I am wondering now which one I would choose later, to upgrade on Nds/2X 555 ps:
Innuos Stream 3 = 6400 euros with optional SPDIF module, Naim DC1, into my Nds/ 2X555 ps.
Or Naim 333 = 9400 euros - 1 X 555 ps ( 3500 euros + burndy ) = 6000 euros.
I can’t try at home. The 333 / 555 dr need 1500 euros special burndy.
Difficult choice.
I didn’t liked the complete 300 series. But liked a lot the 333/300 into Gryphon 333. I am quite sure that the 333 streamer will work very good with my Ear Yoshino combo.
Then the Innuos Stream 3 must be a better transport. However will it work optimally with the Nds as dac, in SPDIF mode.?
My thoughts based on experience even though not identical.
I have tried different streamers on my NDS + 555PSDR including Innuos Pulse. Non have been close to bringing out detail, scale, separation, definition and control to what NSS333+NDX300 does. If that is what you are on the hunt for then I don’t see how Stream 3 would solve this since my belief is the DAC of NDS limits this. If you want a bit better of what you already have then this can be the route.
I didn’t know you tried 333/300 into Gryphon and enjoyed it . But if so you have a pretty good idea of what NSS333/NDX300 do compared to NDS. I will assume Gryphon has more slam och and low end power than my Nait50 and I would then chose 333/300 over NDS and streamers, cables, power cables and all such.
@frenchrooster My response is based on my 300 system. I love the 333 even without a power. I have ordered an NPX300 which will go on my 332. Not sure yet if I will move it to the 333. Also thanks for your help during my journey. I am fascinated by your EAR gear, but my disabilities preclude tubes.
The Stream 3 costs quite 2,5 times the Pulse. But you are right, not sure I will enjoy it more than Nds alone.
I will retire in 7 years, so I have to choose something that may last many years.
An Nd555 would be my first choice, but i won’t found anywhere a 9 k euros one, in France.
You wrote earlier that Limitree bridge into Nds didn’t gave really a Naim sound. It sounded good, but a bit more analytical.
Nd5xs2 into Nds didn’t improved the sound for local streaming.
Another streamer, another dac ? Yes, but I have only 9k max. The result has to be much better vs what I have, not just a side step.
I feel the 333 will be a side step, different, not really better, as I favour more textures and organic sound vs clarity and details.
And in France, not easy to try different sources with a similar system as mine. And not possible at home.
I could try the 333, but my dealer will take me 500 euros for 2 hours try.
I didn’t have Limetree with NDS, I had ND5XS2 with it. I bought the Limetree for the ND555 with the then firmware problems.
The ND5XS2 allowed latest streaming functions such as Qobuz. It did not impact the sound of the NDS.
I also found ND555 vs NDS similar in soundstage until the firmware problems affected the ND555.
A 333 is different than an NDS and ND555. I would be surprised if you prefer it. For me I find the 333 very good but more in line with a neutral sound. To me it is more analytical than the NDS.
For you, why would you want to change out the NDS and 2 x 555PS?
The Innuous Stream 3 is expensive and you’re paying for the server as well as the streamer. It also has optional DAC module as I am sure you’re away.
It’s tricky one as I know you like the NDS and have invested in the power supplies.
Have you considered just getting a server (I use Innuos Zennith and the excellent sense app.) decent upgrade over uniti serve and there are newer models - the NDS pulls info from the Innuos and sounds great.
A lot of tech will develop over the next seven years - I would encourage you to enjoy the here and now and not worry to heavily about 7 years time, who knows by then an ND555 can prob be had for couple of grand (my NDS is prob only worth a grand now!)
Innous make some incredible streamers but I agree with Dan its the DAC that has the biggest impact. You’re NDS setup already has an excellent DAC so stick with this, then explore within budget a transport that fits the bill if you want Qobuz etc…
How about a Mac Mini M4 with Audirvāna? You can stream to the NDS via UPNP and it will be a LOT cheaper than a hi fi box. The Mac basic spec mini is all you need and it’s amazing value. You keep it on the network away from the hi fi. Worth a 2 week free trial on any computer you have before buying anything?
IMHO streaming = computer and software dependent so keep it in that realm rather than expensive audio. Sounds great too.
Thanks, you’re welcome. Audirvana does that as well, in fact that’s how I started with it 13 years ago. Originally my files were on a HD on the Mac, they are now on a NAS.
I have to express a rare disagreement with Dan here. I added a ND5XS2 to my NDS/555ps purely for the modern streaming capabilities, not expecting any improvement to SQ, yet it did so. I would say the PRaT was improved.
Frenchrooster,
I was in a similar dilemma.
I used a ps555 on my ndx2, but the dak in the ndx2 seemed to be the limiting factor here.
I picked up a Lampizotor atlantic trp3 that I tested with the Innous Zen mk3 (which I listened to via a USB connected to the Lampi) and my Ndx2 (which was connected via a coax to the Lampi).
In that combination, my ndx2, which I used as transport, was drastically better
. But if so you have a pretty good idea of what NSS333/NDX300 do compared to NDS. I will assume Gryphon has more slam och and low end power than my Nait50 and I would then chose 333/300 over NDS and streamers, cables, power cables and all such.