Originally Posted by rjb:
Dan43, how is the audition going? I am interested in your feedback about the NDS/555PS/SN2 and how it compares with the D240.
Hi rjb,
In the end, after extensive testing, I have finally decided on the NDS/555DR/SN2 combo being served by US SSD, placing orders in the next few weeks,
The D240 has a very clean delivery, warmer,and amazing high frequency response (like hearing electrostatics) but still delivered a very slight bass bias, like a very tiny sub.
The NDS/555 came into its own once I hooked up the SN2, the balance, staging everything just glued together beautifully. The S400 then sounded tremendous, balanced, everything came alive and all kit working as one, the music just came into the room, I couldn't get the D240 to do this. To be fair mind the S400 are probably not the best speakers for the D240 and everything being all NAIM I guess we would expect that synergy, but boy once that SN2 connected all the dots that sold it for me.
I preferred NAIMs more honest slightly dryer, truer, delivery compared to the warmer and cleaner D240 and until the SN2 was plugged in it was a close call. I felt the D240 was slightly forcing the issue while the NAIM felt just right to my ears.
D240 via its AIR system was impressive, but its lack of uPnP was a small issue (US was connected by digital BNC-RCA so no issue there serving to the D240), with the NAIM I now have both N-Stream and N-Serve working, but I have to concede I did already own the US SSD.
In summary I just preferred the NAIM sound, and then the SN2 just sealed it for me. If I could get the D240 to replicate the staging of the NAIM, the feeling of the music being in the room, I would e-consider as the one box approach is leaner, maybe when they create their next systems?
Hope that all helps,
Regards
Dan
thank you for your feedback, it is much appreciated. I am glad you have found the right system. I am sure the NDS/555PS/SN2 is amazing - it must be the best 3 box system from Naim. I regret I never had a chance to listen to one in a home demo. It is difficult to organize this where I live and also I buy second hand, hence it won't be fair to ask a dealer for a demo.
How are you finding the Naim system with lesser recordings? The experience I had with my previous system (NDX/DAC/555PS into SN/HicapDR) was that the good recordings were to die for, however bad were just bad, really bad. Also, what about listening at low volumes in general?
