The NDX2 would need an XPS, not a Hicap. Personally I preferred the offboard DAC option rather than an offboard PSU.
Hi.
Which components would constitute an offboard Dac setup.
An XPS dr is pretty expensive in Canada, so the different components may be a cheaper and better way to go.
The Naim NDAC, now discontinued, has long been used as an upgrade to Naim streamers (with the option of further upgrades in future by adding a PSU to that if you want to.) Many of us use Chord DACs like this since the original Hugo appeared and caused a bit of a stir. Any DAC with an SPDIF input would work though. If you’re thinking of going down this route, you could get an ND5XS2 rather than the NDX2, as it still works very well as a digital transport.
Hmm … yeah, I see what you mean, Chris. I’ve read about the Hugo Dac fame. It gets excellent reviews, but since switching to Naim gear, I’ve been trying to stick with all Naim product. I guess from a purely SQ standpoint, that’s not a perfect methodology.
I’ll have to play around with the SU + SN2 for a bit, and think about all these options before I move further on. I really appreciate your time and assistance on this, as I am new to the Naim product (1 year), and I don’t want to misuse any money on my way to audio nirvana (Well … my level, anyway).
I’ll try the SU pre out, into the SN2 analogue in, and see how it sounds. Are you sure that this won’t damage anything? I’m thinking impedance issues.
Otherwise, I’ll just order a cable from Sounds Heavenly, to connect the SU pre out, to the SN2 main amp in.
And I guess the digital out, on the SU is only for an outboard Dac?
Cheers.
Dave
…if you search on NDX 2 XPS DR here on the forum I think you will find quite a few users who are quite happy with the sound with the dac supplied in the streamer. Hopefully you will have the opportunity to do a side by side listen at a dealer at some time in the future. There is also a lot of folks who have the SuperNait/HiCap with the NDX 2/XPS DR. So there is a lot of reading material by using the search function.
The NDX & SUPERNAIT thread has some good material scattered throughout.
For me box count and simplicity is important so having a four box system works best for my needs.
Good luck with you continued research and eventual decision(s)!
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@seakayaker
Thanks so much for the very helpful info. I’ll check out the threads you suggested and do some more research. I really enjoy the research.
I find the Dac in the SU to be really quite good, even compared to the internal Dac in my Linn Unidisk 1.1 which is no slouch. I just sold the Linn on the weekend, because I’m moving towards streaming more, and I’ll pick up a good CD Transport to play my CD collection.
I know that the Dac in the NDX2 has a newer, upgraded Dac board in it, so if it’s better than the SU Dac, then I believe I’ll be satisfied with it. And the streamer is also improved. They dropped the FM tuner, but I have a Rega Radio R, and a Luxman tuner, either of which will do the job.
And I also prefer to keep the box count to a minimum, but it sounds like I’ll be wanting a couple of PS boxes as well, down the road. Both ChrisSU and yourself recommend them highly. I do like the simple upgrades that are achievable with Naim products, without having to change out out one’s system.
Anyway, thanks for you help.
Cheers.
Dave
Hi, I think option 3 would definitely be the best sounding, option 2 the fewer boxes, hope it all comes together for you.
The other option would be a Nova /power amp, as I said my experience with Harbeths is that they require current, but I have the small P3ESR and I have seen comment on the Harbeth forum that these need more current than some larger Harbeths such as yours.
Well, quick update. After validating that the equipment my dealer had (282, 250.2, HC) was all 10+ years old, I didn’t want to have to factor in the likely cost for the HC & 250.2 to be Recapped and DR’d.
That said, I was able to get a pretty good deal and ordered a new NDX2 and SN3, both of which will be delivered tomorrow. Really excited to get it unboxed, hooked up on the Fraim, and begin the running in process (while also keeping the box count relatively small, but with PS options downstream)!
I appreciate everyone’s input, and all the valuable information contained within the Forum.
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Congratulations! Enjoy going through your entire collection and rediscovering your favorite tracks. It’s time consuming, but so much fun.
Congratulations! I will look forward to you comments going forward and please take a photo and post in the ‘System Pics 2020’ thread when you have a chance.
Thanks @marcusman and @seakayaker - will certainly look forward to enjoying the music, and will definitely get a picture posted once everything is set up.
Nice one, that is a really nice outcome and you will be amazed, I’m sure.
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