Hi all,
Firstly, can I applaud you all for your informative contributions to this forum. Clearly, many of you are very experienced Naim users and I have managed to pick up lots of hints and tips!
My Naim journey began in the final quarter of last year with the purchase of a ND5 XS streamer, followed most recently by a Supernait2 integrated. This has been quite the game changer since upgrading from a rather warm and polite Arcam A38! That said, I do tend to suffer from upgraditus, hence the questions about power supplies. Perhaps buying into Naim was the wrong choice....!
I have a powerline which was feeding the amp but since moving it over to the streamer and enjoying a slightly more detailed presentation, I am keen to understand the power supply upgrade path with this streamer, specifically, the Naim xp5xs ( any higher up the ps hierarchy seems a bit daft given the costs) vs the power line.
Any experience would be greatly appreciated!
Paul
Moderated Post: Paul, I have made a small edit to your post. Please note forum rules - specifically that discussion of unauthorised modifications to Naim kit, which includes non-Naim power supplies, which may at best impair performance and at worst cause system damage, is strictly forbidden. Thanks.
Posted on: 12 April 2016 by ChrisSU
Personally, I'd get an NDX rather than add a power supply to an ND5XS, especially as you have a Supernait. They make a great combination, and still only 2 boxes.
Posted on: 13 April 2016 by Huge
Another alternative would be to use the ND5 XS to output to a Chord DAC (2Qute or Hugo). This is likely to be a more significant upgrade than an XP5 XS, but you should ideally audition both as the 'balance' of the sound will be somewhat different and which you prefer will depend on personal preferences.
Posted on: 13 April 2016 by Adam Zielinski
I am keen to understand the power supply upgrade path with this streamer, specifically, the Naim xp5xs ( any higher up the ps hierarchy seems a bit daft given the costs) vs the power line.
Do not underestimate the power of the dark side! 'Unfortunately' each power supply up the range is that much better.
Given your dilema, I would personally do the following (depending a bit on funds available and rack space)
Option 1: Sell ND5XS and get an NDX. At some stage add XPSDR.
Option 2: Get and XPSDR now and upgrade your ND5XS to NDX at some stage.
NDX is a natural partner for the SuperNait2.
As you can see all our suggestions focus on essentially on:
- Source first principle
- Coherence of a system
Adam
Posted on: 13 April 2016 by p_m_brown
Thanks all for your input and suggestions.
I must admit, I am not wild about adding a dac into the chain as I rather enjoy the straightforward set up I have right now. It would also mean investing in an additional chord chorus interconnect (or better).
The NDX has been at the back of my mind for a while (I decided against comparing the ND5 and NDX at the time) but since I have had the ND5 for such a short while, I will likely keep it for another year or so before indulging in a big upgrade. That being said, I can probably justify an additional powerline soon!
The amp is definitely a keeper and whilst I would prefer a clean 2 box system, 3 wouldn't be too bad should the XPS DR add even more to the NDX. I can't help but think one is always planning the next upgrade...
Thanks again,
Paul
Posted on: 19 April 2016 by p_m_brown
Got another powerline after hearing a full fat xps running my little nd5xs.
The results with the xps were certainly impressive - deeper soundstage, more precision in said soundstage, more space around instruments, but worth the 3600 quid asking price? No. The PL certainly improves things, but minus the depth of soundstage.
Next stop, NDX or possibly a 2nd hand NDac whIch I suspect will react even more positivity to an XPS.
