Depends amongst other things where you want to end up. Both will sound great with the S20s but if you want to upgrade the separates is the way to go.
Regards,
Lindsay
Thank You for your wise advices, so with SN3+NDX2 Should I expect wow efect or just a small step forward?
You’d not go far wrong with a SN3 + NDX2, it’s the basis of my current system and more than capable and easy to live with. You can tinker with it in the usual Naim fashion but as a 2 box system it’s rather good.
I’ve owned various NAIT’s and both the ND5 XS and ND5 XS2 in the past. Never owned a Nova but do have a fully loaded Linn Selekt DSM by way of comparison.
The Naim system I have is the most enjoyable and capable.
1 Like
Depends on your ears and your system. I can tell you that i demoed a Uniti Star against a SN3/NDX2 and it was surely not a wow effect at all. As far as i have experienced the higher you go in the Naim range the more unimpressive it will sound as first glance. It will get more refined but less direct. The soundstage seems to move further back, but you get a better overall picture of the music (if that makes sense)
I have both and was expecting a good improvement with the SN2/NDX2 over the Nova, but it really is quite a bit better in all regards, detail, drive, dynamics and more cohesion - worthwhile in my experience.
I tried both last year. The NDX2/SN3 is hugely better than the Nova and to me is worth every single penny. I’m not going to say night and day and similar rubbish but it really is very, very much better. So it should be of course, as it is twice the price. If you can afford it, don’t think twice and go for it. But if the Nova is at the limit of your budget, get one and be happy.
7 Likes
I would go with the SN 3 and NDX 2 and they are worth the extra money you need to spend. You should demo at home or have a timeframe you can return for full refund with the dealer if you are apprehensive.
…at some point you man want to add a XPS DR to the NDX 2 which is a nice uplift in sound. (my experience) The SN can be upgraded with a HiCap DR, once again a nice upgrade. (my experience).
A lot of folks are happy with the Nova, others have owned and moved on and upgraded within the NAIM brand of products.
Search is your friend on the forum. Lots of threads discussing the all in one solutions, lots of threads on the integrated amps with streamers and power supplies. I know I was online reading the forum for a couple of months before I went in an bought my first Naim Nait XS 2 with a ND5XS.
Good luck with your decision, best if you hear the system in your room with your ears to come to the final answer.
7 Likes
I agree, I had downsized all the way down to a Nova but when I was offered an NDX2/SN2 demo package I took it.
Having owned some serious Streamer/Dac’s before downsizing, I was disappointed in the front end of the Nova. The swap took care of that problem.
I went down the Naim rabbit hole again and now have a 500/300 system with bunches of boxes. I’m sorely tempted to go back to an SN3/NDX-2.
The one box I’d miss is the most is the ND555. The NAC552/300DR pair are terrific but I listen to headphones so much I can’t justify so many boxes.
The SN2/3 plus NDX-2 are the starting point for Naim owners on their way up the ladder. Nevertheless, it’s good enough to satisfy most critical music lovers.
4 Likes
After a full active system for a decade I sold up, rendering with a Muso, Atom in quick succession then a Nova.
I eagerly awaited the NDX2/SN3 combo but was very disappointed, a marginal improvement.
I then upgraded my server to an Innuos, excellent result.
I went back to another Naim roadshow, take two NDX2 and disappointed.
I also am among a number of folks on this forum who have a SN3 and NDX2 combo. I also moved to this combo from a Nova. Agree with the comments from @anon4489532 @seakayaker @leatherneck; it is a very good setup and for me better than the Nova. Currently no intention to add additional boxes as the two box solution fits in well with my room furniture without the need for specialist racking. I accept fully that I may be missing out on some potential SQ benefits but it provides a happy medium between the various room requirements.
3 Likes
Whatever you have needs to fit in with your life and be something you feel comfortable with. I have a power supply on my NDX2 simply because I had it already, having used it on the 272, but the NDX2 is more than good enough without it. I use my SN3 by itself and have no real desire to try a Hicap. Things just sound fine as they are.
Something like the NDX2/SN3 can be a fine final system. People can upgrade it if they want but it’s far from necessary.
7 Likes
I have a Nova and been exceptionally pleased with it. The form factor, size, lack of cables and convenience are big factors for me and the sound is way better than what it was before when I had a Nait 5i, as you’d expect for the price difference.
Now, I haven’t listened to an NDX2 and Supernait 3 combo and I’m sure it would sound better, but it’s over my current budget and I won’t be listening to it for that reason, as the temptation would be too great.
How can you not be happy when you can’t stop listening to music and the whole family can use it remotely without ever having to get their grubby mits on it.
7 Likes
What about PRAT, musicality and boogie factor in Nova vs SN3+NDX2? This is what I liked in Atom vs my Moon setup.
I’ve had both, SN3/NDX2 as commented above is significantly better and you have the options to enhance it and improve it more if you like. Personally I think the Nova should be better for the money.
2 Likes
I agree, I replaced my Nova with an SN2/NDX2. Much better.
1 Like
Another vote for separates. Well specifically NDX2 plus amp or pre/amp of your choice. In fact I would prioritise NDX2 and then NDX2 PS like XPS over spending huge money on amps. But if only choice is Nova vs NDX2/SN3, go with separates.
1 Like
If the purchase of the NDX2 / SN3 is not a problem or you can buy it used at a good price, then there is nothing to think about.
However, I would be careful with the comments, it is worth saving / paying extra. It all depends on your income and the country where you live. Buying an NDX2 / SN3 for an average earner in the UK can be relatively cheaper than buying the Nova for an average earner in another country.
We write here about equipment that is about 3x more expensive (if we assume that you will not stick to standard cables), and additionally you will probably choose better speakers, so it will probably be 4x more expensive equipment. And if you decide to do it, you will probably also buy an additional power supply and the difference will increase even more.
You have to decide for yourself if the difference is worth paying extra. It is worth answering a few questions:
- How often do you listen to music and for how long?
- Do you plan to connect additional components (this is not strong point of the Nova).
- Who will use the equipment besides you?
- What is the acoustics in your room and how big is your room?
- Do you want to listen to music or your equipment?
- Do you have other interesting hobbies?
My seller told me that some things are better not to hear if you are not prepared to buy them :). Unless you want to be unhappy :). You can have an NDX2 / SN3, look up and still be unhappy.
I do not advise against purchasing the NDX2 / SN3. I thought about this set for a while, but I was lucky not to hear it :). Of course it’s better. Whether it is worth it depends individually on the specific person and his needs. The differences in perception, in turn, depend on the synergy with the loudspeakers, the cables used, room acoustics, etc.
In conclusion, if you don’t mind your money, take the NDX2 / SN3. If you have an idea how else you can use it, the slightly tuned the Nova will not disappoint you either.
4 Likes
I think a lot of focus has been on sound comparison which I don’t doubt the NDX2/SN3 will do better but as someone who has used the Atom, I can say the Nova is also a very compelling especially if you desire a simpler (less box) solution and a volume control that is such a joy to use.
4 Likes
…my question exactly…
I have a separates system and a Nova in different rooms. The ND555/Olives/ B&W804S system has a lot more of everything that the Nova/PMC25.23 system does very well, but I’d never knock the Nova rig. As I type I’m upstairs listening to Jim Steinman’s OTT rock on the Nova and it’s great, it also plays classical, folk,blues really well. I’ve not compared the NDX2/SN3 and the Nova directly, I’d be surprised if the system for double the price didn’t excel, but I find the Nova a fantastic player of music, when I’m in the upstairs lounge I love the music on the one box player.
6 Likes