SN3 source recommendations

Hi-Fi Corner
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Hello all ,

Old amp has died and I always wanted to try Naim so I have just picked up an SN3 and am now looking to replace its dated companions which are a Sonos connect and a Cyrus CDXT fed into a Bel Canto DAC3 and a Pro-ject T2 turntable.

Speakers are Audiovector Mi3 Avantgarde.

I stream mostly these days but also still play CD’s and I’m getting back into vinyl so would like to get a decent TT to do the SN justice.

So i am thinking the NDX2 is a good way forward as I can continue for now to use the Cyrus as a transport into the NDX2 as I would assume it to contain a superior DAC to the Bel Canto.

any advice and suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Cheers.

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Not necessarily.
A streamer transport such as lindemann limetree bridge would be a good alternative. Basically a streamer without a dac, so digital output into your bel canto.

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Can’t go wrong with this. Sorry your old amp died(RIP) but I think you’ll enjoy the SN3.

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NDX2 with SuperNait is a justifiably popular combination. Opportunities to upgrade further with power supplies, too!

To my way of thinking there’s a big NDX2/SN3 shaped hole in the New Classic lineup.

Roger

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I agree with @robert_h here, there is no guarantee that you will prefer the presentation of the NDX2 to your Bel Canto. It was a well regarded DAC in its day and should sound good into the Supernait with the right transport.
That isn’t to say that you should discount the NDX2. It’s a good match with the Supernait, but have a good listen to compare it to your current DAC before you commit.

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Don’t overlook the ND5XS2, which is the sweet spot in the Naim lineup for many of us. Add a secondhand nDAC at some point, and happiness is guaranteed ; )

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I was going to mention this but didn’t want to possibly confuse the OP.

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All I can say is I’ve owned the SN3/NDX2 for quite some time now and so pleased I have no intention of changing so would suggest you put it on your short list for audition. I also agree with @bhoyo that if you’re not bothered about the screen you will be more than happy with the sound of the ND5XS2

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Interesting thoughts regarding the dac3 potentially not being bettered by what’s inside the NDX2 perhaps I should grab a used ND5xs2 and use that as a transport into the Dac3 and see how they compare. Tinker time.

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As other’s have said the ND5xs2 is fantastic and another great option if you plan on staying “in the family”. I use my ND5xs2 as a streamer only like a lot of folks here.

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I upgraded a couple of years ago to a SN3 and ND5XS2… shortly followed by a HiCap DR which made a significant difference to the SN3.

In the last few weeks we replaced the ND5XS2 with an ex demo NDX2, followed in rapid succession by a XPS-2 and then a CD555PS.

This is probably my endgame system with a speaker upgrade in the next 12-24 months.

The ex demo offers on the NDX2 available at the moment IMHO make it a unbelievable deal at the moment.

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Nice system you have there!

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Some great suggestions , I’m drawn to picking up an nDAC and an ND5XS2 and then having a good time listening to these along with the DAC3 in all available combinations.

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Excellent idea! Be warned: nDACs can be hard to find. They’re worth it, though.

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I had a SN2 with a NDX2 as a two box system for a short while and it was wonderful.

If you can work with a dealer to demo a NDX2 that may help answer your question.

Good luck with your decision.

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Totally agreed.

But also with no DAC! :slight_smile:

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Welcome to the forum.

I’ve had a NDX2 for 6 months now streaming from a NAS, absolutely compulsive, and if you add a 555 PSU……………!

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A NDX2 is upwards of £3.5k , even used. A used HD5XS2 is less than half that, and more than capable as a stand alone streamer. An external DAC would lift it further in time, but isnt absolutely necessary. Some would argue a Wiim Pro streamer is just as capable as a ND5XS2 for lots of listeners - we just like lots of black boxes here

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I have got my hands on a well priced nDAC and am currently comparing it alongside the Bel Canto and there’s not much if anything in it at present both very capable dacs.

I will be getting a ND5XS2 in the next few days and use it as a transport into both dacs and see what happens.

Could sell the Bel Canto keep nDAC and source a power supply for it and add ND5XS2 for less than the price of a 2nd hand NDX2

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Yep, that’s why is feels like the sweet spot. It’s not just the money; some of us remain unconvinced that the NDX2 sounds appreciably better (although others are wowed by the more-expensive unit).

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