Latest step in the journey…
Recently spent some more time back at the dealer - @BasicallySound - exploring next steps.
This time, looking in more detail at adding a PSU to our nDAC. Also, found time to audition floor standing speakers again and one or two other distractions in the day too. First, here is a reminder of the last steps, back in March.
Since then, the ND5 XS2 has come into our house. As we move towards completing a second system, second room, etc. The Naim streamer arrived as a birthday treat over the summer. Also, following a good look at NC 200 series, deciding on Original Classic SN3 c/w HiCap DR too.
So current set up, for our other room, best digital source first, is now as a follows 
ND5 XS2 → DC1 → nDAC → HiLine → SN3 + HC DR → NACA5.
The ND5 XS2 is currently being used more, in preference to our ZENmini, while we get to know it and how it works and sounds.
The ZENMini is still there, doing a job, performing duties as Roon Core and streaming from SSD server (for CD archive collection).
Anyway, back at the dealers and findings…
First off, we replicated our system at home, combining own pieces and their demo stock.
For this dealer demo’, various floor standing speakers were used, throughout the day. But, for the first part, PMC Twenty5 23i, which has probably become a reference point, or constant, when ever visiting BS showrooms.
After, tuning in with a few familiar tracks, went straight in to the main event, which was adding a 555PS DR to our nDAC. Spent the next hour or two exploring different types of music to test its metal.
Naim 555 PS DR is a glorious option
It becomes quickly obvious the combination of Naim streamer ND5 XS2 → Naim DAC + Naim 555Ps DR is stunning good.
Image : Current system, with 555PS DR (bottom shelf) added to nDAC
Honesty, it was such an exciting experience, sat in that demo’ room, playing favourite tracks, sounding so so good.
Here is an attempt to add some words to what is heard by adding a PSU to the nDAC. Going from my thoughts and notes, at the time…
The music becomes clearer, notes better defined. Easier to follow. More grip on everything, which is most noticeable with bass notes. In many ways, seems like less bass. But more like better defined, faster, quicker start and end to bass notes. More control, less mushy. The whole musical sound stage and coherence of everything improves, with better separation between musicians and instruments.
The 555 PS does that better than a XPS.
Relative judgements then spring to mind. One choice or option, relative to another.
Money no object, you would choose the 555PS, no problem. However, think the XPS PSU offers most of the gain, with adding any PSU. To put a number on this, maybe 75% of the gain. Something like that. In other words you don’t really get twice the improvement, matching the difference in cost between these two options. Maybe the difference in cost, will open up more, now that XPS will only ever be available as pre-loved.
The fact the 555 PS DR will continue - available new - for a few years yet, might be a deciding factor here, when we come to this future decision.
We shall see.
This choice might come down to what’s available at the time and what can be afforded. I’m now wishing for the 555 PS. But might settle for a XPS DR too.
The intention is to add new speakers first, with luck, perhaps in 2024.
With time to spare, then went on to audition some more floor standing speaker options. As that isn’t specifically about digital or streaming, maybe put that into a separate report, elsewhere.
Nice distractions
An itch that needed a scratch was to explore and understand what Innous Pulse streaming transport has to offer.
Now that BS has this item available on demo’, we substituted the Pulse into the mix. Swapping out Naim streamer for the Pulse → nDAC + 555PS DR.
Image : Innous Pulse streamer, also available in black
Which seems like a reasonable comparison, in terms of comparable price point and functionality. More importantly, been keen to examine this product for a while.
Straight away, it was obviously doing a better job than the ND5 XS2. Much more control, better definition, more space and air. Even the guys commented, from outside the room.
Shouldn’t have been surprised really. After all, unlike the Naim steamer, it‘s a dedicated streaming transport. So, although similar cost as the Naim, maybe has more spent on less electronics inside. No internal DAC. Maybe better streaming platform and also it’s internal LPSU, etc. Innous are doing some interesting things across their line right now.
That itch has now been scratched. So, now thinking about what has been learned.
Also had the lovely treat of a first listen to the new Rega Naia, which was memorable. Brief comment on this experience is elsewhere.
Test tracks
It’s always about the music and these were the test tracks used through out the day.
In no particular order :
David Sylvian, from “Secrets of the Beehive” (1987).
- Orpheus
- When Poets Dreamed of Angels
David Sylvian, from “Dead Bees on a Cake” (1999).
- I Surrender
Paul Buchanan, from “Quiet City” (2021).
- Due North
The Blue Nile, from “Hats” (1989).
- Tinsel Town in the Rain
- Headlights on the Parade
The Bad Plus, from “These are the Vistas” (2003).
- Everywhere You Turn
Go Go Penguins, from “Everything Is Going to Be Ok” (2023).
- You’re Stronger Than You Think
- Glimmerings
- Saturnine
Portico Quartet, from “Next Stop” (2022) - Qobuz HiRes
- Captured Time
- Next Stop
Public Service Broadcasting, from “This New Noise (Live)” (2023) - Qobuz HiRes
- A Cello Sings in Daventry
Madonna, from “Ray of Light” (1998).
- Nothing Really Matters
Nick Mulvey, from “First Mind” (2014)
- Fever to the Form
Some stalwarts, that have served well for decades. Also, more recent ones, that have been getting a lot of play at home right now.
With thanks
As always, my sincere thanks to Tony and Graham @BasicallySound for putting up with me 
It is always a delight to visit and have fun with these two great guys. Moving things around and adding insightful comments on what we hear. Coffees, teas, biscuit and cake. Lots of music and laughs too.
The benefit of going on a journey, over time, with a single dealer is the trust that evolves between both parties.
Thanks guys.
Kind regards
R