Yes there is happy audio life possible without a Supernait or Nait 50.
Especially when you don’t have a huge room, very inefficient speakers, really top notch sources, the XS3 is a cracking amp!
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This is true. We get so lost in these details that sometimes we forget that it’s binary. Any of these Naim combinations are going to bring something completely different than a non-Naim setup. Debating SN3 / N50 / 200 / XS3 is in the details.
You could pick whatever fits your budget and it’s going to be different (and as the OP is saying different is good compared to his Rega) and that’s all that matters.
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I’m off to talk to the dealer today to see about borrowing either the XS3 or SN3 (or even better both) to see exactly what differences there are between the Rega and Naim sound at different or similar levels depending on his suggestions
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May I suggest a different upgrade - a Naim nDAC for the ND5xs2 will be a far significant improvement to your existing system.
I have one and it’s such a musical source that plays so well when fed by the ND5xs2
Yes…. I have ND5xs2/nDAC/PS555DR and it’s pure musical magic.
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I’ve read that’s the case, I might also try the Chord Qutest as a dac.
Loaner XS3 next week then the SN3 if I want to try it, he’s heard my speakers and thinks they will easily show the differences between Elicit-r, XS3 and SN3 and it will come down to personal preference. Source before amplification could be a shout but I bought the nd5 xs2 thinking it would be a standalone upgrade for a while.
The ND5 XS2 is superb and is more than enough as a stand alone in my opinion. I’m trialling one at the moment and it’s already sounding sublime straight out of the box. I’m really not sure why people feel the need to add a DAC.
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Perhaps this helps (warning - 701 posts) to understand why:
I only expressed an opinion. I’m not doubting anyone else’s experience I’m just offering up my own.
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All good, I thought you asked a question and I merely tried to give a reference to answers.
It is in fact interesting that, if I remember correctly, the year the nDAC was discontinued was also when the streamers were introduced that now make it a popular option here on the forum.
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The nDAC was discontinued about the same time as the new generation streamers were introduced, but it overlapped with the original ND5XS and NDX for a good few years.
At introduction, it was also promoted as an upgrade to CDX2.2 and CD5XS, which is what prompted me to buy one.
Roger
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