Hello 
I think you might be replying to @gk_audio with your HiCap question?
Xps dr on ndx 2 is a big upgrade
1 Like
SN2 also contains a DR module that powers the pre-amp side. But I suppose further improvements in SN3 might make the HCDR impact less marked.
1 Like
I prefer adding a PS555 over an XPSDR.
And I prefer the NDX2 without XPSDR over the one with it.
Im curious, how much is a two box source of NDX2 and PS555 to feed into a SN3?
The HCDR enables a SN3 to show all the meats and bone feed from the source.
As a result if the source isnāt up to snuff you wouldnāt hear any differences, the amp wouldnāt create extra information itself.
ND5XS2 is flat, SN3+HCDR without run-in (most of the time of a demo) would sound flat as well, a bare NDX2 defo more weighty than ND5XS2.
1 Like
HCDR added to SN3 helps modestly, and to understand this, one just needs to connect a SCDR in order to hear what the effect should be like to justify an extra box. I would personally not bother with the HCDR if I was to decide again now.
1 Like
Is the SN3 end-state for you?
Very interesting ā¦ from one who as NDX2 / XPS DR!
This is just MY opinion, which Iām sharing here.
Others will have a completely different view.
The important thing is that everyone gets what they need.
It also depends on your budget, which is usually the deciding factor.
Iād also like to add that I donāt think the sound quality of an NDX2+XPSDR is bad at all!!!
Itās really good.
Itās just that if I could afford it, Iād definitely go for the PS555.
I can also say that I really like the ND555 paired with two PS555s.
Meanwhile, some of my friends prefer it with just one PS555.
1 Like
Thatās the real point indeed.
Good comparison. The SN3 is both with and without the HCDR. Personally I prefer it with the HCDR but we are all different.
3 Likes
In Australia a PS555 RRP is AUD 18,000 and an NDX2 when new was AUD 12,500 would you seriously put those onto a SN3 with a RRP when new of AUD 8,250?
Your not really helping the OP much!
Okay, Iāll shut up and stop giving my opinion.
Iād consider source upgrade first.
HCDR is an upgrade but not on all parametres.
I found out when adding a HCDR to a SN2. - Clearly better in most ways but a slight reduce in midrange coherenceā¦. in lack of better words to explain.
It could be anything in my then setup - so its demo yourself.
1 Like
Naimās āCompatibility Flowchartsā, which can be found by searching online, offer their views on what they call ābalancedā systems. I find them helpful.
4 Likes
Super interesting - Iād not seen those before. Thanks!
3 Likes
Back in 2022 I wanted to upgrade my streamer/dac which was connected to my SN3 + HCDR, Naim ās recommendation back then to pair with a SN3 was an NDX2, so I went to my local Naim Dealer to demo them.
The dealer was adament that to get the best out of the NDX2 you needed to at least put an XPS-DR on it and that would be an extra AUD 8,500 on top of the NDX2 price of AUD 12,500.
So I chose not to proceed with a Naim purchase and spent my money elsewhere.
In my experience, it pays to have a good look around at what is available in the HiFi market.
2 Likes
very interesting, thanks!
here it is : https://media.focal-naim.com/naim/file_manager_files/pages/assistance/pdf-faq/supernait-3-compatibility-flowchart-final.pdf
6 Likes
Nice! I was looking for that, assumed it was only for preamps. Gold star today for you and Bubble.
2 Likes
Iāve just been on the website and canāt find a section where these are all kept - are they all together somewhere?