i have a Supernait 1 and ND5XS streamer with its external power supply. If I can afford to change only one component, which should it be? And for what? Tks for your comments
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I believe you mean external ps for the Supernait ? The Nd5xs can’t take external ps.
In your case I would go for a second hand Ndx2.
ND5xs could take an external PS. It’s the ND5XS2 that can’t.
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@Whisky_traveler i would switch to an ND5XS2 which gives the latest streaming system. An NDX2 with an associated power supply would be better yet. If you can stretch your budget the 222/NC250 would be even better.
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why do you want to change ? what is the problem with your components ?
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Ah, was certain if was the same for both. Thanks for clarifying.
My response however won’t change : still Ndx2. With an external ps, probably the XPS here, it will be still better.
Yes, I’d agree that if the XPS is already in there then the next logical step is an NDX2.
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FYI, the ND5XS has the XP5XS power supply. It’s the ND5XS2 that cannot support an external power supply.
I would also suggest the NDX2 is the best upgrade. When funds allow you could then upgrade your amp if want to.
My Supernait 1 is 15 years old and in need of a recap. I also have a Hi-Cap (non DR) that will need a recap. This will cost somewhere around CA$1300. The ND5XS and Xp5XS power supply are 10 years old. Technology of both products have improved greatly during those years. So where will I hear the most improvement if I change one of these components? SN1 to SN3 or ND5XS to ND5XS2?
I suspect going to an ND5XS2. However I can’t say for sure as I started out with a SN3 and an ND5XS2. I found a significant upgrade going to an NDX2 with an associated power supply.
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All these suggestions are discontinued products, so a lot depends on what’s available in your local market for no longer current or second hand products. Also significant is whether you’d use the better streaming abilities of the 2nd generation streaming products such as ND5XS2.
Assuming they’re reasonably readily available, another possible route would be an nDAC, used with your ND5XS initially, and then perhaps with ND5XS2 as the next upgrade.
BTW I had an SN1/HC combination and had the HC upgraded to HCDR. It was probably the best value upgrade I ever made. The DR upgrade is no longer offered but trading the HC for HCDR might be another good move, if you intend to keep using your SN1.
Roger
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You could consider a Uniti Nova if you want a nice upgrade and bang for your buck at the same time.
If you want a similar system I’d baseline from Supernait 2 + ND5 XS2.
Anything beyond that is very budget dependant and local used availability needs to factored for.
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Yes, confirmed above already.
I am not sure your XP5XS will do something beneficial on an Ndx2. Does it already something on your Nd5xs?
I am not even sure it is compatible. The only thing Naim lists is the XPSDr or he 555 regarding OC. There is also the NPX300 which may be compatible but may require special cables.
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This should not be overlooked!
Unless you give details of your entire system, especially speakers, it is impossible to answer the thread question! Also pertinent could be details of the room, in particular dimensions, and possibly you’re listening preferences including what sort of sound levels you listen at, and the main styles of music might have a bearing…
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That Supernait 1 is likely long overdue a service. That’s a regrade as well and at least gets the nait performing how it should.
The weakest link is the ND5 XS2, Nait 50 then replace the source later?
Speakers, ancillaries, budget, timescales, country/region?
I had an ND5xs with a 202/200 and loved it. I then demoed (and bought) the NDX. It was a revelation. First time tracks sounded real or live. It was a big step up.
I can only assume an NDX2 would be an even bigger step up. My jump from an NDX to NDX2 wasn’t massive, but then I added an PS555 and again, another revelation!
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I was underwhelmed by the ND5XS when I heard it years ago, although to be fair I never listened to it with the power supply upgrade. Certainly the NDX was a much better performer.
For the OP, I think the best choice depends largely on what digital music sources he uses. If the limitations of the 1st gen streamers aren’t a problem there’s little to gain from selling them at the much reduced prices they now fetch. Perhaps keeping it and upgrading its DAC would be a good choice. The usual suspects being the NDAC (which could use the power supply currently running the ND5), something from Chord or elsewhere.
If online streaming services and iRadio is a priority, maybe trade it in before it dies and go for a 2nd gen streamer. As is usually the case, there is no single right answer.