Nd5XS as a transport, worth an external PSU ?

[macs4all]

Hello everybody,
actually I use a “legacy” ND5 XS streamer as a transport-only, feeding its digital output to an external DAC.
I wonder if adding an external PSU, to the ND5, would improve sound quality. If so, would the improvement be marginal or substantial?
I almost stream files locally, from NAS, but also enjoy Tidal (less frequently).
Thank you for your advice and opinion

[robert_h]

Hi see here

ND5XS power supply

Hi chaps. So I think there’s another similar thread running on power supplies but if members don’t mind (and let’s keep it short and simple) I would start another. I have an ND5XS and wondered if adding a power supply (say a XP5XS) would add much sonic benefit? Obviously the downstream bits count…so that’s a Supernait 2 playing into a pair of bespoke made speakers (totally rebuilt Ditton 44’s…only the cabinets are original). I also have a CD5X with a Flatcap 2X for the very occasional CD use…

[macs4all]

Thank you for the notice!
A lot of useful information over that thread. Not expressely addressing the use of the ND5XS as a transport only, but much detailed anyway, with several reports from direct/personal experiences.

[Jack]

What DAC are you using and how are you feeding from the ND5?

[macs4all]

Feeding from the ND5 through the BNC digital out, to Exposure MCX CD player (BNC digital in socket).

[HiFiman]

I wouldn’t bother purchasing an external PSU for the ND5XS (transport only) what I would do though is use the money towards an ND5XS2.

[Jack]

Given your CD/DAC I would be surprised if you could distinguish a substantial improvement from the additional PS. You could always demo (maybe) or as HiFiman suggest put the money towards something else.

[macs4all]

Thank you both for your advice @Jack and @HiFiman.
Much probably, a new generation Naim streamer or a better DAC (say one of the offering from Chord, like Hugo, Hugo 2 or TT), represent a better way to improve sound quality, rather than adding an external PSU.