Adding HIFI Components to a Nait XS 2

Paul

i would do the following:

ND5XS with an FM/DAB module (as you presumably like listening to FM broadcasts) - you can try ripping your entire CD collection onto a NAS. this would make a CD player redundant. If however you like an idea of having a disc spinner, you cannot go wrong with a CD5XS - a very refined player indeed.

Power supply: something for your amp and a source at some stage.

A proper rack is paramount - do not underestimate this.

Rega RP8 - fantastic choice. Just go for a factory fitted Apheta cartridge. Phono-stage: I would go for Rega's own Aria (this is a universal MC and MM phono stage).

Adam

Hello Adam,

Thank you very much for your reply.  Could you please tell me what a NAS is please?  I have had a look at the Naim site and am unable to find it.  I was looking in the Streaming Product section.  Thank you for the recommendation of the Rega Aria.

I would start talking to dealers now. A good relationship with one is essential, and the fact that you're not ready to buy yet won't stop a good dealer from helping you. 

I'd consider a streamer instead of a CD player, as Adam says. It's a great way to access music. A NAS is a hard drive used to store music, which a streamer can access to play it. The Naim version would be a Unitiserve, but other makes such as Synology and QNAP work with Naim streamers.

I would start talking to dealers now. A good relationship with one is essential, and the fact that you're not ready to buy yet won't stop a good dealer from helping you. 

Sound advice it would well worthwhile to visit your dealer he will be able to guide you through the process plus you will have a chance to listen to what streaming is all about.

They will also be able to help you set up a NAS device if you decide this is the way to go.

Remember your dealer has a wealth of knowledge and can offer excellent advice plus demonstrate the different options.

Personally, I would go for a CD5XS with FlatcapXS. If you have plenty of space for your CDs, if you're going to live in a remote location (without a fast Internet connection, perhaps) ...and you're not sure what a NAS is, why bother getting a streamer? Why give yourself all that work ripping all your CDs? A CD5XS will give you great pleasure - although I do accept that it is yesterday's technology.

Gigantor posted:

Hello Adam,

Thank you very much for your reply.  Could you please tell me what a NAS is please?  I have had a look at the Naim site and am unable to find it.  I was looking in the Streaming Product section.  Thank you for the recommendation of the Rega Aria.

I see that Chrissu has already explained what a NAS is. Most popular (on this forum) makes are: QNAP, Synlogogy.

But if you cannot be bothered to rip all your CDs or to implement a NAS (which is actually quite simple) a CD5XS + FlatCap is a fantastic choice. An added benefit is that a FlatCap can power both your CD and your Nait.

At a later stage you could turbocharge your CD5XS by adding an nDAC. For some reason it is made in a slim case of XS products, but is part of the classic range.

Was it my money I'd do

Linn lp12 'majik' +stageline.

ND5XS /NAS ,otherwise CD5XS if spinning CDs.

PSUs and NDac waaaaay later on 

I use a Nait SX 2 with an ND5 XS.

I don't believe that you can go wrong adding the ND5 to your system and ripping your CDs to a NAS.
- For simplicity I'd
1   Get a Synology 216j NAS drive (you don't need anything more powerful for audio use)
2   Use the built in Synology Media Server to 'host' the audio files for the streamer
3   Get a network switch (e.g a Netgear GS105) to connect the networked bits together (Computer, Boadband Router, NAS and Streamer)
4   Rip the CDs to WAV files on the NAS (just put them in sub-folders below the /music folder)
5   Install the Naim App on a tablet (iOS or Android)
6   Setup a good backup regime

Normally that set of components plugs together and 'just works'.

In terms of future upgrades what I found was:
1   Upgrading the interconnect cable from the Naim 'Lavender' to a DIY job made from Mogami 2549 or 2534 made the biggest improvement.  This improved things in almost all areas.
2   Upgrading the Preamp power supply increased the 'scale', 'authority', and dynamic contrast in the sound.
3   Upgrading the power supply for the ND5 XS improved the detail and 'contrast in textures' in the sound.
All three were worth doing (and particularly the DIY interconnect as it only cost £8 + some time to assemble it).

