Comparing NDX + nDAC/XPS with NDX/XPS + nDAC

Posted by: Consciousmess on 21 May 2012

Hi all,

Because I could, I gave this a go for the full Pink Floyd WYWH album as I know the nuances of this album very well.  I expected there to be much more bass for some reason, but that isn't what I found.

I found moving the XPS to the NDX made the sound 'lighter' and slightly less detailed.  Moving it back.....

(And I noticed a safety mechanism on the NDX when you have two power sources connected!)

The sound became more spaced out and realistic.  This makes me wonder what the external XPS does to the sound of the NDX when the nDAC already has an external XPS?

Now I suspect the internal XPS on the NDX is already good.  Possibly.  But being of scientific mind, I have a big thing on controlling extraneous variables!!

Has anyone chosen to upgrade their NDX with an XPS??

Regards,

Jon
Posted on: 21 May 2012 by james n

What 'safety mechanism' did you come across - you should disconnect the power lead on the NDX when using an external power supply as per the manual.

 

James

Posted on: 21 May 2012 by Consciousmess
Hi James, I turned the power switch off of the NDX but did not disconnect the cable. When I rearranged things I accidentally turned this switch on while the NDX was powered by the external XPS!! The screen then said 'Two power supplies, disconnect and wait 10 minutes'! So point to note. But I was wondering whether an external XPS on the NDX boosts the low frequencies after the nDAC is sorted with its XPS. Do you have any idea? Jon PS You see, there are some tracks I have which sound glorious with deep controlled low frequencies and I am trying to capture that with my NDX.
Posted on: 21 May 2012 by james n

An. - clever NDX 

 

Did you try the NDX on its own and with XPS, without the nDac just to reference the NDX vrs nDac. 

 

James.

 

PS. - as you have a slightly unusual configuration its worth checking you have the Ground switch on the nDac in the right position - it won't harm anything by changing it and you may find you prefer it in one position over the other.