Hi there,
First time buying a network player. I have an extensive collection of CD and Vinyl ripped over the last forty years - all stored on a NAS. Would the Naim ND5 XS 2 Network Player still be a good buy? It’s been available for a good few years now but I’ve noticed a few places selling it for a little less than £1800 . Are there better options from other companies at this price? Just need some advice here. My amplifier is Naim, if that makes any difference.
On this forum there is the only answer 
Hello, can you inform us on which amp and speakers you have ?
I have my ND5xs2 (with nDAC and PS555DR) connected to my original 43yr CB 32.5/HC/250 (all recapped) and it’s most outstandingly musical and foot-tapping.
The ND5xs2 (by itself) sound, compliments the ‘Naim’ audio signature that I am familiar with. The additional nDAC/PS555DR just elevates it to a significantly better sounding source.
The ND5xs2 at current prices, is an extremely great value source.
Sometimes to trick my friends I’ll use my Nait2 in place of the separate amps, just to see their faces when I reveal the NAIT2 is playing. It plays so musically too.
There are plenty of options out there. But if you have a Naim Old Classic system, then it would be a great introduction to the 21st century!
It’s supposedly a great device. I have never heard it. Of course here most everyone will tell you to get the Naim. The technology in streamers and DACs changes at a fast pace. The Naim has been around a while. May consider the Cambridge Audio EXN 100
I recently bought a second hand ND5 XS2. I use the streaming and dac unit connected to the preamp unit of my NAC-N272. I also connected my Music Hall 35.2 cd-player to the dac of the ND5 XS2. I am very happy with it, both streaming and cd sound much better than the original 1st gen 272 streamer and dac unit. But I still have the Naim house sound. Recommended!
The ND5Xs2 is a really nice unit. I’m more than a little biased however
Have a look at the What HiFi review on line. It concludes:
“The Naim ND5 XS 2 is a sterling piece of hi-fi kit. It sounds like a five-star product almost immediately, and our admiration only grows as it mellows and settles into its role. This is the kind of network streamer for which it’s seriously worth extending your budget.”
At the current price it’s a steal. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. I have two of them.
Love mine, bought in 2019. Only streamer I’ve ever heard. Possibly now outgunned by newer non-Naim rivals at the price point. And the recent firmware update debacle was unfortunate, taking many months to resolve; some still say it was previously better. But mine is definitely staying.
PS. And it streams Tidal Max high resolution material fine off my BT Wifi, so I am not minded to organise an ethernet alternative (possible heresy on this forum).
I ended up going with the Cambridge Audio CXN100. My system is old- an olive Naim Nait 2 and Linn Index II speakers. I tried the ND5 XS 2 but couldn’t hear another £1000 on top of the current Cambridge Audio price.