NDS + XP5XS into nDAC 555DR?

I haven't exactly tried this, but I have spent a several weeks comparing NDX->NDAC/555PS and NDS/555PS both DR and non DR.

I have written a lot on this if you search.. But in short both are phenomenally strong and enjoyable. The NDS/555PS is extremely clean and refined and it is great at extracting inner detail.. For me several recording of Canterbury Cathedral choristers sounded truly angelic....

The NDX->NDAC/555PS doesn't have same detailed resolution and cleanliness, but sounds more organic and analogue, music has more vibe and rhythm. Timing, rhythm and melody lines are more apparent with the NDAC.. and being an amateur musician perhaps I  catch onto those in music..

So it comes down to personal preference and perhaps speaker/room matching... But for me I felt I was missing too much of what I enjoy in music with the NDS, so I reverted back to the NDX->NDAC... It's a personal thing.

I found I preferred the 555PSDR with the NDS, and 555PS with the NDAC. The different PSUs seemed to accentuate what was best in the NDAC and NDS.

NDS into NDAC seems somewhat of an inefficient waste as you are bypassing mostly the specifics that the NDS brings with the mechanical and EM  engineering in and around its DSP and DAC. It's more about chosing your style of presentation and going with it.

Simon

Thank you, Simon, for your thoughtful (as always) response.

I know I need an ND-something, and that each model has its strengths.  After I move, the kit will be away in the basement, so remote control and whole-house sound quality will increase in importance.  Even with a distributed system, I find the rewards from using better sources can be astonishingly compelling.

Interesting re your 555 vs 555 DR impressions -- worth a test!

Regards,

Nick

With all the possible permutations that are possible it is not surprising that I haven't heard this one and I think it unlikely that many (if any) have.

I went from DAC/555PS to NDS/(the same) 555PS after a lot of auditioning, which included the NDX, NDX/XPS2, NDX/PS555, NDX/DAC/PS555. These were not all done back to back in quick succession.

My view is that the DAC/555PS has a lot to offer. The NDS has a different presentation which I much prefer. In my system it also dug out more detail - this being a part of the preferred presentation because in addition to straight resolving abilities, nuances, phrasings and textures appeared, which from my POV is equally if not in some cases more important than wringing out the last bit of bass response or treble extension, for example.

It's poised and unstressed. Assured not bombastic. Your experiences may vary. To be pedantic and somewhat grumpy, if the DAC, even with a 555PS hooked up, can boost the dig out performance of the NDS such that it was an accepted upgrade, then Naim have got the NDS wrong. I don't think they have.

Thank you, Harry.  I'll bet you are right.

I look forward to my next demo in the new place, after things settle down a bit, with the Allaes on-song, ideally, this time.

Best,

Nick