Could I start any sort of streaming using an nDAC and NAC 282, or would I necessarily require a streamer such as an ND5 XS2 for control? BTW what is that HUGE connector at the rear of the nDAC - Burundy?? and what does it do?
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Answer - connecting an external power supply, XP5 XS, XPS, XPS DR, 555PS or 555PS DR.
Yes, any compatible digital source should work with your nDAC, with the correct interconnect.
The Naim ND5 XS2 is a great streamer. Other streamers work fine too. Maybe, just be careful to find ones that have SPDIF digital out - ideally on BNC - but TOSLINK too, (to avoid more complicated ways of connecting).
How about using Apple music - via an iMac, Mac Book, iPad or iPhone - into the USB connector input, on the front panel of the nDAC. Works fine. That should get you going. Then build from there.
Good luck
R
The ndac requires a streaming digital signal which it will then change to an analogue signal and send it on to the 282. You will need a streamer as a source, and then after the 282, an amplifier to feed the loudspeakers. The ndx5 xs2 does not require an ndac as it has a dac onboard. So either streamer plus ndac plus 282 plus amplifier, or nd5 xs2 plus 282 plus amplifier.
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It’s just that I was told the nDAC was well nigh better than the onboard DAC of the ND5 XS2. I have the 282 feeding a NAP 250DR.
If you have an ndac then use it, but I ‘d try the nd5 xs2 on its own first.
I’ve been using an old MeridianExplorer2 USB DAC directly into my 282 CD input (probably Aux 2 may work as well) via M2 MacBook Air, iPad (USB C) but finding it too fiddly with USB-C TO USB-A TO USB-B TO 3.5 MM Stereo Jack TO RCA. I always have to use the mute button when I’m moving or changing the source device. All this necessitated by the sacking of my SuperUniti streamer/DAC section and pre-out to NAP 250DR sounding rather mundane, whereas the 282 has taken it all to the promised heights!
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That’s the kind of situation - complicated USB conversions - that i had in mind.
But bear in mind, nDAC works best with SPDIF, ideally on BNC.
It’s not so elegant with USB digital connections. Although it can be done, (with converters).
As @bruss suggested, ND5 XS2 is a great streaming partner - digital source - with a nDAC. The nDAC ( external DAC ) will elevate this lovely streamer to next level. But the ND5 XS2 works fine with its own internal DAC too.
Good luck
R
Actually I have neither, but I’m trying to make up my mind in the secondary market - the person selling nDAC may accept my SuperUniti as a 1 for 1 exchange, the ND5 XS2, not so, but available at a decentish price of GBP1400 (new and unboxed).
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If you can afford both, go for it, you won’t be disspointed.
Otherwise collect both, over time, as budget is available.
Good luck
R
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Don’t forget to also budget for the Naim DC-1 digital BNC cable between the ND5-XS2 and the nDAC, either used or new.
The three together perform organically at or above NDX2 level (for a lot less money), which is the minimum performance level for any NAC282 system I would say.
Given used prices now there’s also the option of combining all these items into one New Classic series NSC222 streaming preamp.
This may turn out be a comparable financial outlay, towards a newest product, which does have a slightly different sound signature, but saves on boxes. Many ways forward.
So the final considerations are:
1. nDAC with the right SPDIF/ BNC connectors vs ND5 XS2 (connectors?) . . . .could the nDAC sound much better?
2. either one is immediately usable, nDAC temporarily using USB .
- nDAC comes as a possible 1 on 1 exchange for my SuperUniti.
How would the NSC 222 perform vs the NAC 282?
I suggest happy long readings here on the forum using the search function 
But undoubtedly some members will chime in for that question specifically.
I remember seeing those a year or so ago, including using an NDS as DAC. But NDS needs a PS, whereas the nDAC does not immediately need one and I believe ultimately the sound quality is comparable, once I upgrade to an nDAC with a PS. . . right?
I already tried a couple of searches but could not find those posts.
Search “ The Best Things ” part one, two, three.
Also, “ A Journey into Streaming Audio ”
BW
R
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Or should I skip all that and settle for a ND5 XS2 or NSC 222 (if’s good or better than NAC 282?
FWIW, my personal opinion, ND5 XS2 is better than streaming platform in NSC222. If you add nDAC - so ND5 XS2 + nDAC combined - this becomes a really impressive digital source.
Also, majority of forum agrees NAC 282 is significantly better than pre module in 222. (Although small sample of forum members disagree on that idea). But, on the whole, there seems to a consensus with this.
Albeit, allowing for obvious differences in presentation between OC and NC items
BW
R
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Och! No offence but how abstruse. I was trying model numbers in a head to head kind of situ.
I am inclined to agree! after my utter debacle with SuperUniti as a streamer. In matter of fact I thought my Uniti 2 (with CD included)n sounded better than SU over my (then) Totem Model 1 Signature speakers.
Now I’m driving these:
I know this forum is not a place where we typically compare sizes, but I’m pretty sure that at 18 inches, “mine is bigger than yours”. BTW the woofer is driven by “500W” Hypex Plates (Class D with DSP built in) and the other 3 drivers have a regular passive crossover. A peculiar beast, all DIY, built faithfully to spec. The-Loudspeaker-2
Indeed, but I have understood this changes when arriving at a 222 streaming preamp, 300 power supply and 250 power amp as an organic whole (endgame for the OP?) system.
Again, with the used prices now one may arrive at different combinations than previously with all the boxes involved in a balanced NAC282 system of source, power supplies and amps.
But apart from that there is the different sonic signature between OC and NC that one might or might not prefer.
@skipper44 I suggested the search function, which is normally not that friendly to do, because there have been various recent (lenghty) discussions on this topic. Glad to see that @ratrat has already pointed you to some of his well written stories on that journey.
But whatever is written here, there is no substitute for hearing the various options yourself in one or more demos, or trying it out at home.
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