ND5XS for the weekend

Well it was an interesting weekend. Yes, it is the production model and it is available in Germany since this week. I just have to translate my findings, so please be a little patient

I already posted in the German Hifi-Forum in the Naim section. I hope I'm getting it done here today.

use google translator!

So, in brief below my subjective impressions to ND5XS. A very interesting device.Please don’t mind my English I have the ND5 compared with nDAC and CDX2 using multiple digital sources (NAS / wireless, AppleTV2, OnkyoCD7711, USB-stick). The web radio I've only tried on the edge, because tonally less relevant (but fun). I've heard AIFF and WAV at 16/44,1 ; HiRes was WAV 24/176,4 and 24/192.

- ND5 vs. ND5 / nDAC
ND5 somewhat flatter, more laid back, less transparent in complex passages, nDAC a little brighter, higher resolution, more detailed, more powerful in the bass, more dynamic, more forward.

- CDP / Coax / nDAC vs. ND5 / nDAC
Generally equal in terms of pressure, dynamics, resolution, but ND5 cleaner, a bit rounder, any harshness is gone, the best thing I've ever heard as a digital source yet.

- CDX2 vs. ND5
Resolution on the same level, CDX2 more punchy, especially in the bass, higher foot-tapping-factor, more homogenous.

- CDP / Coax / ND5 vs. ND5
CDP flat, washed-out, a little harsh, ND5 more punchy, more homogeneous.

- ATV2 / nDAC vs. ND5 / nDAC
ATV2 flat, washed-out, harsh, ND5 much better, more detailed, more dynamic.

- ND5 / XPS2 vs. ND5
The XPS2 does what it always does. The bass is tighter, the sound cleaner and more homogeneous.

- ND5 / XPS2 vs. ND5 / XPS2 / nDAC
Generally equal in terms of resolution, dynamics and punch in the bass, but the different basic tonal character remains intact. ND5/XPS2 slightly darker, maybe slightly cleaner in tone, slightly tighter bass. NDAC, more forward, more aggressive, more voluminous bass. I could imagine that people, who find the NDAC too aggressive, would like ND5/XPS2 better. For prolonged listening ND5/XPS2 is maybe a tad more pleasant. Needless to say that ND5/nDAC/XPS2 is even better.

- CDP / Coax / ND5 vs. CDP / Coax / nDAC
ND5 flat, harsh, washed-out, less dynamic, less pressure. So jitter reduction seems not on par with nDAC.

- CDP / Coax / ND5 vs. CDP / Toslink / ND5
Toslink even weaker (flatter, washed out, less pressure).

- HiRes / USB / ND5 vs. ND5
USB sounds slightly better.

- HiRes / USB / nDAC vs. ND5 / nDAC
USB sounds slightly better.


Conclusion:
You can tell where the ND5 was saved: analog section and jitter reduction. The upgrade with the better value for money regarding XPS2 is the nDAC, but you should however take into account the different basic tonal character. However, we should perhaps wait until the “XPSND5” arrives. Actually, the ND5 is the device for those who already have an nDAC and want a pure digital Naim streamer without spending too much money on redundant functions. Unfortunately I had no NDX for comparison, but I can’t imagine that the digital output of the NDX is better than that of the ND5. Compared to usual digital sources ND5 is clearly superior.
The analog section of the NDX will probably be better (as well as that of the nDAC), so had to be saved somewhere. I.e. not that the ND5 sounds bad. Also without nDAC or power supply the ND5 is very convincing and is soundwise on or above CD5XS level. I still like the CDX2 a bit better as a stand-alone unit.
IMO the ND5 is for Naim-terms a real bargain and arrives right on (Christmas-)time. It fits well into the existing Naim-hierarchy. Those without nDAC, and who also don’t want to have one, should grab more likely the NDX.
What bothers me is the use of the somewhat shaky and not very sophisticated nStream app, since it is obviously still in its infancy. With Sonos e.g. the control concept is certainly not (yet) comparable. The main advantage in streaming over CD IMHO should finally be an ease of use at least on iTunes-level. So I am still undecided whether I should put on very good hardware with the hope of better software. Or just wait.

