NDX vs nDAC (again)

Posted by: Leatherneck on 14 September 2015

I currently have the following equipment: 

I traded an nDAC for the NDX.  I just didn't like the nDAC compared to the Bryston.  I'm hoping that I can use the NDX w/555PS DR as a DAC.  Right now w/o the 555PS the NDX DAC isn't as good as the Bryston.

 

The problem with the Bryston is that I made a decision to go full-blown Naim with DIN cables.  I have a new DIN/RCA Super Sarum which required a hefty investment.  I also have a Super Sarum digital cable.  My hope is to connect the CDX2.2 to the NDX and the NDX to the Bryston headphone amp using those new Super Sarum cables.

 

I'll use the 555PS on the NDX and a NORDOST power cable on the 555PS.  PowerLines will go on the CDX2.2 and Bryston HP amp.

 

If this doesn't work for me, I have the option of obtaining an nDAC.  I didn't like the one I had but adding the 555PS might change things.  It would cost me another expensive Chord Super Sarum digital cable plus the cost of the nDAC.

 

I also would cringe at using the 555PS for only the analog section of the nDAC.  It seems ludicrous.

 

Note that I sold my speakers and have focused on headphone use only (HD-800/LCD-3 w/NORDOST cables).

 

So what's the advice?  Is the nDAC/555PS combo worth the investment?

 

Bud

 

 

Posted on: 01 October 2015 by nbpf
Originally Posted by Patu:
I haven't heard the high end PSU's, not even XPS2 or XPS2 DR. But for now I think I can live happily with bare Naim DAC. It's an amazing source! But remember to feed quality signal to it. It's definitely not immune to sources!

Right. As I mentioned, I know that I could possibly improve the signal that gets into my SN2 by adding a PSU to the NDAC and by replacing my USB to S/PDIF converter with a better one.

 

On the other hand, this is not a very high priority goal and it is not completely obvious to me where to start first. While I very much like the NDAC and I could afford a high-end PSU, I am not sure this is a step I want to take. This is for different reasons: first, I am not sure it makes sense investing a lot of money on a PSU, considering that I could achieve similar (if not better) effects with a new DAC while at the same time reducing the number of boxes. Second, I am not very fond of Naim's product information policy, in particular w.r.t. DACs, DAC sources and firmware upgrades. It might seem ridiculous but I do not very much like the idea of investing in this range of Naim products at this time. Finally, I have built my system around the SN2. This is the box which is going to stay and while I am open to improvements, I have the impression that a 555PS would be a bit over the top for the SN2. And, as you point out, it is not obvious that other PSU would bring a significant improvement to the NDAC.

 

So I guess I'll just sit back, check if the announced NDAC firmware upgrade brings anything new, maybe demo one or two USB to S/PDIF converters if some good opportunities show up, read what people say about Chord's dave and see if Naim eventually comes up with something new in the DAC or source department.

 

Posted on: 01 October 2015 by Patu
Originally Posted by nbpf:
Originally Posted by Patu:
I haven't heard the high end PSU's, not even XPS2 or XPS2 DR. But for now I think I can live happily with bare Naim DAC. It's an amazing source! But remember to feed quality signal to it. It's definitely not immune to sources!

Right. As I mentioned, I know that I could possibly improve the signal that gets into my SN2 by adding a PSU to the NDAC and by replacing my USB to S/PDIF converter with a better one.

 

On the other hand, this is not a very high priority goal and it is not completely obvious to me where to start first. While I very much like the NDAC and I could afford a high-end PSU, I am not sure this is a step I want to take. This is for different reasons: first, I am not sure it makes sense investing a lot of money on a PSU, considering that I could achieve similar (if not better) effects with a new DAC while at the same time reducing the number of boxes. Second, I am not very fond of Naim's product information policy, in particular w.r.t. DACs, DAC sources and firmware upgrades. It might seem ridiculous but I do not very much like the idea of investing in this range of Naim products at this time. Finally, I have built my system around the SN2. This is the box which is going to stay and while I am open to improvements, I have the impression that a 555PS would be a bit over the top for the SN2. And, as you point out, it is not obvious that other PSU would bring a significant improvement to the NDAC.

 

So I guess I'll just sit back, check if the announced NDAC firmware upgrade brings anything new, maybe demo one or two USB to S/PDIF converters if some good opportunities show up, read what people say about Chord's dave and see if Naim eventually comes up with something new in the DAC or source department.

 

Btw I have SN2 as my amp also, beefed up with HiCap DR. You can always Supercap the SN2 but I'm not sure if that's too much already. I've heard that it becomes totally different beast with Supercap though. 

 

I think you should give the converter I mentioned in another thread a try. It really brought a lot to the sound compared to my previous converters.

 

Also can't wait to hear if the firmware update brings anything audible to the DAC.