I’m getting tempted in my space madness isolation, might have to trade in my ND5 and HiCap for a ex demo NDX2. I’m convincing myself I “need” it and can always get another HiCap later!
Mr.M you should do it, but keep the Hicap. I traded my Nd5xs2 about a month ago and I’m so pleased with the NDX2.
It did help that I got a good deal on an ex demo.
Trade the ND5 XS 2 and cash for the NDX 2 would be my advice.
…then soon after that you will be looking for an XPS DR to go with the NDX 2. Which of course makes a wonderful four box system.
Mine grew from a ND5 XS & XS 2 to a NDX & SN 2, then to a NDX 2 & SN 2, then to NDX 2 w/XPS DR & SN2 to a NDX 2 w XPS DR & SN2 w/HiCap DR. The four box solution as I head into retirement.
Good luck with your decisions…
That’s the plan!
keep the hi-cap for sure, you’d regret selling it after a few weeks and will end up spending more to replace it
Keep the Hi Cap to run with the SN3 as it’s a worthwhile improvement. The NDX2 is a a big improvement on your ND5. Next move would then be XPSDR which is another and IMO an equally big improvement.
Mind you there will probably be some good deals to be had when the corona situation abates and manufacturers and dealers attempt to jump start the industry again
Appreciate the feedback as always!
I am heading towards the 4 box end game we’re all familar with here so comments are in line with my own reasoning.
I’m hoping there’s a sensible point of compromise here and a deal to be done!
I’ve changed a fair bit recently with the system already of course having moved finally to a full Fraim rack and replaced the SN2 with a SN3. I’ve also had a bit of time to rearrange the room and try different speaker positions.
The timing of availability of the demo NDX2 seems to be a sign to me
I’ve deliberately NOT plumbed in my HiCap yet as I know I’ll find it lacking going without, but it is something I can liquidate to make the NDX2 more affordable in the short term then hope I can get a deal on one again a bit later down the line.
My dealer did warn me that my extra free time would get expensive…
Looks lush
Welcome to the 2 box club! How are you finding it against the ND5?
Dinner and bathtime with the kids side tracked me but up and running and settling in nicely, sounding a bit more composed with better bottom end as a first impression, the SN3 is still running in and the HiCap has now gone as part of the trade in I did to acquire the NDX2 but glad I took a chance on it, got it for a nice price if nothing else.
PSU’s I’ll add in down the line but this two box setup is quite a step on from the SN2 + ND5 XS2 it replaced for sure.
Enjoy, mine both took a while to settle so you’ve lots to look forward too
Good result Mr M.
Congratulations! The system setup looks wonderful today and look forward to seeing the stack add a couple of shelves over time.
Spent a good few hours sat with it this evening, glad I made the move, managed to reach a point of compromise on the trade in that made it worth grabbing whilst I could and from a local/trusted source as well.
It’s evolved quicker than perhaps I’d originally
expected or planned for but it’s nice to get to the target setup a bit quicker!
I’ve certainly been happy with what the SN3 is capable of even without a HiCap, looking forward to adding it back in later, the one I traded in I’d had for 5 years or so and it helped me through various XS and SN based systems!
I have another Fraim level incoming, will do some
experimenting with vinyl source as well for fun next whilst I build up some funds for some power supplies!
Thinking of going down the SN3/NDX2/Core route.
Out of curiosity, which is more sensible, an Xpsdr upgrade, or adding S/L and powerlines first to max out the system the 3 boxer ?
Also, long term it would be nice to add a hicap dr to the SN3.
Is the Ndx2/xpsdr too good for the SN3 alone and would it really need a Hicap dr to balance things out?
This is a long term plan
Thanks
Hi Roda, I have a SN2/Hicap/NDX2/XPS DR with full Superlumina and Powerlines, and the Core.
I’d generally follow a source first approach, so adding the XPS DR first, then the S/L interconnect, followed by the Hicap, Powerlines and S/L speaker cables.
Though, if it’s a long term plan, a different order for managing cash flow or opportunities that arise is perfectly okay and the SN is well good enough to show improvements.
It’s also good to have a good set up and power supply/blocks for the mains cables.
Enjoy the journey.
I have the SN3/NDX2/XPSDR/HiCap. The XPS is a big uplift for the NDX2 and I found the Hi Cap a worthwhile addition to the SN3.
When things get back to normal I’ll look at connection leads as I think this is the correct way round. Some combinations by others may be better than SL and this way round affords you the flexibility to chop and change and it might even save you some money.
Not sure I’d bother with a Core though, there are cheaper and as good solutions out there and you could put the savings towards the ps’s.