supercap 2 and 2 x 135s for many years. For me it was a very sweet combination.
With the NDX2 I would upgrade the power supply to a 555PSDR or if you can’t afford it get an XPSDR.
Then 2 x 135s. I much preferred the 135s CB over the excellent 250CB.
Then get the 52.
Currently your source is the weakest link with great amplification already in place. A 52 will make it potentially more revealing of a weaker source.
The 135s will give more effortless power and improved separation.
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Okay, an XPS would be good but I’d be inclined to hang on if possible.
A 555PSDR is in a different league to the XPSDR. Yes, for a used example you are looking at £3500 to £4000 but it is worth it.
The difference is very noticeable. By significant margins. While it may seem very expensive, they hold value better than other power supplies if you decide to sell on.
Some are using 555PSDR instead of 300NPX on new classic gear. They say it’s better.
Two times sound advice from @Dan_M as usual. Improve source, possibly 135s, only then 52.
There is indeed also the XPS-DR upgrade. Beyond that, with the resale value of a NDX2 and used value of a 555PS-DR you are already close to the price of a used NSS333 streamer.
Just more options, you may like the NDX2 with 555PS-DR combo better, or the NSS333.
Or, heaven forbid, a non-Naim streamer at that level, search the forum for ideas on that.
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Absolutely @daddycool. The NSC333 is a good bit of kit to buy used at around £5700. Could be better value than adding an XPSDR to NDX2.
Or look elsewhere. Depends if you want all Naim synergy, all OC synergy, mix and match.
I happily lived with CB, Olive and OC before.
A move away from Naim is another option for streamer and or DAC.
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Hi. Just trying to understand how a pre amp can “improve” on a source? Surely it should add nothing and take away nothing
Listening to the experienced members here, improving my source seems the sensible way to go! Do I dip my toe in the water and go for the XPS Dr, add the 52 and 135s at a later date and be content there!
My main concern is that if I stretch my budget to incorporate a 555psdr or even the 333, I’ll be tempted to move away from the Olive set up which I really like in terms of the retro look.
Also spending £5.7 on a streamer, plus the extra money needed for the 52/135s will probably take my spend to the £7k-8k mark.
The wife might have something to say too 
I think small steps for me at this stage. I’ll hunt down a nice XPSdr, preferably one that has been serviced and hear what sonic improvements are to be heard before going all in !
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There is another option. An XPS2 as an interim step. So it’s a non DR XPS but in OC black box. Cheaper and will still yield an improvement. Spend around £900. See how you get on. I used the XPS2 with CDS3 and CDS2. Better than Olive XPS.
You’ll get your money back if you don’t like it.
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What are you using for equipment support? I would suggest a Naim Fraim, changed the sound of my 282/unNaimed power supplies/250DR/Pink Triangle/Roon Nucleus One/Topping D90LE DAC
That is a founded concern, because with the market as it is, and we all getting used to Naim’s current offerings and doing the comparisons in SQ and budget, well…
When you think about it you could indeed just as well sell it all and buy a used NSC222/NPX300/NAP250 (in one or two steps) and be done with the whole thing. If you can live with the modern design, and the new sound signature.
So to be honest I think it is more a question of living the “this is the way” Naim style with many many cool classic boxes. From a financial and total SQ perspective I think that is no longer the obvious way. I have struggled with that myself sometimes, albeit at a more humble level gear.
But the CB, Olive, Slimline, OC gear has a lot of thinkering and nostalgia appeal, aspirational inspiration, and does sound really good. So when you want to enjoy the hobby and the aspects of chasing, collecting, the building it up and learning appeal, then fine by all means.
But I start to believe there is plenty of choice in separates in the used market because of this development. Servicing is also not always easy outside the UK and more of an outlay, it adds up. And perhaps there are even some concerned about energy and stuff. Several recent relevant philosophical questions and remarks on the forum, caused also by Naim changing direction.
Anyway, it seems like these thoughts have crossed your mind as well, and your approach to take a more simple first step by adding a XPS-DR is a safe one. You will have a classic streamer combo that is either enjoyable long-term or easy to sell off, and will give you insights in improvements in the process, so all good. Do keep us posted!
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Well, I’ve sourced a 2015 model XPSdr from a dealer which should arrive in my possession next Tuesday afternoon with any luck. I’m looking forward to hooking it up to the NDX2.
Based on it’s age would the unit be due a service?
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I think 10 years is the recommendation but I wouldn’t stress.
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XPSDr now in situ and the system sounds supersonic!
There’s just more of everything!
It’s is early days so I’m anticipating it will only get better over the next few days/weeks.
Thanks for your guidance.
Regards
Deebig
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