Dipping toes into the NAS (world) with no clue and getting rid of the CD player

Why not just get an ex dem ND5XS or NDX and be done with it? The new streamer might be six months away, by which time you will have exploded. Swapping DACs or other random purchases won’t really help. You’ll lose less selling the XS if you really want an XS2 than you would selling a DAC you don’t need. Just drive a hard bargain. 

Stephen -- you are getting off track again... 

On a more serious note, I listened to the Hugo 2 (same DAC as Qutest) together with SN2 and PMC 23.25; and I rather liked it!!! But this would require you get onto the "messier" transport route, like the Allo DigiOne or Innuous Zen Mini.

Timo posted:

Stephen -- you are getting off track again... 

On a more serious note, I listened to the Hugo 2 (same DAC as Qutest) together with SN2 and PMC 23.25; and I rather liked it!!! But this would require you get onto the "messier" transport route, like the Allo DigiOne or Innuous Zen Mini.

P.S. In a direct comparison with the ND5XS; and when running the Hugo 2 I had the ND5XS as transport.

please, don’t explode Stephen!   

I would say you could be looking at 6 months for a new ND5XS2, so if you really do not want to wait the advice from HH is very sound. If you like the old streamers, then just bide your time until the ex demo NDX2 or ND5 XS2 become available late next year. Or chop in a for a new one at Xmas as a present to yourself.????

Stephen, I must echo he advice from HH by coincedence I was in my local dealer today seeing if they had an update on the new range of streamers as I have a provisional order placed for a NDX2 subject to a demo of course.

At the moment no firm dates from Naim but he was hoping that they would see the ND555 in July and the NDX2 in August the ND5 X2 sometime in September so some time off, bearing in mind none of these dates are confirmed so it might pay to look at an ex demo as suggested.

Ok, thanks guys.

Upon reflection:

I too agree with HH's advice. I am now going to try and get a good ex-demo NDX instead, I think with a little work (on my part) this can be achieved. The way I'm now seeing it; if i'm going to choose a model from the older range (though I have my heart set on a new range model) I might as well hit a little higher and go for a NDX instead. I think I have the time and patience to be able to do just that. I'm not going to go down the different DAC or Innuos route now, I have definitely decided to stick with Naim. Of course the NDX is already out and is about to be replaced so now's the time to bag a bargain. I can also furrow away in the mean time knowing the NDX is for the taking. I shall be seeing my local Naim dealer very soon with the intention of laying down a deposit to secure a NDX. I know the guys at my local audio T fairly well and have always found them very helpful once one has made their mind up.

After I get the front end sorted out I will then be looking to upgrade my amplifier!

Thanks all!

Pcd posted:

Stephen, I must echo he advice from HH by coincedence I was in my local dealer today seeing if they had an update on the new range of streamers as I have a provisional order placed for a NDX2 subject to a demo of course.

At the moment no firm dates from Naim but he was hoping that they would see the ND555 in July and the NDX2 in August the ND5 X2 sometime in September so some time off, bearing in mind none of these dates are confirmed so it might pay to look at an ex demo as suggested.

Speaking to my dealer earlier, and the message I got was that the 5XS2 was at least six months away. Goodness knows. 

Stephen, if you change your DAC now, you will need a device that will send your CD rips to it. Your NAS will not do that on its own, whereas the Innuos Zen Mini will, which is part of the reason I suggested it. Or you can run software on your computer to do this. The two DACs you mention, the V1 and the Qutest, would both be ideal for this purpose. Which one works best for you would be a matter of personal preference. 

Why not find a dealer who can demo these for you, while you wait for the new Naim streamers to arrive?

ndx second hand or ex demo is a good idea and. normally should sound better than nd5xs2.

An ex-demo NDX at Audio T -- 3K. I think that's a bit steep for a streamer that will be discontinued in a couple of months. And who knows -- it might not sound any better than the ND5XS2 at 2K, and that one comes with the new platform... 

Stephen Tate posted:

Ok, thanks guys.

Upon reflection:

I too agree with HH's advice. I am now going to try and get a good ex-demo NDX instead, I think with a little work (on my part) this can be achieved. The way I'm now seeing it; if i'm going to choose a model from the older range (though I have my heart set on a new range model) I might as well hit a little higher and go for a NDX instead. I think I have the time and patience to be able to do just that. I'm not going to go down the different DAC or Innuos route now, I have definitely decided to stick with Naim. Of course the NDX is already out and is about to be replaced so now's the time to bag a bargain. I can also furrow away in the mean time knowing the NDX is for the taking. I shall be seeing my local Naim dealer very soon with the intention of laying down a deposit to secure a NDX. I know the guys at my local audio T fairly well and have always found them very helpful once one has made their mind up.

After I get the front end sorted out I will then be looking to upgrade my amplifier!

