It’s time to upgrade my source which currently is an ND5XS. It’s probably not good to ask on a Naim forum, but I have narrowed my choice down down to the NDX2 or the Bartok. Has anybody heard both and can give an opinion of which one is superior?
I have heard the NDX2 and it is an improvement over the ND5XS. I haven’t heard the Bartok yet, but it tests extremely well. It seems to have a superior architecture also. It’s also twice the price, so is it anywhere close to being twice as better as the NDX2?
I have an XPSDR that could be used with the NDX2 if that would close the gap to the Bartok. I’m trying to find a dealer near me that I can go listen. It would be ideal to audition both side by side, but I don’t think that is going to be possible.
interesting review on Audiophile Style, between chord tt2/ mscaler vs Dcs Bartok vs Dcs Rossini.
here the little conclusion on tt2/ mscaler vs bartok. ( the reviewer has the chord combo as personal source)
And so it went. On recording after recording, the Bartók and the HMS/TT2 showcased their respective strengths. The Bartók led on density, dynamics, physicality, and a wonderfully natural presentation of instruments. The HMS/TT2 had the edge on coherence, transparency, cleaner transients, instrument placement, and voices. Anyone fortunate enough to be considering these pieces for their system, especially as a high-end headphone DAC/amp, needs to audition both.
I usually try not to waffle in these comparisons, and declare the winner to my ears. In this case, all I can say is I am keeping the HMS/TT2 combo and have sent the Bartók review unit back to dCS - but not without a deep pang of regret. It’s that good.
Yeah FR, I saw that review on Audiophile Style just yesterday. It was an excellent review until he lost credibility with me saying that USB is better than through ethernet. The reviewer is a computer geek, so that explains that. It does gives some insight where it stands against the Chord stuff. Too bad he didn’t compare to Naim.
Yeah, if only we all could afford the Rossini! We would be done.
If i was looking to spend 10k on a DAC then i’d be auditioning at home in my own system. Have a ring around a couple of DCS dealers and i’m sure you’ll find one that will be able to help - same with the NDX2.
We would be done.