ND555 Impressions

Melco or Second 555PS ? It comes down to system balance and personal preference as these do different and (in my system) complementary things.

I’ll comment from my system context and my own preference first:

1. The Second 555PS was a must for me as I’d got used to what it did for the CD555 and hence I already had one - but in my Dealer demo of the ND555 we went first with single supply and it was excellent, but not from my perspective ‘special’, as I was trying to eclipse and replace my CD555 in an upgrade and with one supply the ND555 did not better the CD555 I was then running with two supplies.

We tried two supplies and immediately it was to me far better everywhere and taking big strides in the direction I wanted - a non-forced open presentation with natural detail all contextual with the music - nothing over or under-stated.

Also the system balance went more toward the bass weight and authority - this is important in my system as with large full-range speakers you need the bass well-defined or it can easy mess-up the whole.

2. The Melco - all the above was with this as NAS as my Dealer had long ago determined it made all their streaming systems musically ‘sing’ right to their ears - and I’d agreed with what I was hearing in some previous demos. The Melco for me removes cloying coloration and presents better timing from micro-timing of fine-details to deep bass rhythmic clarity. But it can - if mismatched - either sound over-blown or thin - crazy but I’ve heard that happen.

Having already settled on the two-supply ND555 I home-auditioned the two available (at that time) Dealer options from Melco of the SSD (3TB) and HDD (6TB) versions - and preferred the ‘worse’ one the HDD one! It had more bass definition in my system and even though I heard where the SSD was musically better in the mid-band I preferred the (to me) more seamless even if by comparison to the SSD version slightly more colored rendition from the HDD version. Note that comparing the Melco HDD version to my Western Digital NAS drive the latter sounds dull and murky.

So - audition if possible both and decide what works best. It is not about getting the nominally best item but attaining the system performance you are looking for, or at least taking a big enjoyable step toward that.

If you want more of a general shake-down of clarity and timing the Melco first.
If you want more bass weight authority and detail the second supply first.

Just approximate suggestions.

DB.

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Thanks! from your opinion I need both of them

Hi all… have been a bit quite for a while…I have been upgrading my network at home
…I have removed the 2 netgear switches…which were at the heart of distributing everything…and have changed over to a Cisco3750G 24 port 3 layer switch and a new synology nas with a dedicated ups… the Cisco switch is not user friendly to configure but once done…it has made a noticeable improvement…my next update will be my sub switch to hifi … an aqvox se and new cables sometime later this year…

I’ve had a Roon Nucleus+ for a few months now, using it with a QNAP NAS. Recently I experimented with transferring the NAS library to a USB external HDD connected directly to the Nucleus and gained an immediate improvement in solidity, detail, dynamics and timing. Not a massive difference but certainly worthwhile.

Would you mind naming your dealer, DB? I’d like to try some of those AudioQuest cables and they seem to have given you very good support.

Pretty sure DB uses Signals near Ipswich, like myself.

It is Signals - they are near Ipswich where I live so an easy choice initially, but over time I’ve come to value their tenacity and forbearance with the usual HiFi follies that seem to eventuate and they have offered me superb support with a touch of quirky humor.

Key for me is that they are open-minded in trying things that are not strictly orthodox and are prepared to have their own view and perspective, while letting you have yours which may be different.

They have let me try stuff - no pressure - and generally they do good business with me so it works for both of us.

There are some good Dealers about and Signals are certainly one of them.

DB.

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I would second that, its a bit of a treat to meet up with the Signals guys…even when its costing me a lot of money😉

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Many thanks DB and G. They certainly seem to offer great service and have done their homework on all the irritating little tweaks that can add up to a big difference with digital replay. I’m messing around with various of these at the moment, all slightly changed by finding that replay from my Roon Nucleus+ is superior with my library on an external HDD plugged directly into one of its USB ports than when accessed over Ethernet from the QNAP silent NAS, but since your findings, DB, had mirrored my own up until your AudioQuest quest, I definitely want to give them (and the USB cables) a try as well as experimenting with regulated power supplies etc.

