ND5XS/XPS2 vs. NDX

Posted by: PTCM on 18 January 2016

ND5XS/XPS2 vs. NDX (bare) 

 

Cam someone please tell me if I will get much improvement over existing setup of ND5XS/XPS2 by upgrading to NDX ?

Setup

SN2/NAP 200 (Bi-Amp)

CDX2/XPS2

To take this upgrade from point A to B, I need to sell ND5XS/XPS2 or should I keep XPS2 for NDX?  since most people say XPS2 doesn't do much for NDX?

Many thanks

Posted on: 18 January 2016 by catalinmetal

if just asking, for me the next level of "thing" always beats the below level + PSU.

if asking for upgrading :

just sell the XPS2 and SN2, and get a 202, and keep the rest of the money, or if you like go for a 282 instead.

XPS doesn't really do the things it should for the price asked, if you ask me, and SN preamp section is way below 202.

or even better cost wise : sell everything except the 200 and get 272... but ND5xs +282 will still be better i think.

PS2: on the other hand, one of the most non-subtle upgrades one can do for relatively small amount, is to replace 200 with 200DR. i compared 200 and 200DR inbetween 172 and S400 setup, and the difference is not small, the DR amp is a lot more neutral and coherent, with bigger picture and more refined.

Posted on: 19 January 2016 by Adam Zielinski

Nothing wrong with SN2. I would keep it.

definitely keep the CDX2 with XPS. It is a natural combo.

I found NDX siginificantly better than ND5XS. Compared them without power supplies though.

To keep your system ballanced, and also from an aesthetic point of view ( )  and NDX would be a good option.

Posted on: 19 January 2016 by hungryhalibut

There seem to be an awful lot of boxes here. With a good streamer, is the CD player earning its keep? Might rationalalising the whole lot to an NDS/XPS2 with 282/Hicap/250 DR or a 272/XPS/250 DR be a way to go? 

Posted on: 19 January 2016 by antony d

morning - i went through exactly the same issue couple of years ago - i had lots of boxes i sold my  CDX2/XPS and moved to NDX _ delighted with the results = not only for the quality and focus of music - i certainly feel the NDX gives more than the CDX2 did even with XPS moreover the Iradio now with BBC HD - lots of streaming options - currently using Tidal -  and the CD's are now in storage - and 700 ablums at the touch of an IPAD

current system is NDX/202/HCDR/200 - next stage for me would be either XPS2 or SH 555PS

enjoy the seach but in IMO the NDX is the way to go

 

Posted on: 19 January 2016 by Mike-B

+1 Antony D,  I went the same route.  

My NDX is powered by a (TP) XPS that started life with my old CDX2. To answer the OP question on the SQ with XPS & NDX (ND5) combination:  It is a good upgrade for NDX, but its fighting against a comparison with the huge step up the XPS does for the CDX2.   To me the XPS on the HDX is a similar raise in SQ as does the HiCap on SN. 

I missed the CDX2 for a while,  its upfront presentation had you right in the front row, the mosh pit even.  NDX sits you a bit further back,  front row circle or the posh booth seats in the jazz club.  The presentation is more refined, detailed & natural,  it really is a super player.