Upgrade NDX With 555ps DR or Buy Devialet D-Premier?

The Devialet it very highly praised, especially for its amplification section. I haven't had a chance to listen to it. But that is something you should definetely do.

If you are not fixed on Naim, then this should be a very interisting solution.

What puts me off, however, is the "iTunes based control" of the streaming part of it.

That's one thing that put me off abit, plus if you want to go wired route, you have to purchase a Weiss INT202 plus a laptop, so technically not an all in one solution.

Hi gtiboy

I recently auditioned the Devialet with a pair of SF Guarneri speakers at a dealer.  The speakers are a known quantity to me, having heard them at home in the Naim system.

The sound was tremendously clear, articulate, timed okay, worked at both lower and higher volume, clear but not harsh top end (no hissy or spitting cymbals etc.).  In fact, it had everything except real, foot tapping involvement for me.  The boss would have loved the appearance and the streaming app worked a treat on the dealer's ipad.

So it ticked many, many boxes except the most important one for me - connection with the music.  I found it to be polite if a little uninvolving.  The foot didn't tap...

If you already have an external power supply for the NDX, then perhaps keep your existing power supply and trade the NDX head unit for an NDS?

Best regards, FT

I have been in the same situation as the OP. I originally had an NDX (through MF 500I amp and PMC Fact 8 Speakers). I liked the idea of a one box solution and the price to upgrade with a 555ps was around he same as the Devialet when I factored in the sale proceeds of the NDX and MF amp. My first demo was the 555ps (non DR) with NDX. I was expecting great things but found this a disappointing combo. The richness of the NDX seemed to disappear and although there was definitely more insight and detail, the presentation was too lean to my ears. Next I tried the Devialet. I liked the cleanness, detail and control of the amp but was turned off by the Wireless streaming performance. Firstly you'll need a mac with ITunes to get this working (ie no FLAC at the time). I found the set up clunky - Agree with Pink Hamster. The sound quality was not as good as using the NDX into the amp section (either with analogue or digital out). This defeated the purpose of a one box solution for me. The presetnation of the Devialet is very precise, controlled and exceptionally detailed. But its analytical nature isnt suited to my musical taste I dont think (Rock mostly).

Id suggest the OP goes with the NDX with XPS and then move to NDS. THe NDX is much better with the XPS and this can then be used as a stepping stone to NDS. The 555ps is MUCH better with the NDS, but I wouldnt suggest doing this until you have the NDS and are able to reap the benefits of this PS. 

I heard the Devialet at last years High End in Munich. I went back a second time as I was quite impressed. I would have the same comments as the others it's definitely precise and interesting....But perhaps a bit too clean..... But then again if you compare the pricepoint and what you get I would definitely see it as an exciting offering. Especially when one would have a misses which cares about the size of your equipment.....

There are many nice looking one-box solutions coming up lately, seems to be a trend these days. Some do their job quite decently, but don't expect any miracles. I guess they will always sound a bit sterile compared to a Naim system. Don't decide without long listening sessions...

You might want to look at the Weiss Man301 and then add a Naim power amp or use your Supernait. It would reduce the box count to two. Thanks!

You already have a fantastic balanced naim system.

My advise is to enjoy what you have for now and wait until you have more cash to spend

and then take a much bigger step up the naim ladder.

I have heard the Devialet several times with Magico, Sophia3 and MBL126 speakers and was very impressed.

A fantastic product, but not for me.

We had a listen to the Devialet a few years back before the software upgrade that added the streaming facility and were unimpressed, so we stayed with the 12 Naim boxes despite HQ pining for the nice clean lines of the Devialet. We tried again around the time we  were toying with the NDS. Suffice to say we have the NDS and (now) 8 other Naim boxes. Fast forward a couple of years and we might have got on top of the box count.......

What does your NDS based system consist of?

Also what unimpressed you most about the Devialet that the NDS does?