Where to go next?

Posted by: Wals79 on 05 July 2018

Hi guys have posted here a few times but would like an idea from expers if possible.

My system consists of the following:

NDX

202 pre with HiCap DR and Napsc

Nap 200

Nap 175 3 channel (For surround duties)

Pmc 25.24 chord shawline cabling and chord epic supertwin speaker cable.......

i upgraded to the Ndx about 6-8weeks ago from an Nd5xs and the improvement has been significant with everything, question is what do i upgrade next where should i be looking? PSU for the ndx? 282 pre with a hicap or upgrade to a supercap etc? I know theres more to come from this system and want to know what the best path is next? 

Thanks in advance

Posted on: 05 July 2018 by varyat

Some may say strictly source first and that would lead you into a PSU for the NDX...but I would consider the 282 as it would raise the bar considerably and allow the future NDX PSU to show what it is doing more clearly....With Naim there are always many ways to skin the cat so to speak See your dealer to demo the 282- it may surprise you....

Good luck,

Mark

Posted on: 05 July 2018 by ChrisSU

I agree that a 282 would be something to consider, especially as you already have a Hicap. The big question is whether you should do this first, or a source upgrade. If so, do you go for an XPS, or an external DAC. Then again, the new streamers may be worth considering too. ND5XS2 with external DAC is on my own shortlist of potential source upgrades.

Posted on: 05 July 2018 by Wals79

Thanks Mark thats kind of what i was hoping someone would say, i want to hear each upgrade as i do it so what you suggest does go with my own logic aswell and i now also feel whilst very capable the 202 may now be the weak link in the system 

Posted on: 05 July 2018 by Adam Zielinski

I’d upgrade the source first. Either XPS DR or a pre-loved 555PS (either non-DR or DR).

Your pre-amp is fine for now.

Posted on: 05 July 2018 by varyat

I think that others will chime in here and share their opinions....There are many ways to "upgrade" Naim systems and that's what makes Naim an interesting manufacturer- they provide many upgrade paths. However, imo, sticking with the basics and upgrading the preamplifier has never let me down- the pre is the foundation of a Naim system.

ATB,

Mark

Posted on: 05 July 2018 by The Strat (Fender)

As you have only recently acquired the NDX I’d be inclined to just enjoy what you have before making any further changes. Time will give you more insight into what you might wish to improve. 

Happy listening. 

Posted on: 05 July 2018 by Bob the Builder

The 202/200 with HCDR and Napsc is a fine amp and if your really happy with the NDX perhaps a change of speaker cables to Nac A5 and if you haven't already got one a decent rack.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Posted on: 05 July 2018 by thebigfredc

282.

Posted on: 05 July 2018 by trickydickie

In the same system except for the speakers I upgraded to a 282 and it was the largest upgrade I have made.  After this I upgraded to a 250dr which was almost as much and improvement again.

I see mixed views on the impact of a PS on an NDX, it makes me want to hear the difference and also compare to an NDX2 first.

Richard

 

Posted on: 06 July 2018 by Ears

Wals79, I would first try to get the best out of your NDX in your current set up.  My NDX seems to work well with a non-DR 555PS and Audio Counsel mains lead (perhaps surprisingly not a Powerline). 

Trickydickie, I also have a 282 (and Kudos C10 speakers) but did not think an NDX on its own was enough.