Upgrades - have I reached the end?

The end? There’s still that Russ Andrews Rhodium Plated mains socket to install.

I like the nd555 but it’s cost v NDS v improvement you are getting didn’t stack up for me.

At some point the used prices will drop just like they did for NDS so I’m prepared to be patient!

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How are you streaming? Local or on-line? Either way, first thing I’d suggest is a good LPS on the EE8. Where are you at with cabling?

Streaming via Tidal. Set up as follows:

NDS + 555DR + Hi-line / NAC 552DR / NAP500DR / Kudos KS-1 / Kudos Titan 606 / Cisco 2960 + BJC + EE8 / All Powerlines

Under consideration:
NDS > ND555
2nd 555DR (potential racking issues)
NAP500DR > NAP350 (probs a backwards step)
2 x NAP250 (Kudos crossover - again poss. backwards step)
Cable/switch tinkering
Do nothing!

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I think the best (and cheapest) first step is a LPS on the EE8 - I use a Farad 3. Not so cheap, moving to S/L interconnects NDS to 552 and 552 to 500. Both of these will get more out of your current black boxes without moving to the ND555.

The ND555 is fabulous, but I haven’t compared against the NDS. But hi-res streaming will beat the current Tidal options and I suspect that when Naim adopt Tidal hi-res, it won’t be coming to the NDS. So then you are looking at either adding the ND5XS2 to the NDS and using either Tidal hi-res (when Naim bring that out… it’s been a long time coming) or Quboz, and lumping an extra box, or going full in on the ND555 - which would be a perfect end-game system.

I wouldn’t do nothing, as you haven’t got the best out of your current black boxes.

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Thanks, all very interesting options. The LPS has to be a no-brainer, it has many advocates.

And good point on the Hi-Res. That could be the tipping point when it happens.

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I agree with Mike on this and as a fellow upgrade addict who’s spent lots of money on tinkering, I would focus getting the most out of your current boxes.

Recently, I’ve tried to go back to basics and I’ve therefore got rid of expensive ethernet cables and switches and focused on the boxes, interconnects and speaker cables.

I would recommend doing the same and then, and only if you can’t stop itching the upgrade scratch, go down the switch and ethernet route :+1:

Ps. I definitely would not swap out your 500DR for anything else!

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The ND5XS2 was sold when the comparison was done. The comparison was done on internet radio.

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So for me the NDS vs ND555 has been voiced on here in separate thread. In summary, the ND555 has latest streaming platform, new style screen, lovely remote. In 500 finish too. Other than that I found no real difference in sound quality. I got my 2018 ND555 for £7750. An NDS will sell for £1500 minus ebay fees.

One 555PSDR vs 2 x 555PSDR bigger difference. Wider soundstage, sounds better to me but at cost. A used 555PSDR will cost between £3500 and £4500 depending on age.

Switches. I have gone from Netgear switch to EE8 with Farad Super 3 and now have PhoenixNet in the mix with Diamond and Vodka. I am undecided as yet on permanent configuaration.

Super Lumina interconnects and XLR to 4 pin. Both have added benefit. I found differences good but not huge.

The biggest upgrade for me was extra 555PSDR. But you don’t seem to want an extra box in your rack.

The PhoenixNet might be best upgrade for you @Stu299.

The Farad Super 3 is nice upgrade on EE8 but I got my PhoenixNet for £1450 used. This is less than what I paid for Farad Super 3 and EE8 combined. The PhoenixNet so far is better in my opinion.

Audioquest Diamond vs Audioquest Vodka is currently underway for me.

I haven’t come up with my definitive switch set up. This is on another thread.

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Makes the case for hanging onto NDS even stronger. That said things may have been different with a Tidal stream, and perhaps more so when Tidal Max is available on ND555. I’ll be very interested to hear peoples thoughts when that happens.

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Re. the rack, I could easily get another shelf made. I had some extender legs retro made for the NAP500 so maybe another box isn’t quite such a big deal… would leave me with another empty to slot to fill tho :joy:

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I wanted full 500 series set up. My conclusion was ND5XS2 with NDS and 2 x 555PSDRs was as good as ND555.

When I did test with ND555 vs NDS I also used my NAS drive.

I couldn’t use Qobuz as the ND5XS2 was sold.

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So if you want to open your wallet I would go 555PSDR and PhoenixNet.

Or get Farad Super 3 for your EE8. Switches are good and make a difference. I have only really started playing with switches over last 3 months.

Or stay put. What you have is wonderful!

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Sounds like a good recommendation Dan and keeps the costs down. I am still amazed how much the Farad Super 3 costs…if you go this route, I would therefore sell the EE8 and put the money towards a PhoenixNet along with the second 555PSDR. I would wait before you do this at least until Saturday as I get paid on Friday and want to buy one on eBay! :rofl:

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I haven’t made a decision about whether to keep the EE8 and Farad Super 3 yet. I have tried it daisy chained it to PhoenixNet. Now the PN is direct to router. I am working on it this week.

But instincts say if I was to do it all over I would buy used PhoenixNet to start with.

Used price is generally £2400. But I picked up one cheap for £1450.

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Other sources are available how about exploring what is out there unless you are steadfast with a Naim source.

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It’s always another option for @Stu299. But I think he likes the look of Naim gear lined up, judging by his room.

It’s the same with me. I like the sound of Naim, but also like all Naim boxes lined up! It’s audio and visual thing.

dCS streamers sound good! But are they right with Naim?

Maybe a separate DAC with ND5XS2 could be way to go like yourself @HiFiman.

I am happy with my set up and love the streaming set up.

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There is also something about keeping it all Naim. You then have the Naim sound with no compromise, as they intended it.

That is not to say that you can’t mix and match. You can but I haven’t gone down that route!

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As said Dan something like a dCS Rossini apex dac and the new naim 350’s would be a fantastic sounding set up.
Just 3 boxes and just a few cables to worry about.

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With @Stu299 system something like that would work as he does not have a turntable. With dCS players they act as preamps as well.

I could do the same with changing Linn Urika 1 to 2 which is digital.

I like what I have very very much. It was always my end game system. Full 500 DR. Love it!

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