In general terms I agree with you. However, I find that Naim are generally very accurate indeed when it comes to pricing their products accurately according to their relative abilities (despite what some 272 owners would have you believe, but thatās another matter ). But yes, system synergy trumps all that.
Hereās an NDX XPS2 with a 52/SC/135 system. I wouldnāt change the amps - Naimās flagship system until a few years ago. A Supernait is fine, but not in the same keague.
Get a secondhand NDX and XPS2 and youāll be fine. The XPS2 doesnāt add all that much anyway.
Thank you for your insights on the subject.
It seems to me that I will start testing my source upgrade so that the 5XS2 will serve as a digital platform for thenetwork streaming -transport. And for sonic improvement use its digital out to NDAC Which will be connected to an XSPS DR power supply.
I base my assumption on the fact that NDAC has the same chip and an analog filter, identical to the one in NDS / ND555
Sounds like a similar plan that Iām executing on. My last step is the XPS-DR. I donāt want to audition it as Iām afraid if I hear it, Iāll have to buy it immediately as @seakayaker has mentioned somewhere.
I have an 82 with 2x135s, Supercap. I had the ND5XS and then changed to NDS with 555 PS. Wow, made such a difference!
With a quality LP12 and CDS3 and XPS2 my system is well balanced.
A better source is the answer. NDS is available at good prices now and you should be able to pick up an XPS2 DR for reasonable money.
If you want to reduce box count go 282 or 252, Supercap DR with 250DR.
But for me the 135s serviced are very special. You get more for your money with CB and olive if you donāt mind the slightly different presentation.
I am curious, to read, from the experience of forum members, who have taken, such an upgrade. Thankās.
The NDAC was a popular upgrade for Naim streamers as an alternative to a PSU upgrade. Then there are PSU upgrade options for the NDAC, and here the consensus seems to be that the original non-DR version of the 555PS is the best match.
Many of us chose Chord DACs paired with Naim streamers, but of course, there are many others you could try.
The Ndac , even without ps, will uplift nicely your Nd5xs2. No problem.
I certainly wouldnāt call it a consensus, rather a certain number of opinions.
There are numerous opinions in favor of the he 555PS-DR as well.
As far as Iām concerned, the 555PS-DR was an obvious choice considering what the DR technology brings to the table in terms of lower noise floor, and therefore clarity (especially for voices, acoustic music andā¦ piano!)
I certainly wouldnāt state a sharp opinion regarding the ND5 XS 2 and the nDAC.
I havenāt compared them side by side.
I did compare the nDAC against the nDAC+555PS-DR and then against the ND555.
Even Though they share the same DAC chip, the jump from nDAC to the ND555 is quite something!
As for adding a power supply to the nDAC, the 555PS-DR made a significant difference, by lowering noise floor and allowing clarity and those microdynamics that give the illusion of the real thing.
Thanks for your comments,
I estimate that in the near future, I will be able to perform, with the kind help of my dealer, a hearing test with Ndac + 555ps paired with 5XS2.
I guess you will read about my insights in the near future.
If you can afford Ndac/ 555ps/ Nd5xs2, I would personally better go for Nds/555 ps, which will sound better, at least for most.
But you will not have Qobuz native.
If Qobuz native is a priority, better buy Ndx2/ Xps dr for similar global cost.
All depends if you have already or not the Nd5xs2.
I agree with Chrissu, the majority prefer 555 ps to 555 dr for Ndac, on this forum.
For all Naim streamers, the dr is however better.
Interesting.
I already have the 5 XS2.
I am interested in the analog enhancement beyond the advantage of the existing digital platform in the 5 XS2.
Iām not willing to give up streaming quality (TIDAL MASTER and FLAC quality internet radio) in favor of improving the analog port on a previous generation device (NDS).
I therefore assumed that combining the Ndac with the 555, would be a perfect and inexpensive solution, as opposed to purchasing a new streamer and a new power supply.
(I am not interested in the Qobuz server and I am very pleased with the existing server.)
As you are not interested by Qobuz, an Nds/555 dr would be the best sounding option. Around 2/3 k for the Nds actually, a real bargain.
So if you sell your Nd5xs2, it will pay you the Nds. You will just have to buy a second hand 555 dr, serviced not more than 4/5 years.
Or buy, as you said, an Ndac/ 555 ps .
Globally both options cost nearly the same. But you know already my preference
I have yet to come across anyone, on this forum or elsewhere, who has said that they prefer their NDAC powered by a 555DR. Where anyone has expressed an opinion, it has invariably been for the non-DR version for this perticular pairing.
Really? If I recall correctly I did
My findings are pretty much the ones describe by @Darkebear on the following post :
ā> Naim PS555 dr against old PS555
the 555PS non-DR being somewhat veiled and lacking some precision.
Did you compare them yourself?
But of course, everyone has its own taste and expectations.
Given the benefits of DR technology I struggle to see how this isnāt a step up over the non-DR version - at least to some ears. It certainly has proved to be in my experience on a CDX2 and a CD555. Admittedly I havenāt compared them on a NDAC but Iām sceptical that thereās something unique about the NDAC that makes it function ābetterā with a less capable power supply.
Taste I suppose. Nothing wrong about that, of course.
Itās not a comparison between dr and non dr 555ps, but between Ndac/ 555ps and Ndac/555dr. The non dr gives apparently a more natural and musical sound on the NDAC.
Dark Bear refers to the Nd555.
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