NDS + XPS bargain deal or nDac

Hi-Fi Corner
21

Hello Jonny,

Thank you very much for this info, I will try to see if I can stream from it directly this weekend and try to compare to my node as a streaming device.

From all I hear I will probably not want to unplug it from my system after this weekend :slight_smile:

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For the price you are being offered, the NDS/XPS is a no brainer. I had the same combo for a time and it was amazing but I was seduced by the 555PS eventually. I doubt Iā€™ll ever change it now.

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23

Same here. My non DR 552/500 with NDS/555PSDR feels like my end game. I love looking at and listen to my system everyday. No swings in performance. Just wonderful :green_heart::black_heart:

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24

Hi all - to help a poster who is considering buying an NDS I tried to find him the links for the NDS White Paper (written Crocker & Nilsson 2012) and the link to the latest NDS 4.8 firmware - I could find neither on the Naim web site and if I found links on search engine, whilst I can get a copy of the NDS White Paper (link below fyi) following the link to download the 4.8 software upload produces a Focal web page with error 404 - not available.

It could be that the 4.8 package is flawed and hence removed (unavailable for any streamer) but if so what firmware version should I upload to my NDS? Why has the NDS WP disappeared?

This on top of Naim suddenly deciding that the NDS does not require the previously offered and not inexpensive service leaves one concerned that Namiā€™s legendary continued support of their vintage kit is no longer a givenā€¦?

25

Thereā€™s stuff going in the background with regard to the website and I have found that certain links work some days and not others. The White paper should be available for download (I see you have a link there for the pdf), and also the firmware here;

It usually works, and was doing so a week or so back when I last checked, but not today. Iā€™ll flag it up to someone at Naim to investigate and also ask that the NDS white paper is easier too find from the website.

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26

Iā€™d recommend listening to the XPS box as well as the music as it had a bit of a reputation as a buzzer. Weā€™ve had a fair few Naim boxes in the house and the XPS was the only one that hummed loud enough to be heard throughout the room and even in quiet patches of music and the only one my wife ever complained about. It was a factor in jumping ship to Auralic a few years ago.

Iā€™ve never had an NDS, but with the nDAC I reckon the real game changer is the 555, not necessarily DR.

Roger

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27

Are you one of the few who has made that comparison at home?

28

Yes!

I did not like the BS Node at all either as a streamer or as a dac in my all-Naim system when I tried one a few years ago.

I feed mine with a Naim ND5XS2.

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29

Iā€™ve made that comparison yes :+1:

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30

Was it at home or at a dealership?

31

At home in my system

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32

thanks Richard - no need to post this, I tried again ref the firmware using your link and it appears to now workā€¦ I originally used the exact same link on the. Naim ā€˜Streaming Productsā€™ firmware guide

33
  • 1 for Nds.
    Generally the Nds is considered better than Ndac, a bit like CDS3 vs CDX2.
    For local music, as @Dan_M found some months ago, there is no big difference vs Nd555.
    So for 1k, itā€™s a steal.
    For Qobuz and Tidal, add just something like the Linderman bridge, and you will have a top source.
    If you buy an Ndac, adding even a good transport as the Linderman, or even an Nd5xs2, and a 555 ps to the Ndac, you wonā€™t be at the level of Nds/ 555 dr for local streaming.
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My 555ps is non dr but the sense of satisfaction I get when listening to it far exceeds any expectations I have had throughout my hifi career so DR doesnā€™t beckon to me. I have the same sense with regards to my LP12 and amps. I think the aspiration to own a Klimax LP12 and a 552/500 will always be there (to complete the set so to speak) but itā€™s highly unlikely to happen. Besides what would I do with my mornings surfing eBay and reading this forum if I did? :man_shrugging:

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35

The NDS should be fine with Tidal with the latest firmware and hard wired Ethernet. I know some have experienced problems but I certainly had no issues when I used Tidal for a few months a year or so ago. MY connection goes Sky router(In house)->Airport express(Log cabin)->NDS. So itā€™s a fairly simple signal path. I use Spotify now and it certainly floats my boat so if it suits your ears is well worth a go.

One issue resolved here:

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36

Search this forum for tips on posh Ethernet cables and firmware tweaks.

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37

For me and others itā€™s not stable. But yes, for some as you, Tidal can work perfectly with the Nds.
The other avantage is to be able to stream hires Tidal and Qobuz when adding a modern transport.
Personally I stream only from my Melco.

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38

Mmmmh interesting, will make sure to listen for the humm then.

39

I had found the white paper from the same source as you, hopefully the Firmware will be already up to date!

40

Heard a lot of good things about the Linderman bridge, will have a look at it in the near future hopefully!

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