One last upgrade.. Opinions sought

The ND5 XS is great and has the high end DAC with SHARC processor. It is a take it from the box and you are away solution. Once you have it switched on, all you can do is listen to the music.

Your second solution sounds like there is a lot more room for spending hours getting it working just the way you want.  Less music but more puzzling!

Personally I would (in fact I did) go for the ND5 XS and if you buy a pre-owned one and don't like it, you can probably sell it off again at not too much loss. Depending on what music you like, the fact that the ND5-XS with the 4.3 firmware also works on the BBC HLS streams with no messing about might also be a consideration.

David

If you love the Naim sound, opt for adding the nDAC to the ND5. It will allow you to go one step further at a later stage by adding a PSU, XP5, XPS2 or even 555PS, to the nDAC. Only other sound alternative with the Naim signature here would be to swap ND5 with NDS/555PS.

Chag -

Just to clarify, i would be adding a DAC to my original Qute.

if i get the ND5XS is would need to stand on it's own.

If you are looking for something approaching CDX2 level performance the ND5 won't cut it  on its own IMO. But you should always try to hear everything with your ears if you possibly can. I took my old CDX2 to a higher level without losing all the grip and excitement by adding the DAC so as Chag suggests above, this is your most likely direct route to your idea of "the Naim sound". Subject to audition of course.

Sorry, missed that. Old eyes. 

You should listen for yourself if you possibly can. For a CDX2 type performance with more detail it's the NDX. The ND5 is good but it's not THAT good. Could you use the digital out of the ND5 into the DAC? That would likely do it.

I wouldn't go the ND5XS route it would be quite a step down from the CDX2 you heard. A used NDX might be an option for you or a 272. A DAC would also bring you something but the real big jump with the NAIM DAC comes by adding a powersupply to it, which makes it then quite an expensive option. Another DAC would of course not give you the NAIM sound you are looking for.

I do enjoy my system as is..  The aspect that i would like to improve is specifically the sound of percussion instruments.  It was a real holy mackeral moment listening to the CDX2 reproduce the sound of snare drum specifically. It sounded like a real drum in the room. 

I understand that the CDx2 is unique in it's drive and presentation.  I am happy with the drive that i have now with the Qute, but if I could get the transients to sound like the CDX2, the drums to sound real and in the room, i would be happy. 

i really don't believe that I would use a CD player per se, and I have only seen one or two CDX2s for sale in the 1.5-2 years i have been looking.  

I do agree that the real solution is to just get a CdX2, although i am not sure of which generation I heard or if it had a power supply.  I really can't drag my dealer into this because i am going to have to buy used and don't think that it is right to involve his time when i can't afford to support him financially. 

Thanks to all for the thoughts.