Is the NDX2 streamer significantly better than the ND5XS2 which I have?

[Bevo]

Trust - second that

[Neilb1906]

@Jaybar

BTW, I read the posts on how to connect an external headphone amp with the SN3 and I don’t understand how.

How To Connect a Headphone amp to your Naim system

If you wish to connect a standard (DIN) Headline then you connect the captive DIN signal lead to one of the IN/OUT DIN inputs on a suitable Naim pre-amp or Integrated amp. The manual explains connection as follows; [Headline connection] If you have an RCA Phono Headline then you should connect to Line Out RCA Phonos, should your equipment have them, or alternatively to RCA Phono outputs on a suitable source component. Note that any Headline will require a suitable power supply to operate, ei…

[Fatcat]

@Jaybar

BTW, I read the posts on how to connect an external headphone amp with the SN3 and I don’t understand how. I assume I use the A/V inputs but don’t understand how

You could connect a V1 DAC to NDX2 via SPDIF, the V1 is also a headphone amp.

Of course you won’t be able to make use of the V1 optical inputs, unfortunately the NDX2 doesn’t do optical out.

[Jaybar]

@Neilb1906 The post that you refer to won’t help me. I am not interested in a Headline.

[robert_h]

Two of the inputs are also outputs (av in/out and hdd in/out). So you can use a tape recorder, headphone amp etc. whatever you are listening to comes out of the socket and into the headphone amp.

[Jaybar]

@Fatcat Why would I ever do what you suggest. I will not be using an external DAC. Nor will I ever use a Headline. I just want to connect an external headphone amp snd hear all my sources through my headphones.

[robert_h]

Yes it does, scroll to the bit that says “ For 3rd party non-Naim headphone amps ……”

It’s pretty simple; 5 pin din one end, 4 rca phono plugs the other end. Din plug into the hdd socket on the back of the supernait. On the other end 2 of the 4 rca plugs will be output; plug these to the input sockets on the back of the headphone amp. Could be Lehmann audio, violectric etc etc etc they will all connect the same way with unbalanced rca input.

[snarfy]

We are 128 posts deep. At this point all bets are off lol.

[daddycool]

@daddycool

When you get to that level there is also of course the NC series NSC222 & NAP250 to demo against

(and before that level if you don’t do vinyl there’s also the Atom HE with NAP200/250 or active).

@jaybar I meant that in a general sense, not that you should demo these alternatives. You are already set up wonderfully at the desired level with your new purchases! But several others enjoy these combinations so I included them in the demo list.

The SN3 has a very capable headphone amp (as well as a good phono amp) so I would try that first. If and when you later want and external headphone amp @robert_h provided the correct information how to hook it up. But perhaps this is all more something for another thread. Enjoy your new system!

[Jaybar]

My NDX2 and XPSDr were installed today by my dealer. Focal Utopia with long Cardas Beyond Clear headphone cable was connected to my SN3. Too early to tell about ultimate streamer SQ. First reaction out of the box is increased nuance and bass control. I am assuming it will only get better? Right now the headphones are playing internet radio. Focal says they need a long burn in. First experience with top headphones. Have not listened to headphones in years. The streamer/power supply replaced the ND5XS2.

Thanks everyone for your help.

[Jaybar]

Question. I have internet radio streaming. The screen stays on as long as internet radio is streaming. Is that how it works?

[gthack]

There’s a section on the Naim website that explains how to disable it. It’s buried in the Support section of the NDX2, here’s a screenshot of the option I think you’ll need to find, with hopefully sufficient website context to allow you to find the actual section.

I can write it out longhand if the image above isn’t legible. You’re looking for the “Display off during playback” option, I think (I don’t own a NDX2)

@Richard.Dane if that’s the interface to the support pages now, I don’t suppose you know if anyone has given any thought to their accessibility for those using screen readers? Because on Android the screen reader skips straight past the useful content

[Jaybar]

@gthack can you write it out? Thanks.

[gthack]

Stuck at a swimming pool, hopefully a short delay until I’m at a keyboard that isn’t a mobile phone screen is ok

[Jaybar]

@gthack yes

[ChrisSU]

Just do it in the app. Go to Settings > Other Settings > Display and select ‘Turn off during playback.’

[Stephen_Tate]

You can also do it using the remote - press the home button > settings > display off during play back > tick this option by pressing ok.

[gthack]

ChrisSU and Mr. Tate beat me to it! The support page describes the remote control version

[Ian2001]

Back to your original question, IT’s the law of diminishing returns, the ND5XS2, will offer a highly competent product, but the price on the NDX2 will not give you a product that is 100% better.

I would check if you can tweak your streamer with. full fat Powerline, that may make a considerable improvement

[Jaybar]

@Ian2001 Thanks. I am using Isotek power cables and their power management. They drop line noise (noise floor) considerably in our NYC apartment.

I am looking forward to seeing how the NDX2 and XPSDr do in my system in the next month or so. The ND5XS2 has been taken back my my dealer in trade.

I have my Focal Utopia streaming internet radio over night.

When I purchased our first Naim system, I was unsure if I would like streaming or even if streaming would work in our challenging apartment, even though we hard wired. I should have purchased the NDX2 to begin with.