Spotted one recently with DNA Audio
Good luck
R
Thanks, tried them ,was all set to do the deal but got sidetracked by a family emergency and ended up missing itā¹ļø, hopefully better luck next time.
Ah, okay. Sorry to read that.
Iāll keep a look out, just in case.
Good luck
R
Cheers, would appreciate that immensely 
I see one for auction at 900 euros.
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Iām hoping that the new 333 will lead to one being traded into my local dealer. Iām guessing naim will have done their best to make the 333/300 outclass a lot of alternatives so itās at least a possibility.
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Thatās an intriguing possibility
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I went through this process. The ND5 XS2 is quite good on its own, adding the nDAC was better. From there I added an XPS and eventually a 555PS (non-DR). Every step was an improvement, especially adding the 555. Cables used were DC1, Chord Music, and powerlines on all boxes.
However, I replaced all of that with a Lejonklou Kalla and couldnāt be happier. It lacks the ability to be used as an external DAC, but a great one box solution. Just my opinion (and this is all subjective), but the Kalla is the best digital Iāve heard. Cables were Linn silvers and stock $40 Lejonklou power cord.
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In what system?
Please show photos.
The system at that time was a NAC552 with 250DRās in active configuration driving 1990 vintage Isobariks, with a Supercap DR on the SNAXO.
The 552 and 250ās were replaced by Lejonklou Sagatun mono preamps and Lejonklou Tundra 2.2 (now Tundra 3 monos) amps, with Exposure VXN crossover. The Isobariks stayed. The 552 setup was preceded by olive 52/250ās/SNAXO w/ Supercap. Iām a Naim fanboy, but there is something special about what Fredrik Lejonklou is making.
The Kalla appeared after I switched to the Sagatun and Tundra.
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I would encourage the use/experimentation of external DACs with the ND5XS2. I was able to make an easily audible improvement with my DAC. I use the Questyle Master: Questyle CMA 12 - Questyle CMA Twelve - Desktop DAC/Amplifier HiFi
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My local dealer has suggested trying a Chord Qutest as a possible option, exspecially as the Ndac are getting harder to track down, obviously the word is out.
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Last week I added a nDAC (which I was previously using with my bluesound Node 2i) to my recently acquired ND5XS2.
My first and immediate impression was: wow thereās a lot more nuance.
It sounded a lot more relaxed when compared to the bare nd5xs2, with softer edges. It was less ānervousā.
Now i feel it just sounds more analog, darker. Thereās maybe a bit less sparkle on the highs but in a pleasant way. It sounds less āforcedā than the bare ND5XS2, there is more nuance/delicacy.
There is also a more ārealā feel of instruments, and much better timbre.
There is absolutely no listening fatigue, I could listen to the ND5XS2/nDAC combo for hours, whereas I could sometimes feel a bit tired of all the enjoyment coming through the bare ND5XS2. It maybe is less fun to listen to on some recordings (pop, funk), but more introspective, more insightful. Iād say that the nDAC offers, overall, a more mature presentation. It matches my Sonus Fabers superbly.
Has anyone have had a similar experience when adding the nDAC to a ND5XS2?
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Well said @GlenJ. Your descriptions fall in line with what I remember when I added a nDAC to my ND5XS2. IIRC when I listening to the Commodores Brick house it was the first time I thought the drums sounded right. Something very special the nDAC brings.
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Many thanks for the comprehensive reply, I have heard very similar comments when researching the forum, sounds like it would be a very nice addition to my system.
Can I ask how you and others have connected the ndac to the nd5xs2, I see mention of BNC quiet a lot, its a connection I have never used before, so wondering which method most people recommend.
I currently use an Audioquest Carbon RCA cable using the BNC>RCA adaptor supplied with the ND5XS2. Iāll consider the DC1 cable, but Iām very happy with the Carbon for now.
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Many thanks GlenJ I will have to check my nd5xs2ās packaging, donāt remember seeing any cable adaptors in there but I could be mistaken.
I compared (ND5XS2 to) nDAC vs Qutest in my system and the bare DAC won clearly for me.
With Qutest you lose the Naim sound.
I use a DC1 and 555DR.
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It should be supplied. I received my ND5XS2 without one and kindly asked my dealer to send me the adaptor.
