Being a fan of the CD5X and CD5XS myself, with and without a FC, I appreciate your dilemma.
Although my dealer suggested that he considered the speakers to be the weak link, I can’t see me looking to change these in the foreseeable.
As for going to the 555 level … I do think I’ve set my ceiling with the Classic range (even if a used 555 can be found at a reasonable price). I’m now with my third dealer (over 17 years) and not one has shown any real interest in either taking boxes off me or promoting a used item to me … which leaves me with the Web. My experience buying 2nd hand cars is enough to prevent me going that route
If you are in the UK, then I would look for a fourth dealer. Most Naim dealers are happy to talk about part exchange and most carry used or ex dem stock.
My reading of this forum is a consensus that the nDAC/XPS-DR with the NDX2 is no better than with the much less costly ND5XS2 …
I’m not likely ever to know but as I have no plans, now, to dispose of the nDAC I do leave myself the option of comparing NDX2 with/without it (XPS-DR used accordingly) … if I can face the dismantling/re-assembly necessary to change the cables!
I have to believe that the NDX2/XPS-DR is the better route. If re-introducing the nDAC makes it better-still, then I will assume that I do not agree with that consensus
Ex-dem certainly … but I’ve never had Used stock mentioned to me. Perhaps I have the wrong face (i.e. the dealer thinks I’ll buy new!)
If you are looking for a particular used or ex dem Naim black box from a dealer you have to do a bit of leg work and be prepared to deal with a Naim dealer other than your regular dealer. Some items are rarer than others.
Although I prefer to develop a long term relationship with one dealer, most will understand if you switch temporarily because of the availability of a particular item.
I heard NDX2 with and without a 555PS DR after a ND5 XS2 in the Naim demo room and for me, the NDX2 was much preferable to the ND5 XS2 and it was improved quite a lot further by the power supply.
Music to my ears!
Ah, well … perhaps next time (though the pension fund is now looking decidedly poorer, suggesting there may not be a next time …)
Thanks for the advice.
I’ve had both the ND5 XS 2 and NDX 2 and whilst the ND5 XS 5 is very good the NDX 2 is on another level, as it should be, given the price ratio. Dial in a XPS DR PSU and it leaves the baby player for dust, like proper gone. Zoom!
I’m not following your route but I’ll take what you say (write) with pleasure!
It now looks as if it will be post Christmas when the NDX2 appears … oh well.
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