Yes I’ve a good dealer. But considering used for budget reasons on this one.
We have the TV connected to the NDX2 and find it really handy to be able to change input using the remote. It’s also really good to be able to press pause on either the remote or the front panel without having to get the phone. There is a lot more to the NDX2 than the screen but then we don’t have a separate Dac. The only time the screen is used is to see which input is chosen when using the remote, or to check the progress of software updates. For the rest of the time it’s off.
I don’t think it’s really either or, the NDX2 drives the TT2 wonderfully… it’s a very good combo.
The quality SPDIF transport from the NDX2 along with its integration options really helps the TT2 shine.
From a DAC perspective, as good as the NDX2 DAC is, it’s not really in the same league in my opinion as the TT2… and I own an NDX2. But pimp the NDX2 with a 555PS and it certainly sounds good… but you won’t get the same resolution and insight… but that will be dependant on the rest of your system
Unfortunately for budget reasons it is one or the other.
I have to agree with @mikehughescq . I have been slowly peeling away the Naim layers and moving more to a Chord Sourced system as well. I had a 282 in the mix with an NDX, and now I am using a TT2, Mscaler, Innuos Zenith into a 250.2 . The TT2 and Mscaler combo far exceeded what my NDX2 presented (and I dont miss the screen at all ) I recently moved towards are True Signal Audio cables, which also made a big improvement all around for cohesion and creating a more resolving experience. But in the end it is going to be what works best for you, your budget and your room.
Ok well you need a streamer with the TT2… and the NDX2 is a DAC and streamer combined, so the latter is a more complete solution of course if funds are limited… but do audition carefully… also one of the key bonuses of the TT2 is its outstanding headphone amp… if you use high end phones you will need to factor a solution there as well.
Thanks Simon. I currently have the TT2 with a Bluesound Node 2i. I was looking to improve the streamer, with Aurelic g1 at the top of my budget. I’ve recently seen the Arcam ST60, ticks the features boxes anyone have any experience?
How do people find the ND5xs2 as a transport?
You should look at the innuos line for streaming/ripping and roon core (if that is your thing). They have several tiers to choose from
From all accounts it’s very good, and possibly not much different from the NDX2 and ND555 as transport.(digital signal output)
Bit of an overkill as a pure transport.
Not really
Thank you.
I had great support from a dealer (Alastair at Signals) who I first approached about a used 282 they had up, which then evolved to me trading a week-old SN3 (Which I knew I was going to upgrade in a year’s time) against that 282 and a new 250DR; I already had a HiCap for the SN3. The 282/250DR was a ‘blind purchase’ but it is the default ‘classic’ option so low risk. That then led to a home demo of the NDX2, Qutest and H2, amongst the TT2; my old streamer had already gone. Combining the TT2 + NDX2 would have only just been possible financially, and there would have been no budget left for power supply upgrades.
I had a slight advantage in evaluating the streamer as I had a ND5XS2 for a year, mostly with the TT2. I nearly did buy a ND5XS2 again if I’m honest - but I like having a remote, the screen, and the upgradability, although I am very used to the iPad / phone for the Naim app or roon.
Regarding the speakers I have also just bought ;“The Dog’s Brigadiers” I know one of the UK retailers well, and although I did not buy from him I got a good honest opinion on those beforehand.
So medium-risk - given that Naim system synergy is well known (And I have an Atom & Qb2 as a reference, and the SN3 was good too), I bought at sensible prices, and returns are possible on s/h so long as you agree before the deal.
I have just in the last few days got a further uplift from the NDX2 - switching to wifi off a Unifi AP, fed ‘PoE’, and today applying a Naim DC-1 interconnect for NDX2/Hugo2.
Thanks Scotsman, just doing that very thing now. I don’t tend to play local files that much so not considered Innuos before. I need internet streaming, things like airplay (tv streaming), Qobuz and internet radio also WiFi (although a bridge may be doable) how’s the Innuos on this side.
Nice…
I use it as a roon core. So I am running my Tidal (it does Qobuz as well) and local network saves. It is not the best option for internet radio and airplay - as it does not offer those options. The TT2 does have BT compatibility though.
I’d be interested in your experience of the NDX2 in its own versus into the TT2. I’m guessing TT2 ‘better’ otherwise you wouldn’t be using it? Could you articulate the sound differences between the two?
Nope - ideal as a transport, but the DAC is redundant unfortunately.
I have had the RaspberryPi, Allo DigiOne then Signature, & opticalRendu in succession after my ND5XS2 had to be sold just over a year ago , and it is with relief I have gone back to a naim streamer.
The ‘DIY’ configuration (I am in corporate IT for a profession), and the proliferation of accessories (upgraded power supplies, USB/SPDIF converters, reclockers (Mutec 3+ USB was in my rack for a while)) is untidy and becomes expensive - my changed viewpoint is to let Naim, Auralic, Lumin, DCS etc. handle the systems integration.
Of course it would be ideal if Naim produced a streamer(bridge) without a DAC - there are lot of people on here who would consider that option - to front-end the older naim streamers, the nDAC or other DACs of course.
An ex-demo XPS-DR arrives tomorrow, on a sale-or-return, from Essex this time.
Yes, I’d buy that in a heart beat.