That is an inevitably I’m currently resisting!
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Is the XPS2 what I know as the XPS DR?
Yes. I say yes, I don’t actually know. But I think so.
That was my experience back in 2008 when I did the pre DR comparison. Really wanted the PS555 to be a no brainier - but far from it. Interestingly the change to an XPS DR many years was a no brainier. All on a CDX2.
Unless you have an (higher) end game in mind, I think it’s all too easy to be sucked into upgrading in big steps and create an unbalanced system. Then you start to notice the next weakest link and it becomes a distraction. I find it much more satisfying when a system is balanced and you can just get on with enjoying music.
The 555 is no doubt better in many ways but other upgrades are probably required to make the most of it. Synergy and balance - I think your friend made the right choice.
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I don’t think so, if I understand you correctly.
And I guess that was sort of my point in the original post.
The 555 has two burndy outputs, one of which is no use to the NDX2 and other devices. So that must mean there are bits of the 555, no matter how good, that the NDX2 or others can never access.
So, take those away from the 555, and what is now the physical difference?
Perhaps there isn’t any?
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The transformer is 40% bigger. There will most probably be other differences aswell.
But that 40% might be to drive the bits that a NDX2 doesn’t need? There will be extra capacitors and DRs, again to drive the bits not needed by a ndx2.
The second socket drives a dedicated circuit for a cd555 clock.
Like ordering a 3 course meal and only getting dessert. Dessert might be great but you will always wonder about what you missed 
(especially if you paid for it !)
Or like not buying a Ferrari because there’s a super eco mode button you won’t ever press
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Perhaps more akin to buying a Ferrari and only driving it in super eco mode.
Or more like buying something you never needed and couldn’t use. But you felt better because if you ever did, you were ready.
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No.
The original XPS is Olive, it was superceded by the XPS2 in the Classic (black) series. This was then in turn superceded by the XPS DR.
AFAIK the old XPS cannot be upgraded to DR, the XPS2 can be.
A perfect summary.
The olive XPS has a smaller transformer than the XPS2 and XPS-DR.
One of the output circuits on the XPS is also of a lower power capacity, which means that it cannot be used with most (all?) of the classic series streamers.
Upgrading an olive XPS to an XPS2 would require a new transformer and at least one new circuit board, then the DR changes on top of that to reach an XPS-DR - so essentially a whole new XPS.
Best regards, BF
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So, as a bit of an update, I popped around my friends house last evening to view/hear the XPS.
I was quite shocked at the change. Difficult to describe without using all the usual phrases, but wow.
One interesting observation is that the noise the XPS makes when switched on. It’s like a ping. I’m guessing it the sound from the case when the transformer is switched on. And yes, she does turn the whole thing off when not listening to it!
The XPS is notorious for blowing fuses on switch-on, so following Naim’s advice to keep it powered might be a good idea. If not, a good supply of spare fuses might be wise.
Ahh. Was not aware of that, I’ll let her know. I felt the weight of the xps , and most of that must be the transformer.
My HiCap DR does that upon switch on. Most big magnetic coil transformers do that upon switch on. It’s normal. Nice to hear your friend is pleased with the upgrade. It’s where i’m heading next with my NDX 2.
It’s quite a distinctive sound. No thump, just the casing making a ping. There is quite a ring to it too.
She got a good deal to on an ex demo unit. I commented that Naim psus don’t seam to hold their value like the rest of their stuff.