NDX2 with XPSDR - where next?

CautiousLip · February 11, 2020, 10:16pm

Hi all

I’m confused as where to go next. Not sure if it’s worth keeping the XPSDR if I go to an external DAC like the Chord Dave? What does the XPS power?

Has anyone gone from my set up to external DAC or gone to a ND555 with XPSDR?

Thanks

Gazza · February 11, 2020, 10:22pm

ND555 needs a 555ps, cannot use an XPSDR,

JosquinDesPrez · February 11, 2020, 11:42pm

It’s the other way around. People go from NDX2/XPSDR to NDX2/555PS. As stated already, XPSDR cannot be used for ND555.

The path is…
NDX2
NDX2/XPSDR
NDX2/555PS
ND555/555PS
ND555/555PS/555PS

and cables…
Lavender…HiLine…SuperLumina

and power cable…
standard…PowerLine

frenchrooster · February 11, 2020, 11:57pm

@Simon-in-Suffolk had tried Ndx2 with Dave. The xps dr is not useful in that configuration.
@Nick.Lees has an Ndx/ Dave.

You can add a 555 dr to the Ndx2 , to go further. Then later replace the ndx2 by an Nd555.

Mike_S · February 12, 2020, 3:39am

Depends where you are heading. Superlumina and Powerlines will give great improvements without worrying about box changes, and can be carried forward if you upgrade boxes later on.

ChrisSU · February 12, 2020, 6:46am

With Dave I would suggest that you consider an ND5XS2 as digital transport. This would free up some cash to spend elsewhere. It can be difficult to ignore your expectations, but worth doing the demo.

m2bfx · February 12, 2020, 3:47pm

And a open cheque book …

JosquinDesPrez · February 12, 2020, 4:03pm

I was thinking a very healthy HELOC.

MIKEVET · February 12, 2020, 9:52pm

Agree. Just get the correct Length I moved house and thought 3 m or superlumina would do but needed 5M as I changed the placement of set up . Doh

MIKEVET · February 12, 2020, 9:53pm

What is the power line ? Is that the cable into the box from mains power ?

Mike_S · February 12, 2020, 10:03pm

Yes, that’s it.

Eoink · February 12, 2020, 10:07pm

Specifically Powerline is the high end Naim mains cable.

CautiousLip · February 13, 2020, 2:44pm

Thanks - main query was if the power supply becomes redundant if using an external DAC? Not sure what the XPSDR powers. If its the analogue outputs it won’t be needed.

ChrisSU · February 13, 2020, 3:02pm

The XPS powers everything - the NDX2 lead must be unplugged.

MIKEVET · February 13, 2020, 9:18pm

Ah , I have power line lite . The power line is the upgrade then ?

Eoink · February 13, 2020, 9:22pm

Yes, the blurb on that link describes the features. It shares the wall plug with wobbly pins of the Lite, but takes the physical decoupling much further at the equipment end. I think they’re £600 at the moment.

MIKEVET · February 13, 2020, 9:37pm

Cheap as chips then

seakayaker · February 14, 2020, 1:28am

…business must be very good Mike!

CautiousLip · February 17, 2020, 8:14am

Still looking for an answer re benefit of using XPSDR if using an external DAC?

If using a Chord Dave (or similar) - will NDX2 to Dave be any worse or better than NDX2/XPSDR to Dave?

Thanks all

InTune · February 17, 2020, 4:14pm

I just added a Chord Hugo TT2 and Mscaler to my NDX2 - and I am in love.