I wondered if anyone could tell me why this isn’t working.
For a couple of years I have been having trouble free enjoyment of an ND5XS2 playing from its digital output into an Ndac powered by a CD555psdr using a Bnc to rca digital cable into the Ndac. I thought I’d see how an NDX2 compared to the ND5XS2 but otherwise keeping everything the same. The NdX2 is now set up and is getting a signal from the server as the album that’s playing is showing on the NdX2 screen but no sound is playing and the problem seems to be that the signal is not reaching the Ndac. The sync light on the front of the ndac is not lighting up when the NdX2 as source is selected whereas the n is working as it should when I select the cdx2 as input which is also connected to the dac via a digital Bnc to Bnc cable. I have tried swapping inputs and cables but it makes no difference- the NdX2 and Ndac don’t seem to connect and sync and that was never a problem with the Nd5xs2. Is there something wrong with the NdX2 or am I doing something wrong?
Enjoy, the ndx2 is a fine digital audio streamer that works well with the NDAC… with latter being sensitive to a quality/stable digital audio feed… in my experience at least.
Not quite, the StreamingUnlimited network transport bridge module (NP800) is not the key thing in terms of SQ, the bridge, like the BridgeCo transport bridge before it, manages the network protocol streams and strips out the digital media payloads which it then provides as an internal LVDS data stream to the internal streamer, before it’s clocked and converted into an appropriate SPDIF… it’s the SHARC processor, clock, and streamer interfacing electronics, as well as the ARM processor that reconstruct and create the SPDIF digital audio output… These are essentially the same across the gen 2 streamers, however the impedance of the PSUs are different, and as we know from the recent firmware experiences, noise modulation which in part will be affected by the supply impedance… so there will be subtle differences. Whether differences equate to betterment I wouldn’t like to speculate.
The Naim DAC is, according to my fond period of ownership with it, sensitive to out and band noise on the SPDIF.
I suspect both the nd5 xs2 and NDX2 will both be sounding good on digital outs, but I doubt, and it wasn’t in my experience identically sounding into an external DAC.
I found them to sound the same, as I said, but that was into Chord Dave. I would guess that the NDAC might be more sensitive to any such differences.
As you mention, the differences between models includes more that just the streaming board itself. I would add that the ND5XS2 might even gain a small advantage in having no front panel display and no Zigbee remote control, but that is just hypothesizing.
Indeed, which is why I believe that term is misleading… it is actually a protocol bridge, that peers the network streams and negotiates the link encryption and decryption as well interacting with the cloud hosts and local UPnP, and local casting.… but Naim call it a streaming board in their white paper…I guess because it’s manufactured by StreamUnlimited. The first gen streamers I believe referred to as a bridge, and it was built by BridgeCo back then.
Naim call the actual streamer board the ‘digital board’ now.
BTW Zigbee is super ultra low power so almost certainly not adding to anything even when you use it… it’s sometimes powered by kinetic energy in pushing a switch !
The display consumes power, but one reason why the ndx2 has a beefier powersupply… but I remember Naim saying (I think you were there with me) that there was no measurable interaction from it… certainly I hear no difference at all between display on or off.
I have been fascinated by the discussion notwithstanding that my understanding of the technical aspects is very limited. I look forward to seeing if I can hear any difference between the 2 units and will add my thoughts either way but initial reaction after a short session last night was (a) sounds lovely, (b) (to illustrate the level I am at ) it’s nice to have a picture of the album on the front ( and I am glad to read that having the screen on probably doesn’t affect the sound) and (c) I have always preferred the look of the full width classic series cases to the 5 series ones.
I use a chord 2qute in my other room, no Mscaler, with a Wiim Pro, seems to my ears that I don’t need an expensive streamer. What did make a difference was a Cisco 2960 Switch
I have done the same a/b with my nd5nxs vs ndx2 units into a NDS/CD555PS/282/Hicap DR/250 DR back end. Playing through the Naim app for tidal/qobuz, super lumina IC NDS to 282/HiCap to 250.
Based on earlier forum comments and pictures of the streamers side by side etc I was prepared for no difference. I started the trial with NDS as the streamer via Ethernet and Naim Tidal connect (sans Qobuz) then added my ifi Zen Steam/ MCRU 12v ps via Roon then the two more modern Naim units.
I was hoping I’d be very content to sell off the ndx2 and maybe even the ND5 XS2.
No question the ndx2 clearly bests the ND5 XS2 as a steamer into the NDS. The emotion cohesiveness and excitement of listening was very apparent. Is it worth the $3K CAN price difference used? Over a 5 - 10 year cycle I think so, but of course very personal decision.
Now it’s NDX2 vs NDS with CD555PS listening to see how different they present. (Started the journey with NDX2/XPSDR and the NDS was ++ better IMO.) Never thought I’d be considering the NDX2 as a streamer only, but in my search for the streaming solution best for the NDS and reading how others such as Simon has sang its praises with Chord Dave etc I tried and it does sound amazing:). Others have touted the Sonore Ultrarendu/UPnP bridge solution which I tried and just couldn’t get to work in my environment, although it would be ++ cheaper.
If my NDS ever fails at least I’ll have the ndx2 to fall back upon which will still sound excellent and I’ll be down a box! but I’d prefer things stay as they are:)
I haven’t as yet tried a direct comparison between the NDX2 and ND5XS2 but what is much easier in my set up and more interesting to me is comparing the streamer with my CDX2 (with a digital output) as both are connected to the nDAC. Indirectly this does also I suppose create a comparison between the streamers.
When I got the XS2 a couple of years ago part of the reason was seeing how it compared to the CDX2 and whether the time had come to stop buying CD’s and rip my reasonably large CD collection and rely entirely on the streamer. My view has been that the Cd player had the edge even for high resolution streams ( the xs2 always seemed to produce a more muffled or confused sound though not always hugely) but the convenience etc of the streamer meant it was worth keeping and the more or less limitless range of what I can explore with the streamer has probably meant I used it more than Cd player.
I think generally speaking at least and comparing mainly standard resolution streams the NdX2 is more dynamic than the cd player, bigger, even perhaps brash sometimes but exciting, though perhaps not as pure and sweet on eg female vocals ( eg Tori Amos, Sarah Mclachlan) but then thinking back to the comparisons with the xs2 I do think the NdX2 does give a bigger clearer more open sound than the xs2 ever did and one I much prefer. Whether it’s worth the price difference I wouldn’t like to say but, as I said before I think, I prefer the look of the NdX2 and have no doubts I will keep it.
One of many comparisons. Likely some ownership bias, but plenty have tried both/all combinations. Personally I could easily live with any of them. At the time the NDX2 was beyond my budget but things have changed.
@marcusman I was not thinking of changing my NDX2/XPSDR. I was just curious. BTW, I first had the ND5XS2 and found my current streamer combination a very significant upgrade. I am sure that replacing the XPSDR with a 555PS would further improve my streaming, but whether the 11K cost could be justified in terms of SQ improving, leaves me unsure. I only have my new Spendor D7.2 for three days. My dealer feels adding the 555PS might not be a cost effective option and I should wait to see how the new speakers work out in my room. So far I am impressed but after three days it is too early.
Agreed. Give those lovely speakers time to burn in. I’m 100% with you living in North America even if adding the 555PS is an upgrade the cost is too high. Much easier to find 2nd hand Naim gear in the UK.