DAC 172xs and nd5xs

Posted by: N.L. on 27 June 2013

Hello all,

 

I've searched the Naim website to find the exact differences but couldn't discover them, hence my question(s). Is the DAC from the 172xs different from the one in the nd5xs? 

 

Another question.

The powersupply from the 172 has to feed the pre section as well as the streaming section in the box, whereas the powersupply in the nd5xs only has to feed the streamingsection whilst the nd5xs doesn't have a pre. A part from this and the fact that the nd5xs is upgradeable, are there further pro's for the nd5xs over the 172xs as a streamer? 

 

My current system consists of a 172xs and nap200. Thinking about a next step: a seperate pre (the 202) as well a seperate streamer (nd5xs). Or wait for the nac 272 (my dealer told me about it, not shure if true). Speakers are Neat MFS. 

 

Thanks for any help/tips.

Posted on: 27 June 2013 by Iver van de Zand

Hey N.L.

 

You did a good job on the website, since your analysis is mainly correct. The NAC172XS is a combined pre-amplifier and streamer and has an in-built DAC section, whereas the ND5XS is a dedicated streamer with inbuilt DAC. THe NAC172XS cannot be upgraded with a seperate, dedicated powersupply (PSU), the ND5XS can with the XP5XS.

Of course your really should addition at home, but reading the reviews of the forummembers who compared, the DAC section of the ND5XS is really superior. Also it's streaming section uses better selected components.

The path of the 202/200/ND5XS as you describe will be a superb option definately if you could also budget for a HiCap on the 202. An alternative amp could be the SUperNait2 which was announced this week. Plenty of alternatives, so I wouldn't wait for a 272 if that will ever come

 

Secret tip: have you thought about a 152XS as pre for your 200. It saves you money that you could spent on a FlatCapXS and maybe a XP5XS for the ND5XS :-)

 

please keep us posted. We are interested in the choices that you will make

Enjoy, Iver

Posted on: 27 June 2013 by N.L.

Hi Iver,

 

Thanx (again) for the info and help, much appreciated! 

Is the 152xs and the same level as a 172xs? Is pre section of the 172xs identical to the 152xs?

Also thinking about a more powerful (power) amp for my Neats... Decisions decisions...

Posted on: 27 June 2013 by Julian H
Originally Posted by N.L.:

My current system consists of a 172xs and nap200. Thinking about a next step: a seperate pre (the 202) as well a seperate streamer (nd5xs). Or wait for the nac 272 (my dealer told me about it, not shure if true). Speakers are Neat MFS. 

And herein lyes the rub. You bought a dead end and now need to change it for an upgrade! I love many Naim products but the 172, I just don't get [unless you have active mini monitors] so don't fall into the trap a second time with any 272 you speak of. Your Neats are super too but they really need far more than a 200 to shine. To rebalance your system up, IMO, you really need an NDX/202 to go with your 200 as a bare minimum. Thoughts about upgrading the power amp will need to be put off until you can get the front end right, possibly after a few power supplies and another preamp have been thrown into the equation too.

Posted on: 27 June 2013 by ragman

Hi,

have heard both with the Nait XS and in this comparison the NAC-N as a pure streamer by the line out.

 

The ND5 XS has absolutly more details, more dynamik while the NAC-N 172 XS streamer section sounds indiffernet and less precisley.

From my point of view the ND5 XS is a clear winner.

 

But, if you take into account the price difference it should not wonder.

The 172 XS is 300€ less and with pre!

But I found the difference significant.

Totally other leaque and characteristic.

Posted on: 27 June 2013 by ragman
Originally Posted by Iver van de Zand:
THe NAC172XS cannot be upgraded with a seperate, dedicated powersupply (PSU), the ND5XS can with the XP5XS.

Of course your really should addition at home, but reading the reviews of the forummembers who compared, the DAC section of the ND5XS is really superior. Also it's streaming section uses better selected components.

The path of the 202/200/ND5XS as you describe will be a superb option definately if you could also budget for a HiCap on the 202. An alternative amp could be the SUperNait2 which was announced this week. Plenty of alternatives, so I wouldn't wait for a 272 if that will ever come

+1 appart for the NAC-N 272. Let's discusse the value of such of box first it is announced with his spec and tested at home as you recommend by your own

Posted on: 27 June 2013 by N.L.

Thanx for the input guys. If I could do it over, I think I'd buy the 202 and the nd5xs. The NDX is a bit pricey for me... So for now I think I'll be focusing on a 202 and nd5xs.

 

But despite the possible inbalance and choices, I'm very happy with the sound. Really enjoying every second of it Coming from Primare/B&W 805's, the Naim/Neat combo opened my eyes (uhh I mean ears!). 

Posted on: 27 June 2013 by Julian H

Is it possible to use the 172 as a source into the 202 until you can afford an NDX? Ultimately, buying stuff knowing it is not "good enough" to achieve where you really need to be wastes money and delays the correct acquisition for longer. Even buy the NDX and run it as a source into your 172?

 

Or, of course, take advantage of some pre-loved bargains!!!

 

Posted on: 27 June 2013 by MangoMonkey

Hi Julian! :-)

 

It's funny: I've taken lots of detours - I'm running a ND5XS with a Nac 72/Olive HiCap into a Nap 200. Might be something to consider...

Olive gear is a bargain.