I have a 555dr fitted to my ndx2. But, as the saying goes,” The devil finds work for idle hands to do”
Does adding an external dac to the above bring any real benefits? And by real im thinking upto £2k. If most of the 555s benefit is to the analogue side, then keeping the 555 with an external dac is pointless. Could I sell the 555 and replace that box with a dac and hear real improvement or, do I need to find something to do and stop overthinking it?
Different DACs are not just better or worse than each other. They are different, potentially in ways that may match your equipment, personal taste or room acoustics in a way that you prefer. If you “need to find something to do” perhaps that should be to get hold of some demo equipment and see what floats your boat.
You can sell your Ndx2 / 555 dr and get a bare NSC 333. Some say the last is better.
Or sell the 555 dr and get a Chord Hugo TT. But will you like it?
Then you have thousands of dacs in the market.
Apart trying yourself at a dealer place, it would be bingo play if not.
Trade the NDX2 for a “ND5xs2 and nDAC” and then attach the PS555DR to the nDAC. It’s a very musical and satisfying combination (that I enjoy).
Presume you’ve tried Naim power amps from 300 upwards? The MF power amp stands out to me as a possible unbalancing influence on the system .. but of course not the case if you’ve tried them all and prefer it. The DAC changes mentioned above sound slightly sideways rather than upwards - is the potential change worth the inevitable outlay?
Not quite my findings, with the big dac/streamer comparisons here two years ago.
We (me and the owner of the NDX2 and XPS-DR) found that slotting my nDAC and DC-1 cable between them was definitely an uplift in SQ. Using my ND5-XS2 instead of the NDX2 that way produced a rather similar end result. I can only imagine how good the SQ would be with a lovely 555PS instead of a XPS-DR.
The power supply seemed to bring more to the nDAC than previously to the NDX2. Without the power supply it could indeed be considered a sideways move. Better to use that, as I have done, to bring the ND5-XS2 up to the bare NDX2 level on a budget.
Anyway YMMV of course, and other options like the NSC333 reduce the box count.
OK, and not displeased to hear it, being the owner of NDAC in one system and NDS in the other. Thought the NDX2 might have been better than you say.
Power amp demo is on my list to do with my dealer. Ot will start with nc250 and rega solis, when he gets a demo solis in. I’d really be after nc350 rather than 250.
No trade required as I have a nd5xs2 and nDac in second system. I could try this.
I dont really want to increase boxes. So a new dac would likely mean selling the 555dr. But, if the 555 is also powering the digital side would that impact things ?
Sounds fun … and of course include the MF!
I perhaps look at the MF through rose tinted glasses. It took me years to find a decent one and I have since “ upgraded” it. I always think a power amp should just do what it is told by the pre and source and just provide near unlimited ability to drive the speaker. In my case PMC Twenty5 24i.
Im awaiting a dealer demo to see/hear if something from this century can better it.
Looking forward to you trying these with the 555DR and reading your findings!
Could be while!
When I added the PS555DR to my nDAC, the uplift in musicality and enjoyment was staggeringly better - it was comparable to changing every single item in the complete musical chain.
It reinforces what you suspected in starting this thread - and you only need to invest 10mins of time to try it.
Once you hear this combination of either NDX2 or ND5xs2 feeding an nDac/PS555DR, you’ll discover one of Naim’s most enjoyable combinations.
It’s pretty easy for me to move the Ndac downstairs and connect to the dig out of the ndx2. But, rack space would be my next issue.
Remind me, the ndx2 will need a power lead. And the the Ndac and 555dr will also need a power lead ?
Reason for asking is I remember putting a power lead into the ndx2 when it was also fed with a powered xpsdr. 
Maybe overthinking
The NDX2 DAC is pretty good , in fact I’ve found it better than the nDAC , I’ve on sold the nDAC
So my advice is just keep what you have, surely it sounds wonderful
Having said that I also have the NC NSS 333 in my main system
As some member mentioned this one boxer is worth a listen, it’s a cracker
If using NDX2 as transport into nDAC/555 you will need 3 power cables.
nDAC requires mains connection even with an external PSU.
Our history with NDX2/nDAC is well documented here. We plumped for nDAC.
If we did move to Weiss, Dave or ANO DAC we’d be very happy to retain NDX2 as transport.
CDS / 555? You would just need to get a CDS.
The nDAC has a great drive which is attractive. Overall the NDS is super musical. It just sounds right if not super detailed.
Your taste, room, system may give different results.
@Bevo i have the 333 with its power supply and find it SIGNIFICANTLY better than the NDX2 with an XPSDr power supply
Fascinating but not relevant. He has a 555 PSU not a XPSDR. And for the umpteenth time … as you changed all your sources and amps at the same time you cannot attribute the improvement to the 333. You’ve acknowleged this yourself. For the sake of the forum members who may not know your context - please stop misleading them - serious money is at stake, and it’s not yours.