ND5 XS2 as a DAC vs something else

Is that to switch the ND5 XS2 to the digital input the CD player is connected to? I haven’t never looked into it, but it doesn’t auto switch?

My Hugo doesn’t auto switch either, but it does have a physical button to toggle between its inputs

Exactly that. Airplay or Roon for example, will override whatever the XS2 is currently doing. However, the optical cable does not have the same effct.

I know it’s possible because my Sonos soundbar auto switches from music playback when the TV comes on.

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So DACs that auto switch, or can be manually switched rather than via an app, are what you’re after? Plus maybe SQ benefits :slight_smile:

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Exactly that :wink:

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Of course another option is forget external DACs and get a CD5si but I do have concerns about the long term availablity of parts. With the recent “trade-in your CD player for a streamer” promo, it feels like they’re about to call it a wrap, which is ironic given there seem to be more CD players coming on the market now than in a long while.

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CD5si is a current model, and as far as I recall has a mechanism that’s still being produced and can be replaced if necessary, think it’s a Sanyo (Sustaining Naim CDPs - An Appeal - #81 by gthack).

@Skeptikal runs one I’m fairly sure, as do others on here.

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Take a look at either Weiss DAC205 or DAC204.

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Lend an ear to the Heed Abacus (old model) or the Abacus S (new model).
I have the old model with my SN3 and really enjoy it. Not too detailed, but very musical.
And it is half width.

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Paul Rigby aka theaudiophileman did a review on this a few years back. Just watched it. He rates it very highly too.

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Hi - there is a big thread about the NDac and ND5XS2. Also other Dac options are discussed there (Click here and enjoy)

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If you get a Naim dac, it will keep the Naim sound in your system.

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Slightly different question: is it possible BTW to connect the ND5XS2’s RCA output to a headphone amp and the DIN one to say a NAC202 at the same time, without changing settings?

The output settings do allow for DIN + RCA together, if that’s any help?

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That’s exactly the info I needed, thanks!

It’s possible, but you should expect a small loss of sound quality. No harm in trying though.

Another vote here for the Naim DAC (not the V1). Not sure I’d go with ebay but try HiFi Shark, HiFi Zero, and US/UK audiomart. There are several available for under £1000.

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Why not?

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Too many examples of scams (read through them on this forum).

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Yes, but if you know how to avoid those obvious scams, Ebay is a good source of gear.

It’s where I have bought and sold most of my hifi gear (and many other items) for a long time.

Also PFM.

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In the US, USAudioMart/CanuckAudioMart and Audiogon provide a better platform to buy/sell hifi than eBay, in my experience. USAudioMart in particular, listings are more fluid as there are no fees.

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