Hello from Hannover, Germany. I enjoy this forum very much. Everything is so well-founded and always polite - really a pleasure. My question today concerns my source. I am currently using an NDX2 via the DC1 from Naim on the N DAC. Overall, I feel it more harmonious and musical on my 252 with SC DR. Currently I have an XPS DR on the NDX2 and an XP5XS on the DAC. I had read that some forum members prefer a non-DR power supply on the DAC and recommend a DR power supply on the NDX 2. What is the reason or the experience? Does it help at all if I run a power supply on the NDX 2 if I use an external DAC? I don’t like to change anything at the moment, because the sound image is more stable for the first time on my 252. But I know that I still lack some contour, especially in the depth in the presentation. And would it be helpful to replace the NDAC with an NDS or is that marginal? Currently there is a used NDS quite cheap. Also there I ask myself the question the 555 with or without DR? There are so many opportunities on the journey…
You almost certainly will hear a subtle ‘difference’… but objectively I very much doubt you would be able to say one provides better SQ than the other.
I personally would not bother. Many years ago I experimented with exactly this on an NDX driving a NDAC just to see…. I didn’t bother in the end…
Despite any critics on the forum, I would want to try my best power supply on the nDac and form my own opinion. So NDX2 without power supply into nDac/XPS DR.
Yep sounds good, and if you can find a pre loved 555PS nonDR for your NDAC you may well be in audio paradise
With your current setup I would suggest that you try the XPS on the NDAC. You can also try putting the XP5XS on the NDX2 but I suspect any improvements would be marginal, and you may be able to simplify your system by selling the cheaper power supply.
I agree with Simon’s comment that if you can find a 555PS (non DR) for the NDAC that would be a great upgrade.
The NDS is also very nice, but has a different sound to the NDAC. To hear it at its best you really want a 555DR power supply, although either of your existing PS would work. Just be aware that it is old tech now and while it should still work well for local UPnP server use, it has more limited streaming capability compared to your NDX2 unless you start using workaround solutions. Future parts availability for servicing could also become problematic.
Absolutely this.
DAC PSU most important, even if source is bare.
Hey, first of all thank you for your messages. When I’m back home, I’ll change the power supplies and or leave it out on the NDX 2 and report how that affected my set up. In Germany, the non-DR of the PSU 555 is difficult to obtain. I keep my eyes open.
Hard to find outside the UK I would guess.
Hi @Frank67 I use XPS (Olive) with NDac and it is a nice upgrade over the NDac bare. If you are in Hannover, it is not too far from Hamburg. ‘Sound & Vision’ in Hamburg are specialised in older Naim components and also offers (if available) non-DR PSU 555 recapped. Take a look at their website. I bought my Olive XPS (recapped) there at a reasonable price. PSU 555 seemed too expensive (4.5k) for me to upgrade a 14-year-old NDac. But for the best sound quality, this is apparently the best choice.
I have always run NDX-FM/Naim DAC/PS555DR and CD555/PS555. Love them both so well I have never had the will to swap the PSs, despite hearing your advice consistently over many years. Maybe soon. Certainly will try when I retire!
If I ever sell on the CD555 I will be in a pickle over which PS to sell (if either).
One of my aspirations when I added the PS555DR was to try both PSs together into one or the other source. Alas, that too is still on my bucket list.
Nick
I wouldn’t do a thing just enjoy the 2 great sources that you have.
Well it is what you are used to… the PS555 non DR gave an organic/analogue style presentation on the NDAC… ie not pristine but great depth.
Mostly wanted to get word out that the DR is a safe bet. Sincerely do want to try the swap one day. Current arrangement means moving the actual boxes, which deters me a bit.
I appreciate the conversation, always.
Nick
I’m kind of glad the 555PS (non-dr) or (dr) is hard to find in the states. Saves me the temptation…