US SSD NDX NDAC/555ps vs US SSD NDAC/555ps

Posted by: BPW on 08 February 2014

Aside from the difference between the N Serve and N Stream apps is there a difference in the way these two combinations sound. I know there are those that think the the NDX NDAC/555ps are a great combination. I am wondering if the Unitiserve SSD connected to the NDAC 555ps would sound comparable or if adding the NDX makes another upgrade to the sound?

Posted on: 08 February 2014 by hungryhalibut

I've heard neither, but a third option, which may be the best of the lot, is the NDS, in place of the NDX and DAC. It's only two boxes as well, which must be a bonus.

Posted on: 08 February 2014 by MDS
Originally Posted by Hungryhalibut:

I've heard neither, but a third option, which may be the best of the lot, is the NDS, in place of the NDX and DAC. It's only two boxes as well, which must be a bonus.

But over £1k dearer than the NDX/DAC combination and you have to have an off-board PSU.  The NDS would need to be very good indeed to justify it's price. Perhaps it is. I've not heard one.

Posted on: 08 February 2014 by Simon-in-Suffolk

MDS, the NDS/555PS is indeed very good, but does sound quite different to the equally capable  NDX/NDAC/555PS combo. True the NDS/555PS is only two boxes, but ultimately I say you got to let your ears decide over the fashion police. My NDAC based Naim system has never ceased to make me smile and makes me feel good about my music, but is, I concede, more boxes than I ideally would want.

Simon

 

Posted on: 08 February 2014 by MDS
Originally Posted by Simon-in-Suffolk:

MDS, the NDS/555PS is indeed very good, but does sound quite different to the equally capable  NDX/NDAC/555PS combo. True the NDS/555PS is only two boxes, but ultimately I say you got to let your ears decide over the fashion police. My NDAC based Naim system has never ceased to make me smile and makes me feel good about my music, but is, I concede, more boxes than I ideally would want.

Simon

 

Yes, Simon. The ears have it every time. My four-box CD source seems a bit excessive at times but it certainly pleases my ears.  And don't some on here have their NDS powered by two 555PSs? So once the server etc is included they would be back to four boxes. 

Posted on: 08 February 2014 by Bart

The original poster's post assumes a 555PS in the system, so whether it HAS to be there is academic -- irrelevant.

 

BPW, the problem with your question is that it introduces multiple variables.  You are not asking if the Naim DAC sounds better or different than the NDX (or NDS) per se.  The ultimate answer only lies in your ears and head I am afraid.  Trying to dissect the hardware differences and then extrapolate to what "should" sound better or worse is a journey down a rabbit hole I believe!