Am running ndx plus xps dr with 282 hicap nap250 dr and proac d40r speakers . Time to upgrade the ndx . Wondering if I should go nds or ndx2 . Mainly want to improve sq in terms of clarity and bass control .
Just started using tidal after finding a way to convert Spotify playlists to tidal but the naim app integration to tidal on ndx is poor. Am in hong kong so its not difficult to get naim kit but no demos possible.
We have very similar systems. May I ask what’s more important? Clarity or bass control. While both can be improved with a better source, the needle won’t move nearly as much for bass control on a source upgrade versus a amp/speaker upgrade.
I am still 100% happy with my NDX/XPSdr source so cannot comment on the sound quality merits of the NDX2 or NDS but without a doubt, the NDX2 provides more robust streaming options.
I suspect nearly everyone will tell you the NDX is the weak link. I’m not sure I’d agree. It’s functionally very limited but for local NAS streaming is superb. So if it was me, I’d decide where my priorities are and go from there. An NDX2 for more clarity and functionality. Different speakers to complement your room better for bass definition (not necessarily better speakers but different presentation).
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Hi , I would say Bass control , plus glitches with the naim tidal interface for ndx .
If I turn up the volume to 9 o clock the setup sounds sublime but at lower wife friendly listening volume, bass is a bit muddy. I have tried the proac d30rs and the Atc sm’s which in theory should be easier to drive but the d40r sound better.
Both Naim and Proac people at tbe factory have said the 250 dr is more than capable of driving the d40r
Hi Rojo,
My only contribution to this would be to say that having recently acquired a NDX2 it is the most complete digital music maker I’ve ever had in my system at least with FLAC>WAV files from the NAS. And yes I prefer it to my CDS3.
Regards,
Lindsay
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I really doubt you’ll resolve that problem with a source. The ProAcs are a very capable speaker and well matched to the amp. But maybe not to your room and/or background listening levels.
If it was me I’d start there and if more functionality is needed on the NDX, maybe use it as a DAC fed by a budget transport until you can make a leap to something else.
Hi, from my experience of the NDX, NDX2 and NDS, I would suggest
- NDX is good as a DAC, and not that dissimilar to the NDX2… they sound a little different, but swings and roundabouts. Enjoyable presentation, I wouldn’t say particularly accurate or resolving. The DAC on the NDS is way ahead in accuracy, resolution and insight… though appreciates better partnering equipment
- The streamer network controls and logical interfacing on the NDX and NDS are limited. They are optimised for local low latency unenencrypted streaming, or lossy Spotify from the cloud. Lossless Tidal is a stretch and will be susceptible to dropouts… However even for local streaming they are susceptible to home UPnP server frame timing performance to affect SQ… so you may find different UPnP servers ‘sound’ different from each other. This issue was addressed in the later streamers.
The NDX2 is more capable here, significantly assisted by the StreamUnlimited network application module (which replaced the BridgeCo module in the NDX/NDS), and as such is largely isolated from ‘network’ vagaries whether they be local or cloud, including WLAN. - With regard to digital audio output, both the NDX and NDS are similar and seem to here… both are good. The NDX2 seems to excel here, and plays better into higher definition external DACs.(in native mode), though the NDX2 optimizes itself for digital or analogue streamer output, it can’t do both at the same time.
- Automation; the NDX2 has a more limited set of automation functionality compared to the earlier streamers. The NDX and NDS excel here, and through the Naim app you can control a connected Naim CD player.
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The nds will be similar to your ndx in the way it performs as a streamer and integrates with stream sources, it required a power source and lacks the colour functional screen of the ndx2 and at some point it’s screen may fade and eventually require replacing…however it would give higher sq and is much better built than the ndx2, also I think it will become more sort after it being such a high spec product - naim have recently stated that the nds does not require servicing thanks in part to its build quality. Because of the need to buy a power source the nds option may currently cost around the same as the ndx2 however the nds is likely to retain value whereas the ndx2 will continue to depreciate as it too becomes an ‘older generation’ streaming device (the nds is already in that category). An nds with 4.8 firmware and being controlled with the latest naim app works well with Spotify and tidal (the nds also suffered the glitches u mention with tidal but the newest naim app appears to have fixed this) but would need a third party bridge to stream qobuz or tidal highest res, however as streaming services evolve the ndx2 may also be ‘left behind’ as require outside help. For sure the ndx2 gives a great sound and is currently the easiest to live with but for ultimate sound quality without spending many thousands on an nd555 and with a willingness to employ work around for some streaming services the nds is unbeatable and will flatter your system and wow your ears
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Tidal Connect is a godsend as you can use the Tidal app, not the poor naim one.
For that reason alone NDX2.
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And Tidal Connect uses (I think) a different library on the NDX2/ND555. I generally prefer the presentation on Tidal Connect over regular cloud streaming via the Naim app for Qobuz and Tidal.
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Thanks Simon!
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Thanks!
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I liked the Ndx2 bare but when I added the Ps555 DR it took it to different level. It really needs a power supply to shine. Gave so much more, including much better bass control and clarity.
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It does, but on mine 555PSDR changed the balance and slightly tightened up the upper mid… but it still had that distinctive NDX2 character… I felt NDX2 couldn’t really take advantage of what the 555PS was capable of providing … but my opinion.
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Thank you all for your inputs , will probably go with the ndx2 and the xpsdr i have already should be adequate support to it. I havent tried qobuz or roon so if i can connet tidal to ndx2 through tidals native interface that should be enough
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Good luck, do share how you get on, I think the NDX2 is a cracking product.
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Simon’s post is a good summary of the differences between the NDX, NDX2 and NDS.
If sound quality is your priority I would without doubt choose NDS in preference to NDX2, as long as you accept its limitations in terms of support for streaming services, and increased risk of faults in an older unit.
Another possible approach would be to add a separate DAC to your NDX, or, if you want the benefit of a newer streamer, an ND5XS2, but this has been discussed extensively here in other threads.
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The NDX2 is a amazing network player! Highly recommended 
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That’s what I’d do too. I’m sure you are aware that the NDX2 is discontinued and that shops are offering it for £3,799 rather than the original £5,999. If you want a new one you need to grab one while you can.
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Indeed as of the start of November… so if you want one it will need to be existing stock, it appears Naim won’t be making any more to order. That’s quite a discount though… so could be attractive for some.
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And it still has a green logo!
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