I’m wondering whether as I use external nDac behind my ND5XS2 whether that isolates me from the ‘noise’ issues that are being discussed in other threads.
Hope that makes sense.
@Dan_M should respond.
Technically, not, unfortunately. But you may also have no issues, as some. Difficult to predict.
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I use the N-Dac myself in the same config and notice the same issues with the FW update when compared to my CD Transport.
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So the ‘noise’ is generated by the streamer , not the DAC chip set…
I notice the same issues regarding stridency. In fact when I played the same tracks on Tidal Vs CD on my P-30 into Naim Dac and switched from one to the other it was clearer and smoother on the CD. I haven’t even powered up the CD player for 6 months but the comparison makes you wonder. Last time I made the same comparison it was as good as like for like
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So if you ask, as you have already that combo, I suggest you haven’t done the firmware update ?
I updated the firmware on the ND5 about a week ago.
In general I’m happy with what I’m hearing.
I’m thinking about swapping nDac for NDS. I’ve seen some NDS owners saying they have been badly affected and I’m trying to make sure I fully understand where the problem lies. Obviously on nDac it’s a different firmware package. I think I’m on 4.8. But on NDS be 3.8 or 3.10, depending when owner last updated.
If I understand the above correctly, and I keep the ND5 for streaming , then I’ve potentially already introduced the problem, and may find the ND5/NDS combo sounds worse than current ND5/nDac.
I guess I can only try it and see.
Well I use my ndx2 as a digital audio streamer feeding a DAVE. I can hear the differences between different streamer firmware… but perhaps not to the degree that some hear using their streamers in analogue output mode.
With regard to the NDAC, I found the penultimate NDAC firmware sounded the best, I did not enjoy so much the presentation of the final NDAC firmware… it felt a little too bright and too ‘hifi’ detailed… that is it didn’t sound so organic
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The ND5XS2 with the latest firmware will affect the sound of any DAC . Likewise if using ND series of streamers as DAC only they are again affected by the firmware issues if you use a different streamer.
I have found the effects are not as severe if using CD transport into ND555 as DAC. But effects are still there.
Likewise I have tried Limetree Bridge into ND555 as DAC. I thought there were some improvements initially but same glare was present.
With nDAC you may find it’s better with Innuous Pulse or Limetree Bridge than ND5XS2.
I would wait and see what Naim comes up with for now.
But consideration of changing streamer and DAC to non Naim is under consideration if they cannot resolve firmware issues.
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Thanks @Simon-in-Suffolk / @Dan_M - thats helping me better understand the way this all works…
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To add to @Dan_M comments, I once used an ND5XS2 into a Chord DAVE. After the ongoing Naim firmware issue I found myself listening to the setup less. Moved on the ND5XS2 and bought an Innuos Pulse, probably one of the biggest ear openers, the music delivery now with the Pulse/Dave is stunning.
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theres a lot to consider here… Maybe an NDS is the wrong direction.
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The DAVE is still incredibly good isn’t it… still yet to hear it bettered.
My NDX2 feeds it well. Although I can hear subtle differences in firmware but it’s not been detracting on released f/w versions, it has only been some beta version that I have backed out.
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The NDS is not affected, because you can reverse to 4.8 , if you don’t like the 4.9. As a dac, it will be better vs the Ndac, however there some who prefer the Ndac presentation.
3.8, 3.10 and 3.10.1 are the updates for the new platform, Nd5xs2, Ndx2….ND555.
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Yes I think it is… the NDAC and NDS DAC section are very similar and use essentially the same components, and the NDAC set the pattern for subsequent DSP and DACs in the Naim streamer portfolio. The NDAC does have a different presentation to the NDS… NDAC is more bass driven and organic sounding, the NDS is more delicate and seems to more obviously resolve small details like air and reverb.
The NDS however has a rather old streaming section by current standards. It will work well with UPnP media … but cloud streaming / web radio it will often struggle with losslesss unless there is a low latency two way flow.
I preferred the presentation of my NDAC /555PS compared to my borrowed NDS/555PS
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I use my NDS as a DAC only with a Lindemann Bridge II to support all digital streaming services out there. It sounds amazing.
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I guess as we always say, I really need to listen to the various combinations… There’s a few NDS on eBay at present might take a punt on one of those…
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Since Naim no longer offer service (only repair) on NDS it is added value buying a younger one even though the caps in it likely will last for many many years more without sound degradation. Also good to check if the display is changed or not since it sooner or later will go on to the next life with added repair cost.
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We use NDX2 as transport into nDAC.
We’d kind of forgotten about upgrading as the system sounded so good.
3.10.x changed the sound signature of the whole system. Having lived with it for some time, there’s lots of improvement to detail etc., but something isn’t quite right.
Whilst 3.10.1 was an improvement, it still overloads on treble energy on certain genre (dense music, thrash/death metal etc.). As others describe the higher the volume level the worse this gets.
We’re waiting to see if the firmware update for core dumps detailed on other threads will resolve this, before potentially ditching the naim streamer for another brand.
Unfortunately since naim say everything is perfect, leaving for another brand of streamer seems a foregone conclusion.
We can’t understand why naim can’t hear the issues.
There would be absolutely zero chance of us paying £10k for an ND555 now.
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Simple, Gary Crocker doesn’t work there anymore. So someone else has the position of being the “golden ears” of Naim audio.
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