NDac or XP5XS as upgrade to ND5XS

Dear Pixies,

I have a similar set up like you and also considering the same upgrade path options: either the XP5 or nDac.

When auditioning the ND5XS three weeks ago, I also asked to have the XP5 and nDac available to compare the various combinations.

My current preference is to buy the XP5 instead of the nDac. Together with the XP5 I believe the ND5XS has a more balanced sound, with less detail than the nDac but more body and presence. Adding the XP5 definately gave the ND5 some extra boosed especially being more punchy and providing a bit more rhythm if I may describe so.

The nDac definately is good, very good ..... But I believe it gives way may detail and punctuality in the sound. To be honoust, I expected more from the nDac. Reading some threads here, it might be that my system is just more in balance with ND5 and XP5 and that you maybe need a heavier power supply to really have the nDac performing. 

I thus can only say I prefer the ND5/XP5 combo in my system over the ND5/nDac ..... Extra side-effect is that you save some money which I used to buy some absorbtion panels to improve room acoustics. Bottom line of course, you need to listen for yourself. Really eager to read your thoughts when you have done so

Iver

Thanks Iver.  Some interesting points made. I did listen to the XP5 in my system a few weeks back, but was unsure if the investment  would be wortwhile.  However I am reconsidering my options in view of the long term benefits.

I use the ND5SX/NDAC as a second source, with an LP12 being the main source. My view of this choice was the NDAC was a very superior upgrade over the new power supply, at least in the context of my system and listening room. I guess this also depends on the software being played through the DAC or streamed through the ND5SX. I'm not a digital fan, but the DAC is astonishing for the ££ it costs. The difference the DAC makes to Radio Paradise is also an eye-opener. I Intend to add  an XPS2 , but that is a story for another thread.

(double posting -apologies)

Just an update, particularly for Iver.  I have spent some time listening to nDac, Unitiserve and ND5XS.  All options sounded very good in my system, with significant improvements in soundstage, presence and bass. I decided to go with the ND5XS as it represented best value upgrade and it is clear that they have been designed to work together. Just running it now in with a bit of Radiohead!

Hey Pixies, great news and congrats with your ND5xs !! I think you made a very good choice.

My ND5xs is running 24/7 for some weeks now, and it still gets better. For me again a "proof" thatstuff needs to be run-in before performing at its best.

Good luck. By the way, what interlink do you use to connect the streamer to your amp ?

Cheers,

Iver

Cheers Iver.

By the way, my post above should have said that I decided to go with the XP5XS (very confusing name!) which is now connected to my ND5XS. I use the standard grey interconnect that came with the ND5XS.  Should I be using something else?  I bet its expensive and that I should not let my wife know!

Ah Pixies, now I u,derstand (already thought you had a ND5xs but wasn't sure)

So you opted for the XP5xs over the nDac, correct. I am seriously considering the same upgrade. How did you compare sq for nd5xs/xp5xs versus nd5xs/nDac ?

With my system I felt the latter felt to analytic and detailed and thus prefferred the xp5xs

Cheers, Iver

Yes I went for the power supply. I just felt that the XP5XS worked well with the ND5XS, adding to its already excellent qualities.  The Ndac introduced a different quality (still very good) but replacing the already good dac in the ND5XS.  It's also more expensive and would require the mandatory DC1 cable (even more cost).  Where you going to mention the hi line by any chance?

Hi Pixies,

You have had a similar experience like I did. Prefferred th xp5 also given prive and sound quality

I did not test the hiLine. Instead I opted for a very good Nordost cable with din connectors. The dealer had it on demo and offered it to me at 50% of the price. I compared the Nordost to the standard Naim interconnect and felt it was worth to go for the Nordost.

As said, I will probably order the XP5xs next month. Disadvantage of this all, that I now have some feeling my Epos Epic5 are the weak link :-) .......... Somethings to dream/test/consider/compare after the summer.

Tx,

iver

Cheers Iver. Enjoy the Naim journey... and of course the music!

I should have pointed out in my posting earlier that I have a Hi-line between my DAC and NAC52 and a BNC-BNC DC1 connecting the DAC and Streamer. The difference the Hi-line made over the standard interconnect was very significant. 

@Pixies,

Hi Pixies, just wondered whether you could give us an update on your findings with the ND5XS - XP5XS combo. I am preparing a home demo of the XP5XS.

Cheers,

Iver

iver,   tried the nds5 with its 5 psu, yes it made a difference but not good value.  the nds5 with 5 ndac is a force to be challange most. but add ns 5 psu to the dac . top draw ,killer combo   A

Hi Iver

Well I can only report good things.  Nothing has changed from my original findings which are posted above.  Having made the decision I have just sat back and enjoyed the music, not once wondering if I made the right choice or if I should have gone for the nDac.  You may notice from my profile that I have upgraded my speakers as I felt that my system demanded something better.  I am very satisfied and believe I have one of Naims best value systems.  All looks great on the rack, all matches well and sounds superb!

Cheers