Given your apparent lack of tech savvy, I'd suggest streaming is not for you. On the other hand, if the thought of losing your CDs in the loft, buying hi-resolution downloads and potentially distributing your digital music through the home appeals, then streaming is the solution here, but be prepared to learn a bit about networking - not much really, especially if you use a proficient server/ripper to store your CDs and downloads. Proficient server/rippers would include aria, innuos and Naim's own UnitiServe. The streamer in this case is an ND5XS or an NDX if you really want to fly! The NDX is not a visual match because it comes in the larger Classic casework but sonically it's in the next league up. Both streamers may be upgraded by one of the XP* power supplies. These cannot be used to upgrade the amplifier.

If you decide to remain with CD, the CD5XS is the obvious match and this is a fine player indeed. You can upgrade the system by buying a FlatcapXS with a couple of extra cables, and this can power sections of both CD player and amplifier at the same time to good effect. The player above is the CDX2. This is in the next league of performance up and is in the larger Classic casework. It's actually heavier than your amp because of that and the much larger power supply in the box. You can upgrade it too but we usually only recommend XPS-DR or 555PS for this player. These upgrades are significant, both in terms of price and performance, but even the 'standard ' player is a cracker.

The RP8 is a very good player. It's up against some strong competition in its price range, such as Michell's Gyro SE or Well Tempered's Simplex. If you go with the Rega, the Aria is the obvious match, especially if going with the Apheta2, which is a heck of a lot of cartridge for the money in the package deal. Note: the Apheta2 is much better than the original Apheta!

If you went with another deck then choose the phono stage as appropriate for the cartridge. For example, if you had a Dynavector cartridge in one of the above decks, you'd be better off with Dynavector's own P75mk3 in my view.

In both cases I'd suggest using a Rega Couple2 as interconnect. If not that, then one of the less expensive options from Chord Co with 2-phono to DIN terminations.

Naim's Stageline is a good phono stage, but I feel it's not a strong contender here, at least not until you add external supplies and then we're into the bigger boys' game again. The Superline is superb but then I'd be wondering about powering it off an XS2.

No mention of speakers? Have gone for the Sonus fabers yet?

Frank.

I wish to thank everyone for their inputs and guidance.  I am sorry I have not replied sooner though I have been away from computer and internet access for the last few days.  Streaming is not something I had considered.  Storing my music CDs onto a hard drive such as a UnitiServe does sound tempting.  I wonder what forum members think of the Naim App that handles, co-ordinates the ability to play tracks back?

A technophobe I am not.  Though I am old school.  Inserting ac CD, sitting back in the leather lounge.  Immersing oneself in the atmosphere created by your favourite music.  Whilst sipping a red wine or single malt is to be enjoyed.  I like the idea of sitting reposed and pressing play on the remote control for the CD player is/was my style.  The key functions would have to be simple to allow my wife to enjoy her favourite CDs as well.  Possibly the Marantz CD player is here to stay.

Before we head "Bush" I will take the time to chat with a Naim Dealer about an hours drive away and see what is involved to set up Hard Drive that contains complete error free coding of our smallish CD collection.

Thank you very much my Naim friends.

Oh yes, by the way.  The speakers are a pair of Celestion Sl6Si speakers.

Warm regards,

Paul.

Paul

The idea of storing CDs on a NAS is just one side of the streaming 'business'.
There are also other benefits, most likely even more enjoyable: high-resolution audio, internet radio and some streaming services like Tidal and Spotify (although, personally, I don't use them).
This way you can build up your music library, which will contain both exact copies of your own CDs as well as music you may buy on-line in the future (have a look at HD-Tracks for example).

As to using a Naim App - it is very intuitive and actually more fun to use, as an entire music collection it at your fingertips.
I play more of the old CDs now, than beforehand (ok - my CD library has over 1000 CDs). It is much easier to browse them via a NAIM app than physically going through plastic boxes. Having said that - I still play my CDs

Whichever way you decide to go - you will be in a very good place as you will enjoy the music you love.

Adam