Hello All, I love my vinyl but there is much fun to be had on streamers too. The freedom it’s giving me to explore different music is incredible. So although I thought I’d be content with my ND5 XS2 as I was mainly listening to vinyl but I seem to be using the streamer a lot more I’m now itching for an upgrade.
My issue is I run Olive amps 52/135’s and I’m getting mixed messages especially on A.I. on what I can achieve. Ideally I’d like to upgrade to a NDX2 (which I know will work with the Olive’s) with a view of improving the sound later with an external power and maybe add a nDAC later.
I’ve got a horrible feeling it’s not compatible.
Could someone please clarify and put me out my mental torment.
Just add an nDAC to your ND5 XS2, for a nice gain.
Many users might say same or similar SQ to NDX2 bare. (But adding the nDAC will cost much much less).
If you wish for more - later - add an external psu to the nDAC.
Maybe you’ve already thought of this ?
Thinking about the main point of your OP, can’t see any “incompatible” issues, or anything that might limit what can be achieved, either way.
Cant speak to the nDac, but it does get a good reputation. I moved from the ND5-XS2 on my Nac82/NAP250 Olive to the NDX2, and I can say it is perfectly suited. Adding an XPS to it gave only a small increase, but adding the PS555 was a big uplift
I too went from an ND5XS2 to an NDX2 with XPSDr power supply and found this to be a huge upgrade. I cannot say how much the power supply contributed, as I purchased both at the same time. If the OP has the finances, they might consider a NC system, as I found this to be a dramatic improvement over OC.
Add nDAC to your current streamer or replace it with an NDX2 and later add power supply. Don’t think the nDAC is needed with the NDX2. I am using an nDAC with a bluesound nano and a non naim power supply on the nDAC. My intention was to replace the Bluesound with an ND5XS2 but decided to pick up a late model used NDX2 and get rid of the Bluesound with the nDAC to keep the box count down.
Well thank goodness I still have lots of options for an upgrade route.
So either buy nDAC for my existing ND5 XS 2 which will take me to standalone NDX 2 sound level
Or
Buy the NDX 2 with a view of an upgrade XPS-2 DR for a noticeable difference and not to worry about upgrading the DAC?
So what are the naim products related to streaming not compatible ? Is it all current high end range that are out of my price range - so I don’t need to worry myself with?
Echoing others’ experiences, I have an NDX2 with a 555PS DR (bought used) and all olive amplification (4x135s) and it sounds marvellous IMO. The NDX2 sounds great on its own and I was very happy at that point but following the general direction of the advice on the relevant forums, I bit the next bullet and the 555PS DR adds a clear difference again.
Either way : (1) ND5 XS2 + nDAC ; or (2) NDX2, it’s viable to add an external psu later, for another nice gain.
Lots ( of experiences and opinions) has been shared and discussed on this topic. The forum search function is your friend to read and explore this popular topic.
ND5 XS2 was only recently announced as EOL
NDX2 is now discontinued and only available pre-loved. ( Maybe a few ex-demo deals still out there ).
ND555 continues as Naim flagship streaming product.
NSS333 was introduced - as part of new 300 series - during 2023. So, likely to be available for a while yet.
Any of these would work as streaming source into 52-135, provided correct interconnections.
So if I go the NDX2 which is a midrange streamer is there any benefit & worth the extra money looking for a second hand high end 555 PS ( seen them for just under £3,000) or stick with the midrange XPS ( going for approx £2,000)?
Jaybar, with all respect to a kind New Yorker guy, you should really stop repeating that the 333 is way better vs the Ndx2/ Xpsdr. You went directly from SN3 with the later to 332/250/333 . You HAVEN’T compared both streamers.
If you are considering a psu for an NDX2, go straight for a 555dr. I had a xpsdr, but a 555dr is way better. Mine was pre- owned and bought privately for less than £2500.
I have a 52/250. I have had an ND5 XS2, an NDX2, an nDAC and all the Chord DACs.
My two cents: I would not bother with the NDX2 if I were in your shoes. The DAC section isn’t great. Plus it has a screen, which is a repair problem waiting to happen.
I wouldn’t get an nDAC either. I like the sound, but had to send it off for a factory reset (or something alone those lines - it was 7 years ago) when it went crashed out during a software update. If you want to go further at some point, you’ll need an external power supply which means an additional box.
I would keep the ND5 XS2 and put a Chord DAC on it. A Hugo TT2 would be a huge upgrade and probably fits within the budget you seem to have.
If you have the budget and your speakers are fairly high end, a Dave is stunning.
Yes, I have Proac K1’s (my pride and joy) and with the 52/135’s I’m over the moon with the sound. I’m trying to do my system justice with the best streamer set up I can afford.
