Upgrade CDS3/XPS to DR or buy nDAC for ND5XS2?

[sktn77a]

@MarkEm

Next steps are I think to go with the ND5XS2 and nDAC but also to service the XPS and see what adding a PS can do for the streaming front end. I’m very excited!

I think that’s the way to go. Depending on the age of the XPS, I might consider trading in the Nait for an SN3…

[DiggyGun]

@MarkEm

When the band should be leaping out of the speakers, grabbing you by the throat, and spitting in your face,

Nothing like a good old Punk band, literally.

DG…

[PerF]

@Igel

The Streamer + nDac will easily outperform the CDS3/555PS

Not my experience.
I’d pick the CDS3 anyday if it wasn’t for the support issue.

In my case I went for el cheapo streaming device (Wiim) and Rega CD players (which are supported)
Its fair to say streaming are not my main sources, in fact its turntable, CD, tuner.
For me streaming is nice to explore new music, usually I end up buying the record or not.

[Vauxhall]

Hello MarkEm,
I am also a dinosaur with a CDS3, but I did move from XPS2 to 555dr some years ago. I listened to the XPS2dr at that time and thought it a worthwhile upgrade, but decided on the 555 as a transformative change instead.
I have been using streaming for some years, mainly for listening to Radio Paradise, and have progressed through Chromecast Audio, Raspberry pi and recently ND5XS2. I have also been using an nDAC for a couple of years.
The ND5 bare is a great source, but through the nDAC it can be an excellent source, which has prompted me to “borrow” the 555 for the nDAC.
This configuration,ND5;nDAC;555, has me considering selling my CDS3 to contribute to other upgrades, but I do have an emotional attachment to it that might override my financial logic.
What you have now allows you excellent performance (CDS3) for quality listening whilst allowing you the opportunity to explore internet music at a quality that lets the music shine through and prompt your cd purchases.
I’m going to spend some time experiencing both options before making a decision, but it’s a hard choice,
Paul.

[MarkEm]

@Vauxhall Looks like I’ll be on pretty much the same path as you - get an ND5, add a DAC, try the PS on it, then decide whether I still need the CD. Also like you I have an emotional connection to the CDS3 having dreamt of owning one for a long time and it being the most magical music box I ever bought. Though I’m still hoping I’ll end up with two front ends that give different types of magic for different types of music.

[Vauxhall]

@MarkEm I have also recently acquired a Unity Core and I am in the process of ripping my cd collection to it’s internal 1tb SSD in Flac format.
I’m hopeful for it to match the CDS3 when supported by the ND5, nDAC, 555.
Without the 555 it comes close but doesn’t match and has a different sound signature that may take some getting used to.
What is undeniable is that the local rips sound superior to the Qobuz HiDef streams.
Good luck with your experiments,
Paul.

[CatalystV12V]

I have a nd5xs2/ndac/555DR into NAC552 etc… I really like it. I also demoed a ND555 and although it was better it wasn’t , to my ears , a big enough jump to tempt me to keep it (yet). I’m working towards a full 500 system so it will come eventually I guess. In the meantime I’m more than happy with the nDac.
I think I saw an nDac on eBay recently.

[Igel]

I would rip to Wav for best sound.
Agree,local rips sound superior to streaming platforms.
Try a ripped CD on a USB stick into the ND5, I don’t think you will enjoy your CDS3 so much anymore,I didn’t.
The difference is very evident on complex music,where the CD player has problems to cope, sounding stressed and the bass becomes fluffy.

[Vauxhall]

Thanks for the tips, I’ll give them a try.