I have an ND5XS2 here and have been using it into the Nait 50 recently. It’s very good just on its own even without adding an external DAC. Two great bang for buck products. However, if it were a main system, I would still go to an NDX2 plus power supply especially considering the low cost these days, but adding an external DAC to the ND5XS2 as you suggested is also a great option.
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I am curious if you have ever tried/heard an Ndac?
When doing that exercise two years ago, to my ears there was some organic (bandwidth?) synergy that I found in these combinations:
- Nait 2 with bare ND5 XS2
- Nait 50 with bare NDX2
- Nait XS3 with ND5 XS2 & nDac/DC1
- Supernait 3 with NDX2 and XPS DR
- Supernait 3 with ND5 XS2 & nDac/DC1 with XPS DR on nDac
YMMV, it also depends on room/speaker interaction, but this stood out for me then.
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Yes. Right before I moved from OC to 222/250 I had a nDAC/ND5XS2 as a source. As you can see in the picture, I also tried the XPSDR on it for a brief time. If given the choice, I would take the NDX2/XPSDR over it, but wouldn’t fault anyone for going the opposite direction. I also had the nDAC/ND5XS2/SN3/HCDR at one time. That setup was extremely focused and engaging. My main complaint with it was it lacked effortlessness. It sounded a bit hard to me. Although, really good at all else.
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Are you implying an order of SQ. Is the last option the best?
Good question, no actually, presented in order of rising budgets & boxes.
More a list of the combinations, whilst all sounding differently, I thought sounded “just right” together organically, out of many various options that didn’t always gel in the same way.
Hope that makes any sense, as I said YMMV, but perhaps a starting point for demos.
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Doesn’t make them redundant.
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You may need to either listen or roll the dice.
The signature of the NC is a bit different and if you prefer it, it will be a big improvement over anything in the OC range. If you don’t then it gets complicated.
I found the NC stuff to be excellent sounding. Still Naimy in it’s ability to attack, though a tad darker. On the other hand, the bang up-to-date 222 wasn’t quite as detailed and resolving as my original NDX/XPSdr. So from that perspective I imagine I would subjectively prefer an NDX2/SN3.
I know you’re hoping for some definitive insight that makes the choice a “no brainier”. Sadly, it doesn’t exist. Much will depend on your preference.
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Wow, listening to my NDX2/555 last night dark and atmospheric was just how I described it. As I say I haven’t heard any NC!
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I’m a very happy SN3 (with HiCap DR) owner here. I may go to separate pre/power in a few years. I upgraded my ND5XS2 to a NDX2 with 555PS earlier in the year together with a speaker change from Focal to SF.
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Thanks for all the really helpful opinions and experience. Both option seem to have their merits, and I would think either would be superb, although offering different presentations. Outside the simple question of which option sounds best (to me), there are other important considerations including upgrade / updating options (e.g. no digital out on 222 = no easy DAC upgrade), legacy v. current series and the likely forward servicing / parts, etc. These factors all need to be considered.
However, I now have an option on acquiring both an XPS DR and a Hicap DR (ex-demo / used), and this is probably skewing my thinking towards the NDX2 / SN3 now the external power supplies are available. This option will be a bit / a lot (!) less expensive too.
Also - and this is currently under discussion in the thread about XS boxes EOL - there’s a bit of a ‘hole’ in Naim’s range between the all-in-one boxes (Uniti et al) and NC separates. This ‘hole’ was previously filled by the NDX2 / SN3 combination, and that’s the level that I’m frankly most comfortable at both in terms of cost and expectation. While these are now legacy boxes, with no replacements appearing (yet), there’s a lot of value still to be had.
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I changed my naim XS2 to 222+250 recently and the improvement is “over the table”.
My choice was between NOVA PE and 222+250 … after 2 hour listening both my choice was clear. To be honest I found NOVA PE a very super quality weapon, but my heart and ears was captured by the coupled.
So you are exatly at my previous state. I suggest you to schedule a listening session (sorry I didn’t read all the topic, maybe you’ve already done it).
Shure NDX2 with external power is a lot!
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My dilemma is now settled. I have bought an NDX2 / XPS DR / SN3 / Hicap DR - all either ex-demo or new on a fantastic clearance deal from a dealer here. If you live in Australia you’ll know which one. I now have to figure: should I first hook it all up without the power supplies and then add these in a couple of weeks later, or hook the whole lot up from the get-go?! To finish it all off I have 2 x 7.5m new NACA5 to replace the 30+ year old short NACA5 cables I’ve used up until now.
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Congratulations!
How could you leave those power supplies neglected in their boxes? Hook it all up and enjoy what you have bought. If you remain curious you could always try removing the power supplies in the future. At that point everything will be run in and performing at their optimum, so you will get a good idea of what the XPS and Hicap contribute.
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Agreed. That’s probably a more sensible option.
I agree that removing power supplies at a later date is an easier way to assess them. I would recommend leaving everything for quite a few weeks of regular use before you even think about assessing any changes, especially as you are also adding new NACA5.
I would also caution against making automatic assumptions that more is better. Changes are always system dependent and your own room acoustics, loudspeakers and personal preferences will obviously be different to others.
As an example, I once listened to a Supernait 2 at my dealers. He added a HicapDR, and I didn’t particularly like the way it changed the sound in that particular system.
I found the XPSDR to be a clear upgrade to the bare NDX2, but not a very big one considering the cost. That’s partly what led me to considering DAC upgrades in preference to power supply upgrades on Naim streamers. Alternatively perhaps you should think about whether you should look for a 555PS if you really want a substantial improvement over the standalone NDX2.
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Congratulations 
Wishing you many hours of happy listening.
With the psu’s - having tried it both way - would say it usually easier to understand what the psu adds, by taking it away ( rather than adding in ). So, it’s interesting how your ears or brain work this way.
Good luck
R
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I found the power supplies to make a huge difference. The system you purchased needs run in. Leave the power supplies connected. You can also significantly improve the system with better interconnects when you can afford it.
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Congratulations. I have a similar set up. Power supplies first. You’ve paid for them! Enjoy.
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Jaybar, what would your suggestions for better inter-connects be?