Thanks all!

An unknown quantity at the moment is how well the ND5XS compares to the NDX - it might be better in terms of sound quality, or it might not. However, the important thing once you have decided on one of these options is not to even think about the alternatives. 

French Rooster posted:

ndx second hand or ex demo is a good idea and. normally should sound better than nd5xs2.

What do you mean ‘normally’, and on what do you base that?

Stephen, I have not read this entire thread but I have read enough to see you agonising over this decision, not helped by several options being chucked into the mix, serving to confuse and confound your decision.

Look you already have a QNAP NAS (as do I and they are fine devices) so going with a Naim streamer and using the QNAP as storage and a server seems like a sensible choice rather than changing tack with a Zen and DAC for example. You also have friendly and knowledgable support in HH who has already taken you through the Naim approach to streaming I believe. You also have this forum and your Naim dealer to help set things up and to overcome any problems you encounter. Naim Support were also a great help to me when I needed to set up my UnitiServe and QNAP NAS.

So my advice is stick with your decision and go the Naim route - help and support are there with this route. Yes you may or may not do better than an Ex-dem or pre loved NDX. But you could definitely do worse. They will be going for bargain prices as they become superseded. You could wait months for a ND5XS2 and it still may not outperform a NDX. I had a NDX and it is a belter for the money.

Suggestions of yet more alternatives I don't think will be helpful to you unless you have the support to get one of these up and running. Naim Support, this forum, your dealer and HH are surely the answer to your dilemma.

One thing I have noticed just recently (surfing on the web) is how many of these ex-dem streamers are available - the market is appearing a little flooded. Never a better time to haggle? or a bad omen...?

The one thing that does put me off with the older range is the upgrade facility with an off board PSU. I know these can make an appreciable difference but it's not what 'i' want. I just don't have the room or the ambition to take these devices to their full potential. I mean; in a way (for me) the old range is wasted in that respect. What appeals to me with regard to the ND5 XS 2 is the fact it can't be upgraded with a separate PSU. To some of you this may sound crazy but to me it's not, I like plug n play. I did run a slimline active Naim set for several years so I know what it's like to live with lots of boxes and cables, oh and the bleeding tweakery as well. I do not wish to go down that road again but to keep things simple and basic. Hell, I even like the fact that the ND5 XS 2 doesn't even have a screen either but to be stripped right back to minimum basics a bit like the NAIT 5si. The NAIT 5si is a very good amp by the way, it just works and gets on with the job in hand without being fussy or moody!

I will hear what my dealer has to say regarding a ex-demo NDX, hopefully they can make me a deal I cannot refuse?  It's a buyers market right now, I feel.

Innocent Bystander posted:

French Rooster posted:

ndx second hand or ex demo is a good idea and. normally should sound better than nd5xs2.

What do you mean ‘normally’, and on what do you base that?

if i follow my logic, so the absolute truth...of course i am joking.   For me, the nd5xs2 will certainly be better than the nd5x but not enough better to beat an ndx.   It is like the cdx2 , better than cdx but not as good as the cds1.     Or hugo 2 better than 1 but still inferior to the dave.

Of course, i may be wrong and perhaps the nd5x2 will outperform the ndx and the ndx2 will outperform the nds....

Stephen, when NAIM bring out a new model or model change you tend to see a lot come up for sale as the dealers clear the decks ready for the new models a good time to get a good deal.

I purchased my NDX about four years ago when they brought out the Bluetooth model it was under six months old and unmarked and as it was a ex demo unit it qualified for the extended parts warranty as offered by Naim I made a saving of well over a £1000.00

I was originally usung it with my old Olive set up without the additional power supply and it sounded excellent.

I only added the XPS when I upgraded my system a couple of years ago but rest assured it is perfectly OK on its own.

Good hunting for an ex dem unit.

Stephen Tate posted:

One thing I have noticed just recently (surfing on the web) is how many of these ex-dem streamers are available - the market is appearing a little flooded. Never a better time to haggle? or a bad omen...?

The one thing that does put me off with the older range is the upgrade facility with an off board PSU. I know these can make an appreciable difference but it's not what 'i' want. I just don't have the room or the ambition to take these devices to their full potential. I mean; in a way (for me) the old range is wasted in that respect. What appeals to me with regard to the ND5 XS 2 is the fact it can't be upgraded with a separate PSU. To some of you this may sound crazy but to me it's not, I like plug n play. I did run a slimline active Naim set for several years so I know what it's like to live with lots of boxes and cables, oh and the bleeding tweakery as well. I do not wish to go down that road again but to keep things simple and basic. Hell, I even like the fact that the ND5 XS 2 doesn't even have a screen either but to be stripped right back to minimum basics a bit like the NAIT 5si. The NAIT 5si is a very good amp by the way, it just works and gets on with the job in hand without being fussy or moody!

