NDS & CD 555 PS upgrade

Streaming Audio
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I can get my hand on a NDS and CD 555 PS (DR model) from 2017 and 2019 respectively, for what I think is fair price. But I have a few questions how to incorporate this in my system:

  1. I would like to use my ND5XS2 as a transport into the NDS so I can use TIDAL MAX. But I was wondering how you connect these two since I’m not familiar with a transport. I’m assuming digital out on ND5XS2 to digital in on NDS? What kind of cable can be used for this? And is a ND5XS2 ‘good enough’ as a transport?

  2. Does this upgrade make any sense in my system? Dynaudio Contour 20i and NAIT XS3 with HiCAP DR. It feels like the source is completely overpowered, but then again I hear a lot of people say ‘source first’ :wink:

  3. I’m using a 900 VA balanced power transformer. Do you guys think I can connect the 555 PS to this power transformer? Or will it be limited in peak currents somehow?

Your input is much appreciated! Thanks

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You can connect the digital out from the ND5XS2 to the digital in of the NDS. ND5XS2 supports BNC digital output. Just make sure the enable the socket in the menus otherwise you won’t hear anything :grin:. @Dan_M did this with his setup to good effect. He might be able to offer a better insight.

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I have just bought a ND5XS2 for my NDS/555PS and am thrilled with the difference the transport made, I think you will be even more so though, as the NDS is a great DAC and will be a significant improved over the DAC in the ND5XS2; you will see that some prefer it to the ND555.
I used a DC-1 cable from Naim; BNC to BNC.

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I use NDS with an external streamer so only as a DAC. It makes the NDS dance in the dark :man_dancing::saxophone:

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How does the sound compare between the NDS and its internal streamer vs NDS/ND5XS2 playing the same track from a UPNP source?

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It has a bit more ‘snap’, a little more control and reach on the bass, possibly a little more separation. It is difficult to quantify, but even after a couple of months, I still stop in my tracks thinking the system sounds great and better.

So definitely an upgrade. I was surprised as I bought the ND5XS2 for it’s Roon and multi-room streaming capabilities, as the NDS could not cope and I was fed up with the Sonore Bridge which for me was not reliable. So I am very pleased indeed.

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The digital inputs on Naim streamers and DACs include optical and coax sockets, but the outputs are coax BNC only, so this is what you should use.

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I have an nd5xs2 in second system. If the FW was not still doing some tricks, I have checked the option.
From pure upnp I think there is minor difference - or only different sounding. The nds falls short on steaming from the net - but not from local server.

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Oops! Posted edited. :grimacing:

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One more question. Currently the TV is connected to the ND5XS2 by using the optical input. Should I leave it like this? So TV → ND5XS2 → dc1 → NDS.

Or is it better to use the optical in on the NDS directly?

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We’ve always found SkyQ->NDX2->nDAC to sound better than SkyQ->nDAC (both optical connected).

Something the NDX2 provides in isolation or DSP adds a little something. This has been true across various FWs.

Suspect it might be the same on your setup.

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Berrie, any reason why you are using a power transformer? Naim equipment tends to prefer direct connection to a stock mains supply, so it would probably be worthwhile checking the difference with and without, especially with a front end this of this level.

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Good point. I will check it for sure. The reason for the power transformer is because I’m living in an apartment from the 1930’s with debatable wiring. I’m getting really good results with the audes power transformer, which apparently is able to draw high currents. But I will check it out. The NDS and 555PS are both in, but it’s just too hot to do anything now..

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