NDX (bare) vs. Squeezebox Touch (EDO enhancement)/Rega DAC

Posted by: JF Lux on 28 May 2016

first impressions after about an hour of direct A/B comparison at home...? The SBT/Rega combination is not to be sniffed at. Well done Slimdevices  (The SBT has the EDO enhancement for hi-res 24/192 playback with appropriate downloads). 

Sat down for a bit of listening with middle son. Beauty is that the NDX picked up the NAS/Media Server immediately so could play the same track simultaneously on the NDX and SBT for immediate comparison. Both SBT and NDX connected via Ethernet on the same switch.

You know what...? The SBT/Rega combination is either extremely good...or the NDX is nowhere near as good as it should be. And I really want to like the NDX. The difference between then two (to mine and my son's ears) is actually quite close. Yes, the NDX had "that something else". Highs not as sharp; more "feel" to the music, fuller in a way. Son said it was like having a filter or piece of foam over the speaker with the SBT. But it's not actually one of those "wow, what a big difference" moments.

So initial impressions - NDX wins...for now...but not a massive step. Have it for a few more days so time to go through different music. I have a suspicion the SBT will start to sound more fatiguing if the NDX is not so harsh. I think that is where I will notice it so it might be down to long-term enjoyment rather than immediate "wow" effect.

But it's a s**t load of money if the SBT/Rega is actually not that bad...A few more days to get used to the NDX and see if my suspicions will be proven.

Posted on: 03 June 2016 by The Man With Nonaim

I owned a NDX and enjoyed it immensely into a NDAC until I heard a SBT. It's a remarkable device and I have never regretted making the Change. I thought that the SBT was incredible value until I added an Israeli built psu. This lowered the noise floor and the combo is very special.  Somebody whose opinion I respect thinks that this combo is on a par with a NDS. I have not made the comparison but would like to.  The NDX is a very nice player but there are some fantastic alternatives at lower prices.

Posted on: 10 June 2016 by JF Lux

So I finally have the nDAC at home to try. Instant improvement. As a couple of people have said above, nothing wrong with SBT into the nDAC. It is a much more noticeable difference with SBT/nDAC vs. the NDX (bare). 

It is more open. SOund just seems more full but controlled. Before I always had a level of "harshness/hardness" with the SBT/Rega. Gone ! Been playing a selection of tracks, some chosen for more highs, and I am playing at much louder volumes than before.

I don't think it's going back...

Posted on: 10 June 2016 by whsturm

Just before you 'pull the trigger' on the nDAC you may want to try a Chord Hugo (or other Chord variant). I replaced an nDAC/XPS with a Hugo two years ago having preferred the Hugo's sound in my system (I had been running with the nDAC for a year or so beforehand). Down to system synergies and personal preferences but worth a comparison if you have the time or inclination.

Posted on: 10 June 2016 by Iconoclast

I didn't find the Rega that harsh but I did find it rather sluggish. Unless you're getting a really good deal on the nDAC I would take the time to shop around. However one advantage the nDAC has is that it reclocks the signal. This could prove more beneficial with sources of lesser quality.  

Posted on: 10 June 2016 by JF Lux
whsturm posted:

Just before you 'pull the trigger' on the nDAC you may want to try a Chord Hugo (or other Chord variant).

Unfortunately, the closest Chord Electronics dealer is in another country...

Posted on: 10 June 2016 by kmchow98

Great to know the nDAC is working well for you! Did you check if the nDAC have the latest firmware upgrade?

The last update really boosted the performance of the nDAC by alot. Don't try the power supply upgrade....