I will hear what my dealer has to say regarding a ex-demo NDX, hopefully they can make me a deal I cannot refuse?  It's a buyers market right now, I feel.

You could, of course, just be patient. Forget this change for a while - we’re only talking a few months - and just listen the way you have up to now, and if it helps put the NAS out of site  pretend you haven’t even bought it (otherwise keep ripping, but just collect as files).

French Rooster posted:

Innocent Bystander posted:

French Rooster posted:

ndx second hand or ex demo is a good idea and. normally should sound better than nd5xs2.

What do you mean ‘normally’, and on what do you base that?

if i follow my logic, so the absolute truth...of course i am joking.   For me, the nd5xs2 will certainly be better than the nd5x but not enough better to beat an ndx.   It is like the cdx2 , better than cdx but not as good as the cds1.     Or hugo 2 better than 1 but still inferior to the dave.

Of course, i may be wrong and perhaps the nd5x2 will outperform the ndx and the ndx2 will outperform the nds....

It has nothing to do with logic — it’s a purely empirical issue. FWIW, @Simon-in-Suffolk prefers Hugo 1 over Hugo 2 — and don’t tell Simon that his reasoning is illogical... 

Innocent Bystander posted:

You could, of course, just be patient. Forget this change for a while - we’re only talking a few months - and just listen the way you have up to now, and if it helps put the NAS out of site  pretend you haven’t even bought it (otherwise keep ripping, but just collect as files).

Yup, there is of course this as well. 

Not easy to do but probably the most sensible approach in all honesty. Patience is a virtue as they say.

Timo posted:

French Rooster posted:

Innocent Bystander posted:

French Rooster posted:

ndx second hand or ex demo is a good idea and. normally should sound better than nd5xs2.

What do you mean ‘normally’, and on what do you base that?

if i follow my logic, so the absolute truth...of course i am joking.   For me, the nd5xs2 will certainly be better than the nd5x but not enough better to beat an ndx.   It is like the cdx2 , better than cdx but not as good as the cds1.     Or hugo 2 better than 1 but still inferior to the dave.

Of course, i may be wrong and perhaps the nd5x2 will outperform the ndx and the ndx2 will outperform the nds....

It has nothing to do with logic — it’s a purely empirical issue. FWIW, @Simon-in-Suffolk prefers Hugo 1 over Hugo 2 — and don’t tell Simon that his reasoning is illogical... 

he also prefers bare cdx2 vs cdx2/xps2. But why not.....but i will not say empirical.  Logic is also not a good term, but i have not enough english vocabulary....

Stephen Tate posted:

Innocent Bystander posted:

You could, of course, just be patient. Forget this change for a while - we’re only talking a few months - and just listen the way you have up to now, and if it helps put the NAS out of site  pretend you haven’t even bought it (otherwise keep ripping, but just collect as files).

Yup, there is of course this as well. 

Not easy to do but probably the most sensible approach in all honesty. Patience is a virtue as they say.

I agree with IB — be patient, and get a Mk 2 when it’s ready. If you want to treat yourself in the meantime, buy an ex-demo XS2. Or make a trip to Leeds! There is pair of Naim Allae — collection person only (ebay). No clue whether the price is okay, and whether the journey to Leeds is worthwhile for you. It’s a lovely city — lived there until 3 months ago... And the Yorkshire Dales are gorgeous... 

Timo posted:

 There is pair of Naim Allae — 

I've spotted a stunning pair on an on-line dealer's site. I can't tell you how many times my cursor has hovered over the 'submit' tile.

I need to get my front end sorted out first, thinking about speakers right now is crazy. I have always hankered after a pair of Allaes though, after an amp up-grade I will look again. 

Stephen Tate posted:

Timo posted:

 There is pair of Naim Allae — 

I've spotted a stunning pair on an on-line dealer's site. I can't tell you how many times my cursor has hovered over the 'submit' tile.

I need to get my front end sorted out first, thinking about speakers right now is crazy. I have always hankered after a pair of Allaes though, after an amp up-grade I will look again. 

Not really crazy. You can’t sort out the front-end at the moment — why not go for the speakers in the meantime if you have been keen on them for a long time? Assuming the price is good...

Stephen Tate posted:

Timo posted:

 There is pair of Naim Allae — 

I've spotted a stunning pair on an on-line dealer's site. I can't tell you how many times my cursor has hovered over the 'submit' tile.

I need to get my front end sorted out first, thinking about speakers right now is crazy. I have always hankered after a pair of Allaes though, after an amp up-grade I will look again. 

Have you heard Allaes to know you like their sound? Speakers are the single most significant system component in terms of sound character...

But I thought your budget was already being stretched with Naim streamer plus the NAS you’ve bought?