Thx Frankster,

I am exhausted just reading down the list.

Shame you have could not compare to the NDX as well. I know that Allen is upset, for reasons I can sympathise with, but I know that the source makes a big difference with the nDAC - and while logically I can understand why we could all think the ND5 will be its equal, I'd be interested in whether that proves true in practice.

I enjoyed your comment:

Needless to say that ND5/nDAC/XPS2 is even better.

So, will you be buying yourself a Naim shaped Christmas pressy?

M

P.S. Interesting looking speakers!

Thank you Frankster that was a very interesting read. I gather then that the ND5/nDac/XPS2 combo is your perceived favourite then?

@M

I'm not decided yet. In Germany there are at the moment 5 ND5XS available at the German distribution company. So, I would have to be fast

@Renzo

That's right, ND5/DC1/nDAC/XPS2 was the best combination. By a distance.

Tog see TomTom event in Hi-Fi Corner.

Regards

Neil

Simon, I'm already looking for a 555PS, but they are rare s/h. And if it was not nStream I would have bought the ND5 right away. So I guess I'm just waiting for the app-update next year. I heard they are working on a combined nStream-/nServe-app. Looking forward to it.

In the mean time maybe I'm gonna try a modified Sonos.

@Mr.Underhill

BTW speakers are ME-Geithain 901K. They are well-regarded in Germany and common in  TV-/radiostations (especially ARD) and recording studios. When I heard them I bought them instantly. Very convincing. They are active speakers and were the reason why I sent my 250 and my Revel Speakers in retirement. Just have a look: me-geithain.de

Frankster,

I'd love to hear them!

I've had some interesting reactions to active systems, from, jaw droppingly brilliant, to, arghhhhh get me out of here.

Thanks for your informative post,

I am not sure about this conclusion.

First, we don't know if there is any SQ difference between ND5 and NDX feeding the nDAC. Secondly, the nDAC is also positioned as an upgrade for the NDX.

I really like the Naim-hierarchy concept, I found it useful in the past to make purchase decisions but IMO once Naim started launching digital transports this product hierarchy became very confusing.

For instance, we only know for a few contributors that CDX2-2 has the edge over CD5XS feeding the nDAC. AFAIK Naim didn't positioned  both CDPs as digital transportsin the hierarchy, so it is logical to infere (regardless any technical foundation) that the superior CDX2 is also a superior transport in comparison with the CD5XS. I mention this because I think it is the same with the ND5XS vs NDX as SPDIF transports. This would be more or less irrelevant if Naim wouldn't offer its DAC, but DAC potential customers are interested in this hierarchy among all the different Naim transports (and their upgrades) in order to plot their desired combo.

Of course there are many technical factors that could influence the SQ of the digital output of a streamer, but it seems Naim offers the spdif output as a simple bonus of their growing range of streaming products, not considering that for many of us (with the nDAC) that is actually the most important feature.

the digital output will be identical for the ndx/nd5.  the nd5 into the dac is as far as most will ever need. my combo sounds excellent in all areas

maybe on 192k downloads there maybe a difference.

most will be listening to 16bit  ,it will be years and years away that hi res will be available for most music

Hi Hook,

How is the NDX optimised for 44.1Khz audio. Given that everything is upsampled within the NDX i'm curious where the optimisation is (and missed the live chats)

James

Hi James -

It was a Gary Crocker comment.  Not sure if he elaborated, as I did not catch the chat either.  You out there Aysil?   Anyway, see here:

https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...175#5086599876432175

Hook

FWIW, I spoke to a Naim dealer today who had actually heard both the ND5XS and NDX through the nDAC in a side by side comparison. Apparently they don't sound the same, although the difference between them is supposed to be slightly less than that of a CD5XS vs. CDX2.2 through the nDAC.

As always, let your own ears be the judge and guide you....