HDX & NDX - Do they sound the same?

As you have a 555ps, I'd save those pennies and get an NDS. A like (ish) for like swap, and the loss on the HDX, doesn't seem worthwhile.

I'm not in the market for an NDS Nigel. It's for convenience with no spend (ex-demo) whilst not downgrading or significantly altering the quality I have - which I'm happy with.

G

I've only heard an NDX once, and that was through the Ovator 800 with three 500s. That would have showed up source deficiencies, but it sounded great to me. Go for it.

Rather than worry about volume control via nStream (which I don't get with an NDS BTW), why don't you just select 'pause' on nStream when the phone rings?

Because the HDX uses nServe.....

Thanks. Do that presently - The issue is more at things like dinner with friends for example - sitting at table and the volume varies between albums. It would just be more convenient to have total control via iPhone.

Not a big deal but if I could do it cost neutral with no sonic downgrade I might consider it.

G

Which you can also pause

I have both NDX and HDX - both are connected to the Naim DAC.

I think they both sound very similar and back to back comparisons on the same ripped music on my NAS or HDX store sound more or less identical. If I was to be forced at gunpoint to pick which one was better then I would say the NDX.

Thanks. That's helpful.

G

Graeme,

Some food for thought from aysil in case you missed it (read a bit more down the thread):

https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...606#5086599874211606

Frank Abela seemed to have some experience with this comparison, so if you cue him gently maybe he'll chime in...

Thanks!

G

I couldn't tell them apart bare or with 555PS (pre DR). Also tried the DAC/555PS on both and perhaps not surprisingly found no gap between them. The NDS really does open up the gap and although we're all different, with different tastes/needs/ears, I'd say, at least on general principle, that if you're going dedicated streaming from HDX you'll be wanting an 'S'.

Every time I've heard ND5/PS (whatever it is), NDX/XPS2 and NDS/555PS played back to back, the NDX has consistently sounded like it offered the best performance for respective price. It's when you spend some quality, unrushed time with the NDS that the musical differences start to shine more brightly. Somewhat akin to a CDS3 but more so.

But it's what your ears tell you that matters.

Thanks Harry.

G

Harry that's very helpful.

Seems like NDX offer the best price/performance....?

In my opinion yes. 

It can be bettered - again IMO. But there is always the question of cost versus value. I'm lucky. But if I didn't already own an HDX and was shopping at NDX level with maybe a US or NAS/server arrangement, no tears would end up in my beer.

Useful insight Allen, thanks.

G

Graeme, I agree with Allen I have tried the NDX with the 555PS and 555PS(DR) and I felt it unbalanced the NDX - indeed Allen's description of forced feels apt.

The NDX is very good and totally respectable on its own. Yes ultimately compared to the heavy weights lacking in detail/texture/finesse and slightly flatter dynamics - but unless you heard those you wouldn't miss it. The native NDX stereo image is actually very impressive.

Simon

I'm really enjoying the HDX:555PS sound and the NDX is losing its appeal over the course of these comments.......

Thanks Simon for further useful grist to the mill.

Just seen your most recent Allen, posted as I typed above........further confusion abounds!

G

Graeme, just a thought, as you like the HDX/555PS so much - have you tried a Hiline? I have used a Hiline with NDAC/555PS and NDX native and it really adds to my enjoyment in an open and insightful way. Tones/textures seem to open up and extend.

Simon

Similar finding here, now you've reminded me. I thought the NDS had a tendency to sometimes overdo some aspects of bass, a bit one note, a bit loose at times, but post DR (on 555PS) it is tight and tends towards dry. It's got lots of texture and no longer lets go with large air movements. There is always going to be an aspect of room interaction but the bass is definitely better controlled. A slight lean forward in the treble has also stood up straighter and blended better with the overall presentation which is probably a part of the same effect.

The NDS didn't sound bad previously but the DR PS upgrade has taken it somewhat further and all for the better.

Used it for years Simon!

I had a sneaking suspicion you did 

GraemeH, I have NDX into supernait 2 with unitiserve holding my music .

I tried HDX and NDX at home, running into stand mounted PMC21s will upgrade to PMC 23 when I can afford, anyway I loved both, if I had the money would of bought HDX for convenience, I could not spot any difference sound wise between them both ( both trilled without power supplies)

I would stick with what you have and possibly buy a remote extender by your dinning room(can't remember the name but plugged into sockets pyramid shaped)

You have a Fantastic set up so not worth loosing any money 

Regards

David

Allen, its several years since I owned an XPS2 and so can't really remember what it did to the NDX - so indeed it may well suit it better than the 555PS, but as I say standalone it's quite descent - and again I agree it does start to bring than analogue-ness that you take for granted on more expensive sources.

Simon

I think that's how I'm leaning David.

Thanks for contributing to the discussion.

G