Is a second hand ND5XS a good idea?

Posted by: Sten on 20 October 2015

Hello everyone,
My current system is focused solely with Vinyl as a source but have recently been considering adding something for streaming. Vinyl will remain my primary source for listening sessions but there are times when changing records is not practical so I had a look on some 2nd hand HiFi sites and found an ND5XS which seems to be about 18 months old and is going for just about half retail price and there is 5 months left on guarantee.
Current amplification: 282/HC/250dr
Thoughts welcome on how the xs will perform in this set up. Is there a better option at the price? Etc
Thanks all
Sten
Posted on: 20 October 2015 by ChrisSU
For the price, it's a good way to discover if you like streaming. If you do, you're probably going to want an NDX to do justice to the rest of your system, but if you just want to give it a try, go for it.
Posted on: 20 October 2015 by hungryhalibut

If it's half price and only that old, grab it. As Chris says, it's a great introduction to streaming and will also give you the wonderful world of Internet radio, and Tidal too. If streaming becomes a more important source to you, you can always improve things later. 

Posted on: 20 October 2015 by PaulC

I used an ND5XS with a 282 / HiCap and 250 (non DR). It sounded very good, but was improved a lot by the addition of a power supply (XP5XS in my case). It certainly received a very good write up in one of the better regarded HiFi mags.

I dont think you can go wrong with an ND5XS at half- price, but don't forget you'll need a server of some description ( QNap, Synergy et al or UServe) which will add to the cost. I use a  UServe which I find very good (rips and serves) although I know it does not always receive universal praise on the forum.

Regards

Paul

Posted on: 21 October 2015 by Sten

Thanks guys,

So, I am going to have a look at the weekend and I suspect it will come home with me.......

Posted on: 21 October 2015 by Solid Air

Second hand is a great way to go - all my kit is second hand or ex-dem, and it's faultless. Of course, there's a risk it's been abused in a past life, but for half price I'd be ok with that risk, especially if I could have a good poke over it first. I agree with others here that it probably won't do full SQ justice to the rest of your system, but it's a good way to find out if streaming is for you. If it is, start saving up!