When I had my NDX 1 into a 252 I found the Hiline an improvement over the standard cable however I upgraded to a Super Lumina cable this was a massive improvement over the Hiline whilst not the same electronics.I trust this helps as it shows the improvements with the original I would imagine the new NDX2 would show the benefits to a greater degree.
See if you can arrange a home demo but give the cables plenty of time to settle in more so if they are brand new.
With my CDX2 followed by NDX I went along the try everything route in the quest for something better, Lavendar, AR Sound, FlashBack Sales, various Chords & HiLine. I eventually made my own more as a shortest cable between connections experiment, using Mogami 2549 with REAN Neutrik DIN’s
As a result of what this did I sold the HiLine & the others I had left over.
I’ve never tried & compared an SL, maybe one day
I’d only consider a fancy wire if you’ve already got a good stand and dedicated mains. It’s also worth bearing in mind that for the price of an SL interconnect you are in the territory of a used XPSDR. Remember too that these wires need to hang free of walls floors and stands in order to work to their full potential.
I use a Hi-Line from my ND5 XS 2 - I find the music flows nicer and is much deeper sounding than the supplied interconnect. With the standard interconnect lead, the music can sound like it’s being squeezed out of a toothpaste tube by comparison IMO.
Thanks HH.
I’ve got a HiLine on my CDX2 (properly installed) and its a significant improvement on the standard lavender. It really makes the CD player sing. I’ve got an NDX 2 on loan and so I tried the HiLine on it but I wasn’t really convinced. Which was a surprise and hence the question. I’m sure the Superlumina is a good shout but it’s not a realistic option for me (agreed an XPR DR would be a better option).
Funny you should say that. I used a HiLine on my NDX(1) to 282 and was never convinced either. I have only really been happy with the SL interconnect. But as HH says, maybe better to sort out power supplies and racks first.
I am using NDX2 into a 282. I still have the Naim lavender DIN cable, but have started thinking about an upgrade. Before anyone pipes in, I’ll just say in advance “no” to the suggestions of an SL cable. That’s out of my budget.
For the past week I tried a Nordost Red Dawn RCA interconnect. It is burned in. I couldn’t tell a bit of difference, except once in a while with some things the Red Dawn has just a bit more air than the Naim lavender, but certainly nothing there to justify spending the $500+ for it. I took it back to the dealer today, and left with a Nordost Heimdall RCA cable. Initial impressions are the Heimdall is more of a list. The music is consistently more open and natural sounding, and smoother. But it’s also 50% more costly.
For less then the cost of the Red Dawn I can get a second hand HiLine, but I have no chance to audition it advance. Has anyone had a chance to compare HiLine and Heimdall ICs?
What about the new Witchhat Morgana IC. Has anyone heard this cable. Any thoughts about it?