I use the ND5XS2 as a transport for the NDS which is what is in my profile
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The NDS is used in the same way, playing a UPnP stream.
Unlike on the ND555/NDX2 etc where there is a RoonReady integration that interfaces with the Roon Server separate to playback of a UPnP stream from a UnitiCore, UnitiServer, Asset or Minim based server (all UPnP servers).
The Naim app is just the controller, which in a UPnP playback lists & displays the file & services available on the server. When one is selected to be played the UPnP Renderer (ND555) requests the file from the server and it is streamed from the server to the Renderer.
Within a Roon environment, the Roon Remote app lists & displays the files & services available. When one is selected to be played, it is streamed by the Roon Server to the selected endpoint, which just receives the file.
Roon on the NDS, the Bridge presents as an endpoint but converts the bitperfect stream as a âpushedâ UPnP feed to the Ethernet input on the NDS. This is then played exactly the same as if it came from a UPnP server. There are no issues with the buffer size in the BridgeCo board, as the stream is âlocalâ to the NDS, ie the Roon Server is on the LAN, and any marshalling required with an internet based service such as Tidal or Qobuz is undertaken by the Roon Server, allowing the network player to focus on playback (plus undertaking less processing & less processing draws less current from the 555DR power supply, which as Naim told us in the past, generates less noise in the playback process) 
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What I wanted to say, simply, is that Roon app gives a bit different sound than using the Naim app. So if you are mainly using Roon, you may not notice the difference between 4.8 and 4.9.
Anyway, some found the 4.9 less enjoyable sounding vs the 4.8. The former giving some shrillness sometimes.
Not when using Roon with NDS using a Bridge, as the feed into the NDS is UPnP, as with the Naim App, which is simply a UPnP Controller.
Roon may sound different for ND555 verses the Naim App, as this a different integration in the network player. The RoonReady integration doesnât use UPnP and therefore very well may sound different, particularly if it drawing more current from the power supplies, more current draw = more noise.
More processing in the network player to support the Internet based streams directly may take more processing power, and bigger buffered data in the StreamCo board.
Didnât find that. Maybe the power supply arrangement or network optimization I use minimize the differences. Or my amp, speakers, cables or room treatments.
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I would be afraid of losing some PRaT and or involvement by using an external streamer, should it be ND5XS2. Isnât it the case? Do you have a direct BNC/BNC connection (which one?) or are they connected via the audioswitch?
Absolutely not.
Much of the overall system sound signature comes from the DAC.
The PRaT comes from the DAC and preamp.
During firmwaregate we connected an iPad, RPI and NDX2 to our nDAC. Youâd be surprised how close an iPad via good S/PDIF converter is to an NDX2 as a digital source. Using the iPad our system still had the naim sound.
The better the source (and software) the better the end result, but itâs quite possible to have the famous naim sound with a non naim source.
Many have reported great increases in SQ using non naim streaming transports into 272/NDS. The NDS is unmatched on local streams, but a separate transport can provide quite an uplift to internet radio or Tidal/Qobuz streams (with the added benefit of access to HiRes content).
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I did not test any external network transport on NDS, therefore I have no advice. I did test an external network transport on nDac and the result has been SQ ++ combined to PRaT --. The same network transport did a marvelous job connected to the on board DAC of a Classé Audio preamp on another system. Thus, I am skeptical.
Presently in the process of moving Apartments in Dublin.
As I was packing up the NDS and 555DR power supplies, was remind they are solid quality pieces of equipment. Great cases and chassis on both, and the brass suspension on the NDS is reference level on the Analogue output stage of the DAC.
Going to be a few weeks before set back up, as I about hundreds of boxes to be finished packing, the physical moving and then resorting everything in the new place.
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Anyone moved from NDS to NSS 333?
I just moved from NDS to ND555 and the difference is enormous.
The latter is indisputably better in every way.
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Wonderful to hear you are so pleased. Please could you let us know the rest of your system so we have some context as I cannot see it in your profile
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Can you give a rough idea of the cost to change, including any changes in power source(s) and/or interconnects?
Is that a rhetorical question?
I stay with my opinion that NDS on 3.8 has more on the table than nd555 3.11 - but it is a lot taste related. I love textures 
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Me too. The Nds has more meat on the bones vs the 333.
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With or without 300ps?
Strange thing but I have more balance today than before. Maybe the 552/500/NDS became too much for my rather small room. I want deep defined layered bass but not bass the overtakes the presentation. The nait50 have taken me on a new journey and my hope is NSSS300+NPX300 takes me further in that direction. Letâs see where it ends up ND555 seems more tiring to the ear than 333 from what I read. When some write about 333 it reads like a modern NDS with more balanced defined bass, more details and edge yet never tiring.
Sometimes I cannot understand how much meat on the bones people can accept in their systems when I see every component having I know has meat on the bones which I have heard and passed on since it adds too much in my room and system. Synergy and taste is a challenging one.
But, I do love NDS but I also did love my 552/500 and moved on and still very very happy so 
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Letâs see where the journey takes you BB.
BD
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Maybe it takes me to Diablo 333. Or Vitus. Or.. 
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With.
But you may prefer the more precise and holographic 333.
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Holographic is nice - like that
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