I used to wonder when all the tweaks and upgrades would be over. I now realise the answer. Never.

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I dont use Roon any longer but I use a dedicated fanless server running the Linn Kazoo Server much like Roon Nucleus runs Roon Server.

I have tried various configurations. I prefer HDD:s (Seagate Video) over SSD and I prefer having the disk externally mounted in a metal box. And especially mounted in an old HDD Silencer I found in the attic (a very heavy unit). But I have not managed to hear any improvement with linear PS over a good quality SMPS. This is with external power supplies.

Dont laugh! Its source first!!

Interesting. I installed an internal SSD in the Nucleus today. I’m undecided on the sound at the moment, not least of all because it seems to be going through some sort of burn-in and generally improving, but I’ve not ruled out removing it and selling it on…

Remember we have different hardware, different music server software … let your hardware settle in. I decided to build my own box which means I have to tweak and try different mounting etc. to get it right. And I enjoy doing it.

When you buy a Nucleus all this is already done for you … that is what you are paying extra money for while I have to have my HDD in some 1kg copper clad magic box from a company called ”Grow Up Japan” (?).

I am getting a bigger box so I can isolate the SSD better and then try internal SSD again. While you can relax and enjoy your music!

It’s been a right royal pain in the rear discovering how absolutely everything makes a difference with the ND555 compared to the relative simplicity of the CD555. I’m really looking forward to getting the final details sorted and forgetting all about the gear. :slight_smile:

I agree the whole chain - makes a difference - I was shocked at how much the sound changed when i changed out 2 patch leads … it was also interesting to note that the new leads also need running in! I am now in the process - of upgrading all my ethernet leads - to Viablue EP-7S silver. I am also considering running my small WD nas near my (within a meter) NUC … directly. So the only hard wired connection via ethernet is to the WD drive. The NUC for everyday computing would then just use wifi. This way hopefully I can remove any network hash … (with this setup I will require a switch in order to allow the NUC to communicate with the ND555)

Yes…it is a bit strange how the tweaks make the sound fall into place. I now understand why i and others were not blown away at some of the Naim demo,s, and it took a well set up dealer demo to get me hooked.

Totally agree … infact the only way really is to try the equipment for a while at home. I have been so disappointed with dealer setups - and actually this is not a criticism - it is so difficult - to cater for varying requirements … with equipment like Naim - that hates being disturbed - and switching on and off…it must be a nightmare for dealers.

I haven’t so much given up, as reached a point where I am very happy (to put it mildly) with the performance and don’t feel particularly motivated to search for improvements.

I think this is a hallmark of a good system, which matches your ears, taste and room. When you again become more interested in listening to your new music collection than in ways of making it sound better.

But there are always pending things to try. It never ends. On balance I don’t think I would want it to. Although I do enjoy basking on a plateau when I can, for as long as I can.

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:small_blue_diamond:Richieroo,…It is difficult as you say.
Or very difficult to give your music-system an optimal installation.

I usually say that a savvy trader can install your music-system,.and get out about 75-80% of its capabilities.
And then,.I have probably counted a bit high in percentages.

It depends primarily on time,.(if you have knowledge),…It takes time to make an optimal installation,.and your dealer can’t move in with you.
So the rest…up to 100% is up to you, your dedication, your time, your energy, and above all your knowledge of music-system installation.

If you do not have these qualities, knowledge and conditions,.you will stay at 75-80% of your music-system’s capabilities.
This is unfortunately a “forgotten” factor.

So my simple advice,is to spend much more time on the installation.
“Everything Matters”…Is the right way to think when it comes to installation work of your music-system.

/Peder🙂

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@peder I fully agree with you. The two dealers I have had home have installed and ensured that everything worked. Hardly any time was spent on fine tunings. It might be a combination of lack of time and experience / knowledge. I don’t know. On the other hand. I like the fine tuning job. And I am not far away now. I guess.

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