NDX + XPS2, how good?

I had nDAC + XPS2 before I bought NDX.

After a few weeks of testing various combos, I sold the nDAC.

To me, it's that good.

Thanks! I guess you kept the XPS2 and use it with the NDX? Big difference with/without the XPS?

Yeah, the XPS2 is still here.

I bought it for nDAC as it's a bit harsh/edgy on it's own.

I did very little comparing without the XPS2, but I found similiar roughness on bare NDX. The internal PSU of my NDX hasn't even burned-in yet, so it might've gotten better...

That being said, 555PS demons have visited my dreams more than once...

I am very tempted to go in the same direction: sell my nDAC to buy an NDX.

To your ears, nDAC/XPS2 was roughly at the same level than the NDX/XPS2?

I prefer the Naim DAC to the NDX, but was very impressed by the NDS

My preference would be 

1. Mac Mini -> naim DAC + XPS2

1. ND5 XS -> naim DAC + XPS2

2. Squeezebox / Sonos -> naim DAC + XPS2

3. NDX + XPS2

However, you may have a different preference from me. I currently use a Naim DAC/555 PS with a Mac Mini and it works very well for me. 

The box count, if important, for the first and last of these is the same because you need a box with music files on it to feed the NDX. The Sonos has the nicest user interface - if that matters. 

I found the Naim DAC easier to listen than the NDX and it was easier to concentrate on the songs and the singing, but they are both excellent products as is the the ND5XS. 

There is a never an alternative to having a listen for yourself and choosing the one that suits you best. 

These discussions can go on forever.  As I have stated in another thread, I recently took delivery of an NDX and 555PS to supplement my nDAC. I found the 555PS greatly preferable to the XPS2 during my dealer audition.  After a few days warmup using NDX/555PS + nDAC as initially installed, I did some listening tests of my own , using QNAP/Twonky, 282/HiCap, 250.2, nSATs, DC1, HiLine - admittedly not 552 etc standard system, but hardly shabby!

1. NDX alone

2. NDX + nDAC

3. NDX /555PS + nDAC

4. NDX + nDAC/555PS

I did not try NDX/555PS alone.

My preferences were initially in the order above (30-45 minutes listening to each).  However, after an evening of listening to option 4, I began to realise that some of the emotion in the music that I had been hearing with the setup as installed by Phil of Cymbiosis was now missing, so I have reverted to opton 3, which although a little harsher, seems to me to better communicate the emotion.

All personal preference.  Listen for yourself.

The only problerm is, I now wonder what adding a second 555PS to the nDAC as well would achieve?   

Oh, I've got the cash, it's just that SWMBO rations my upgrades ...Incidentally, how much is an NDS?

Guido, I have been thinking about this solution too.

Do you use the iTunes library and the "Remote" app?

I my memory serves me correct, you are using the optical output directly to the nDac? Did you try using a Hiface or Hiface Evo?