This will be a very interesting, if niche, use case with the nDAC.
Many respected posters on these forums listened and said the 555PS (non DR) was preferable to the DR version - but only on an nDAC.
Ourselves, well we never had a chance to test that viewpoint. DR power supplies were introduced in 2012, and the nDAC ran til 2018, so our view was naim were selling the DR as the partner PSU.
We use the nDAC (2011) with a 555PSDR and it sounds fabulous.
Given naim’s stated impression here (that listening tests have shown NPX to be better than XPSDR) one would imagine an nDAC with NPX would also sound fantastic.
Sure
Agreed.
Adding either XPS or 555PS (DR or not) used to be the recommended way to upgrade a nDAC.
I guess this feedback is useful to nDAC users, to ensure there is a PSU upgrade option going forward. That being NPX-300 and/or the new connectivity which seems to be coming with New Classic PSU’s
That includes me
Others have expressed an interest too @WRivers1987 has asked three times now @OuYang expressed an interest just above.
So there is interest in this topic. So, I guess I’m just asking on behalf of others before too.
@IainO At risk of thread drift, I’d be interested a quick perspective on nDac vs NDX2 (when a 555PS is present), if you’re open to it. Your system suggests nDac won out? Single stack too?
Lol there are literally 1000’s of posts on this one
OUR summary: after extended listening to both setups it is extremely close, many tracks you hear little difference. Overall we preferred slightly darker/bass character of nDAC, which also seems to dig out the last nuance of detail.
In another room, with different amplification and speakers, we might have made the alternate choice.
Our Sky TV box goes into NDX2 first. For some reason this sounds better than straight into nDAC!
Neither pairing is clearly “better”.
An interesting face off would be NDX2/NPX vs nDAC/NPX….
Thank you. Yes, I realise this can be a hot topic of debate, but wanted to get a quick view from someone who still has that setup. Appreciated. I also recognise the “darker” characteristic you mention of the nDac. Interesting.
Another concern is the futher Naim PSU roadmap, NSC 222 is streamer & pre-amp so it use both connectors on NPX 300. How about futher streamer(or DAC) and pre-amp(or Nait)? If a NPX 300 can acts like XPS + HiCap to enhance futher digital and analgue product at the same time, then it will be great.
I do have a general compatibility question for the new 250 and Snaxo 242. I’m wondering if it’s possible to connect a new 250 to a 242, using legacy cables? If so, any concerns if going wonky with a new 250 and a 250DR? This might be one for @110dB?
Trying to imagine what goes into not only knowing what you want to achieve but sourcing the right components for it and coming to a design to put them all together in an optimal way. Love it.
A legitimate concern here as the SNAXO has difficulty driving SNAICs without potential instability, hence why active leads are recommended in their place when using the smaller power amps in an active Naim system.
