For what it’s worth when I reviewed the NSS333 for Soundstage a while back the uplift from my NDX was absolutely gigantic - much more air, space and transparency to the sound. The gap was so wide I actually stopped unpacking the rest of the 300 system just to listen to it into my 82/250/HiCap ATC SCM40 system. It left me realising just how much streaming sound quality has improved in recent years and that was just comparing Tidal at 16/44 on both devices. The NDX runs a bit closer to the NDX2 if playing local 16/44 rips of course, although I have basically stopped playing those because the NDX2 is so good on Tidal that it is better than an NDX is playing local files. At that level of quality I have pretty much stopped buying CD’s and ripping them - why bother? If I want to own an album I tend to buy on vinyl now because at least that offers a different experience to the digital copy. I simply wouldn’t have done that as an NDX owner.
I couldn’t afford the NSS333 though and so decided to make the move to NDX2 as the “next best option”. When I arrived I was genuinely surprised just how good it is and how close it gets to the NSS333. It’s always difficult to quantify anything by percentage uplift in sound but if the NSS333 was scored 100% I would put the NDX2 at 85% and the NDX at 50% of the performance.
On that basis then I would suggest that the NDX2 at the sort of prices quoted here, and bearing in mind the fact it uses the latest Naim streaming architecture is a bit of a no brainer! The NDX2 gives you a much nicer screen that isn’t prone to failure, it offers Qobuz and
Just my view as someone who has heard all three and lived with them.
Strange. I just saw online a NSS333 from Focal!!!
Focal NSS 333. @Richard.Dane its probably just a website error/mislabeling but figured I’d point it out.
Got the ndx2 , major uplift on Sq vs ndx and if using tidal , the tidal connect/ native integration is much better. One other thing i learned is to not use the naim app volume control options - variable or hybrid to limit max volume but keep it on ‘fixed ‘ or at 100% as it makes a marked difference to SQ. I use the volume control on the 282 only. This was confirmed by a naim staff member on another thread as reducing max volume using the naim app to say 75 percent impacts the dac implementation negatively.
You may want to see other threads on the nDAC. The consensus seems to be that ND5XS2 plus nDAC is about equal to a naked NDX2, while adding XPSDR to the nDAC makes it roughly equal to NDX2 plus XPSDR.
There seem to be strong views but less consensus on the merits of adding nDAC to NDX2 or above.
Thankyou Nick, I have previously read most of those threads which lead me to purchasing an ND5xs2 for my pre-existing nDAC/PS555DR.
I’m just curious of JonathanG of Soundstage comments on an nDAC with the OC streamers relative to what he has reported with his Soundstage NSS333/NDX2 writings.
So where would an NDX2/nDAC/PS555DR sound compared to a NSS333 with/without NPX300/PS555DR ?
I can’t help much because I have it done comparison, but the impression I got for the recent Salisbury listening session and the related chat was that a naked 333 was regarded as an upgrade from a naked NDX2, but perhaps not quite a match for NDX2/XPSDR.
Adding an NPX300 to the 333 was regarded as making it a clear step up from the NDX2/XPSDR combo and perhaps better than NDX2/555PSDR.
I also got the impression that the 555PSDR is regarded as very competitive with the new NPX300, but I could be wrong about that.
Others who have made the direct comparison will be more use I think.
Wouldn’t tapping up your local dealer to see if you can’t borrow an ndx/333 for yourself give you a much clearer idea of the subtle differences between those components? I don’t think you’ll be any wiser asking for someone elses opinion on here fella… To many variables, surely?
having heard all 3 products, I would have gone to an NDS and fed that with a more current streamer (and there are many in the market) In my opinion it is in another league to NDX2.
I agree with Jonboy, with such specific combinations you really need to hear them for yourself and ideally in your own system.
With a much higher budget then personally I would always opt for the latest streamer, even if it means being without a power supply or off board DAC simply because it will be the most future proof, it will have the longest serviceability and parts availability and it will always offer the most upgrade potential.
If however I had fiscal constraints then a discounted NDX2 is a stellar purchase.
I hope that’s helpful. Just as a final aside while I am flattered anybody reads or seeks my opinions on gear, the main benefit of reading reviews is hopefully to gain an impression of what it’s like to use a particular product, how it sounds and if it might be worth shortlisting for audition. Along the way (hopefully) it’s an entertaining read that allows you to feel like you’re experiencing sitting on my sofa listening with me. It should feel like an afternoon playing music on a different hifi with a good mate . It should give you an impression, but it should never be a substitute for listening yourself - especially when booking a dem is so much fun to do!
The NDX2 and NSS 333 are both such a giant leap above the NDX especially on Tidal/web streams I think you will be astonished whichever you choose!
Currently in Australia there is a distributor/dealership conundrum that has been in play for last 18 months, which makes it difficult for any Australian dealer to carry demo/loan stock.
My last four purchases of nDAC, Core, PS555DR and ND5xs2 have all had to be blind purchases. Fortunately these individual boxes have achieved their unique reputations that made the blind purchasing less risky, thanks to advice on this forum.
My local Naim dealer with whom I have a good 40yrs relationship now only carries very minimal midfi Naim stock. The next dealer is a moderate 5 day/3000km drive away.
Having participated in the old Naim forum and this current forum for 35 years has allowed me to ascertain some advice and opinions of value.
. It should give you an impression, but it should never be a substitute for listening yourself - especially when booking a dem is so much fun to do!