NDX + PSU...again

...

I would get the XPS-DR for the NDX. Really wouldnt bother with the XP5XS...

Ralf, personally I think the NDX sound pretty impressive without a PSU. If you have the funds I would focus on a better pre instead... You will, if you are anything like me, get a far better benefit.

If you want to super boost the NDX then plug into a NDAC/555PS for arguably top of the range Naim sound..

Simon

I had an opportunity to talk with a Naim rep at rmaf.  I asked about differences in nd5 vs ndx.  His response was that the ndx power supply = xp5xs.  Also, he said I should buy a NDS + xp5 vs ndx + 555.

Kevin, that doesn't suprise me, the NDX/555PS is not a happy marriage (IMO of course)

Simon

Had a chat with a Naim dealer today, he agrees...NDS+XP5 sounds better in his opinion ("source first")

Ralf

Simon,

as I have read quite some of your feedbacks on the NDX / DAC / PSU part, in case you would do a step by step approach, would you add the DAC first and then the PSU, given the NDX is already in place?

Rgs

Georg

Hi Georg, to be honest I didn't apply a stepped approach. My evolution was initially CDS3 /XPS2, and I only felt happy to retire my CDP when I migrated ultimately to the NDX->NDAC/555PS, which to me had more  music enjoyment and insight.. As well as increased boogie factor to the music.

However stepping backwards, the NDX on its own is very enjoyable, albeit ultimately a little lacking in detail/resolution, dynamics and authority but only compared to its bigger stable mates.

Now I never was that bowled over with the NDAC on its own, or even with the XPS. However with the 555PS everything just seems to snap into place...

So I would not bother to upgrade the NDX unless I had a NDAC/555PS... But that's just me. For what it's worth I enjoy the original 555PS to the DR 555PS on the NDAC and so if you prefer the same, then a used non DR 555PS can be had relatively cheaply now to match a NDAC.

Simon 

Simon, did you try the ND5XS or Unitiqute into the NDAC/555PS or, having already gone down the NDX route, settled on the NDX as a pure streamer into the NDAC/555PS? 

I know that Allen posted thoughts on the streaming/dig out capabilities of the various players but I cannot remember the conclusion.  Like Ralf, I am considering upgrade paths for the NDX (a very enjoyable player on its own, however).

Thanks....Paul

@Simon, and sorry for the slight hijack. 

I'm wondering what you think of the CD 555 CDP, purely from the point of view of trying to assses whether we have similar perceptions of it. I find some of your opinions very interesting so it would be useful to have some baseline such as your opinion of CDS3 vs CD555. 

SJB

Plinko, I didn't try the ND5XS. The options I auditioned were the NDX->NDAC/555PS and the NDS/555PS. I did earlier try the Uniqute into NDAC plus PSU (sorry can't remember which one, but possibly XPS2) and I didn't prefer it over my CDS3/XPS2..

i quickly came to the conclusion that the NDAC is sensitive to what is feeding it.

Simon

Cayman, I am not sure, yes there will be more detail, insight and accuracy with the NDAC over the NDX, as the NDAC is technically significantly more advanced and refined over the NDX, but without the 555PS, only you can decide whether it's more musical.

Simon

John B, I have not heard a CD555 at home, but I have heard it elsewhere, and I really enjoy it. To me it has more in common with the NDAC/555PS sound than say the NDS/555PS sound. The latter is closer to the CDS3.. I don't know if that is anything to do with the 'S'??

Simon

The S-Class is not only separated, but suspended too. So I guess yes!

Interesting post, since I am in the process of upgrading CDS3/XPS2 -> NDS/555PS.