ND5XS + Nait XS2 upgrade path

Posted by: Nic Chan on 25 January 2016

Hi there,

I'm new to this forum and would like to seek for some advise.

It was only a month ago when I decided I want a Hi-Fi system installed in my room (3.5 x 3.5meters)  Went so wrong by picking up a Cambridge Audio CXN streamer + CXA80 amp + KEF LS50 which end up not the kind of sound preference that I like (I'm new to HiFi stuff). Everything sound so different when I got home. (No ho,e demo service in HK)

So I changed the amp to a Nait XS2, things got better but still I don't find the sound very pleasant with the tremble. I just feel the sound is messy and noisy when played loud. I decided to upgrade the streamer and talked to my dealer which he claims that if I change my streamer to a ND5XS the sound will be much better and everything will sound a lot more controlled with a clear upgrade path for the future. I placed my order today and the streamer will arrive tomorrow. Now crossing my fingers hoping the streamer will solve all my problems. Anyone here been through a similar situation I'm under going?

So here is my question: Is my dealer telling me the truth? Will the ND5XS sound so much more better than the CXN and bring  me over the moon? What is the next upgrade that I should consider? Getting a Hi Cap or get a better pair of speakers? 

Thanks for the help. I understand I might sound silly but I'm really trying hard and did a lot of researches on the Naim brand before making my decisions just hoping that I'm on the right track and not wasting my money.

Really appreciated for the help.

Nic

 

Posted on: 30 March 2016 by Nic Chan

Sorry for my English bare wire just on the two ends! Its insulated!

Posted on: 30 March 2016 by Mike-B
james n posted:

The brass plates are crap- Have a look at the F type arrangement shown in the FAQ for the best approach with A5 and bi-wire terminals. 

+1 for "F" connectors,  the 90 degree Naim speaker plugs are perfect for this, with them you have an unbroken wire run from speaker cable thru both connection pairs, the 90 cable drop angle, the Neat terminal plate - all are perfect for the F connection method.  And its without doubt the best SQ,  beating any "jumper" wires & even more so the crazy prices the snake oil pedlars apply to them. 

Posted on: 20 April 2016 by Nic Chan

Quick question, TCMK3 vs HicapDR is there any difference? (Not sure if I can ask this kind of question here.)  if using TC will that bypass the original DR pre ower section of SN2? I was given a TC from a friend and am curious about the difference. If the DR hicap is definitely better I'll put it on my upgrade list. 

Posted on: 20 April 2016 by Adam Zielinski

Nic - alternative Power Supplies cannot be discussed here - forum rules. If you hook it up at your own risk.

Posted on: 29 April 2016 by Nic Chan

Got a wiredworld matrix 2 power strip today! Used a stock Naim power cord from wall sock to the strip and WOW significantly upgraded the SQ! Tighter bass, cleaner sound, better timing, blacker black! Never expected it will bring that much of a difference! Really happy with it! Will add some powerlines in the future! 

Posted on: 29 April 2016 by Adam Zielinski
Nic Chan posted:

Got a wiredworld matrix 2 power strip today! Used a stock Naim power cord from wall sock to the strip and WOW significantly upgraded the SQ! Tighter bass, cleaner sound, better timing, blacker black! Never expected it will bring that much of a difference! Really happy with it! Will add some powerlines in the future! 

Well done. If you do decide to PowerLine your gear, bear in mind the best effect is if all components have PowerLines. If you do it step by step, amp would be the first place to start.

Posted on: 30 April 2016 by Arnsider
Nic Chan posted:

Got a wiredworld matrix 2 power strip today! Used a stock Naim power cord from wall sock to the strip and WOW significantly upgraded the SQ! Tighter bass, cleaner sound, better timing, blacker black! Never expected it will bring that much of a difference! Really happy with it! Will add some powerlines in the future! 

Have just taken delivery of exactly the same Nic and going to install it this weekend...... Am excited you've noticed so much of an improvement....The Matrix 2 seems to have a lot of fans

Posted on: 30 April 2016 by Nic Chan

Great! I think you will love! Please report back your findings!