Ideally BNC to BNC , no adapter
People on the forum swear by the Naim DC1 cable. Again, probably ideal from a design synergy perspective.
I use a more conventional BNC-BNC digital cable between ND5 XS2 and nDAC. Works great.
2 Likes
The nDac is something else
2 Likes
Hello fellow Brusselois!
I would urge some caution before upgrading the firmware to 4.11.8. I also got my nDAC at 4.10.6 and found it had a unique “dark” sound. After upgrading the sound became more “modern”, but I believe some fellows prefer the old signature.
So please wait a bit before doing any firmware change and happy to let you audition my nDAC if you are nearby.
I’m in the middle of a drinking session right now 
, but I had to reply! I’ll be back with more feedback tomorrow.
1 Like
Cheers!
2 Likes
I have a ND5 XS2 with Nait XS3 and have just done the Flatcap XS upgrade. Very pleased with the results. More details in my Flatcap XS Service post.
Not tried a nDac but I’d be concerned that my streaming source was then too good for the bare XS3. I’ve also read elsewhere on here that the XS3 can sound “overblown” with a Hicap. I did also consider a SN3, but was concerned that would then show up my ND5 XS2 and, more importantly (for me) my CD5si, which can’t be upgraded. Staying at the XS level across the board felt right for me.
4 Likes
You have a nicely balanced system. Enjoy it.
1 Like
Good morning @HermanB. Back with some time to provide more detailed feedback.
-
Firmware version
I got a second hand nDAC back in 2018, and it had 4.10.6 firmware installed. As I mentioned, I found the sound signature “dark” and different to everything I had heard before, which I liked. However the prevailing consensus at the forum at the time was that 4.11.8 was better, so I went ahead and updated straight away. My feeling was that the 4.11.8 has a more detailed and “modern” sound, but maybe more bright and missing some of the 4.10.6 uniqueness. It’s been a long time since then, and I only listened to 4.10.6 for only a day or so, but the memory remains. I believe it is not possible to “downgrade” back to 4.10.6, so I never followed up on this. Can anyone from Naim confirm this point @Richard.Dane ? -
Streaming source
I originally used a Raspberry Pi with Allo Digione hat and Allo Shanti linear power supply, with Volumio as the controlling software. I was under the assumption that this is all I need. However when I auditioned a ND5 XS2 into my nDAC, it was really night and day difference… nDAC, being an old design, is quite sensitive to the input quality, so the streaming source matters. As a matter of fact, I also guide the optical signal from my TV through ND5 XS2 rather than directly to the nDAC and I think it does sound better this way. -
BNC cable
BNC-BNC is the preferred connection. I originally had a BlueJeans cable (Belden 1694A) which is well built at a decent price (shipping from the US was more than the cable itself!). When a DC1 showed up in ebay at a good discount, I naturally couldn’t resist the temptation
. I never bothered to compare them back to back, but honestly I cannot say I heard any difference when I swapped the cable. I still have the BlueJeans cable sitting and gathering dust, so happy to lend it if you want to do a trial.
I understand you must be living nearby Brussels region, so I would be happy to meet up and compare the two nDAC firmware versions! If you are willing to meet, then maybe @Richard.Dane could share my e-mail address and we could arrange some auditions.
I hope this helps! Cheers!
4 Likes
What a kind and well presented reply. I have just bought an nDac and tried the method for finding the firmware but have had no joy. Are there any other ways to find out? It’s a 2017 model. Thank you
1 Like
Thank you. I try be as precise and detailed as I can when describing my experiences!
The easiest way to find the nDAC firmware version is as follows:
- Connect an iOS Device (iPod Touch/iPhone/iPad) to the DAC via USB
- On the iOS Device, go to Settings → General → About → Naim DAC
- The current firmware version is reported on-screen
Otherwise there is a more convoluted way using the front lights. You can find the instructions along with the different firmwares in the official link here:
dtoaconverter-202512.pdf
Trawling back on some older topics, I found this message from @NeilS:
So it seems I might be able to revert mine back to 4.10.6 at will and compare after all.
We do this with our TV into NDX2, have always thought it sounded better than direct to DAC.
It’s all about the quality of the source. We use PlayStation5 into SMSL PO100Pro direct to DAC though, it’s a neat device.
+1 for ndac with an option still at Naim for service at around £350. This is well worth doing ahead of any external psu. I currently run serviced ndac with 555 none dr (also serviced). Darran at class A did my PSU but he suggested HQ do some minor mods to the dac at service that further lift SQ. Bang on there it is really worth doing.
I don’t know for sure. @NeilS may know, but otherwise contact Naim support. Bear in mind that the later firmware brought more file compatibility (FLAC, DSD etc..) to the DAC.
Thanks again. I’ve tried the method mentioned above but for some reason I can’t get it to work. I’ll figure it out.
Edit: 4.11.8 confirmed
. I used an old iPod
1 Like
When I had CD5XS and Nait XS, I did try various power supply upgrades. A FlatCap XS gave a modest but worthwhile improvement but a HiCap sounded forced and unrealistic, “manic” was how one dealer who posted described it.
When the nDAC came on the scene I auditioned it at home and immediately ordered one. It was one of the best upgrades I ever made and I then had a source worthy of the SuperNait that succeeded the XS. I had a DC1 for connection to the DAC, chosen because it was apparently what Naim used when developing the DAC, but other cheaper options apparently sound as good.
Incidentally, I also used a headless MacMini which at the time had a rather good optical output via a quality optical cable into the nDAC and it sounded remarkably good. It was what eventually got me into proper streaming.
Roger
1 Like
Good evening @sihctr !
Thank you so much much for all this detailed advice. I have a lot of FLAC files and I understand from Richard that in that case it’s advisable to switch to version 4.11.8. At the moment, I’m listening a lot to TheJazzGroove, which broadcasts in FLAC – highly recommended for jazz lovers like me; as I, as we speak, don’t have a BNC cable (which I’m expecting tomorrow – a Klotz cable), I’m using a Volumio streamer (with a Lineo5 power supply) as source. Tomorrow I’ll connect the ND5 XS2 and hook up also the TV to it via an optical cable – thanks for the tip!. And the firmware update is also on the agenda for tomorrow; I have already try out a suitable USB stick with a WAV file.
Exciting stuff – I’ll get back to you tomorrow or over the weekend!
4.10.6 was the update for FLAC support. So I still advise to use the nDAC as-is without updating for now.
After you plug in the ND5 XS2 and get accustomed to the sound for a couple of days/weeks, then try the firmware update and let us know your opinion. One change at a time to avoid confusion!
I am tempted to reinstall 4.10.6 and hear how it sounds… As long as I don’t brick anything!
1 Like
And now I’ve gone and typed Naim nDAC into the search bar of a well known website…!
3 Likes
The Naim nDAC is one of those products second-hand if you don’t like it you can resell it and break even.
Not being sarcastic in this question what is “dark” sound I’ve seen it mentioned before but don’t know exactly what it means. My ndac was on the most recent firmware when I purchased it.