NDX/555PS/Hugo vs Linn Klimax DS/1

Posted by: Simon HK on 16 November 2015

Just wondering if anyone here has ever compared them to each other in an all Naim system? My present NDX/555PS is good but I'm looking for a tighter low register, better dynamics , and a smoother (less "digital and edgy") sound.  I'm into rock, pop, blues (electric, such as Johnny Winter and Stevie Ray Vaughan), Latin, Gypsy Swing, and female jazz singers (Melody Gardot, Dave's True Story and the like).  Assuming I'm not going down the NDS/555PSx2 route, which one of the above two options you guys prefer better in an all Naim system? Any sharing, Naimees?

Posted on: 18 November 2015 by Simon HK

Hi guys, I have posted a separate thread entitled "Din/XLR to Din?" on this forum but does no seem to be getting any reply there.  Can somebody kindly share your views or experience on that?  Grateful indeed for any input. Cheers!

Posted on: 18 November 2015 by AMA

Honestly, after extensive listening I couldn't live with KDS/0.

 

As good as it was in terms of making an analogue vynil-type sound it was too relaxed and polite comparing to Naim sources, particularly NDS and nDAC.

Things changed dramatically with advent of KDS/1. Linn should have probably called this release with a different name as the difference with original KDS/0 is HUGE. It's a totally different machine -- PRAT, bass weight -- all just like a top-quality Naim gear but more analogue sounding.

NDSx555DR still wins in the way it delivers a lower bass articulation and weight but the difference is very marginal while all the other musical areas are rendered better by KDS/1.

 

I heard that new version KDS/2 further increases the resolution and improves on bass articulation and bass which probably bridges the small gap they had before. If this is true then I can't really see any musical area where NDS could possibly win over KDS. 

As for room-correction (SO) this feature keeps amazing me -- I started revisiting many of old CDs which I couldn't listen before because of the messy sound produced by interference with my room.

Naim should pay attention to SO as this will inevitably be the base feature of audio hi-fi.

Posted on: 18 November 2015 by Simon HK

Hi AMA, what interconnect do you use between your Linn streamer and your 552? Which brand and what connector? Thanks!

Posted on: 18 November 2015 by AMA
Originally Posted by Simon HK:

Hi AMA, what interconnect do you use between your Linn streamer and your 552? Which brand and what connector? Thanks!

Chord Sarum Super Array, RCA --> DIN

 

DIN is standard connector, but RCA is the new type (bulky thing btw) which Chord has started installing this year

 

 

I also use:

Chord Sarum Super Array, DIN --> XLR between 552 and 500 which makes a big difference comparing to original Naim link


Chord Sarum Speaker cables

Chord Sarum power cables throughout



If you decide to go for a Linn/Naim combo you probably need a bit more care about the power.


Keep in mind that mixing Linn and Naim gears in one power block is not recommended.

I run two dedicated lines from the one of the input house 100 A switch.

 

Both lines are 3-way (6 mm each) armoured cables of 17 m long. 

One line for Linn (KDS and LP12 Radikal) and the other one for Naim and Kharma which both using linear PS. 

Posted on: 19 November 2015 by Dave J
Originally Posted by AMA:
Originally Posted by Simon HK:

Hi AMA, what interconnect do you use between your Linn streamer and your 552? Which brand and what connector? Thanks!

Chord Sarum Super Array, RCA --> DIN

 

DIN is standard connector, but RCA is the new type (bulky thing btw) which Chord has started installing this year

 

 

I also use:

Chord Sarum Super Array, DIN --> XLR between 552 and 500 which makes a big difference comparing to original Naim link


Chord Sarum Speaker cables

Chord Sarum power cables throughout



If you decide to go for a Linn/Naim combo you probably need a bit more care about the power.


Keep in mind that mixing Linn and Naim gears in one power block is not recommended.

I run two dedicated lines from the one of the input house 100 A switch.

 

Both lines are 3-way (6 mm each) armoured cables of 17 m long. 

One line for Linn (KDS and LP12 Radikal) and the other one for Naim and Kharma which both using linear PS. 

And to be fair, Sarum Super Aray interconnects make a huge difference. I use exactly the same "loom" as you and a dedicated mains supply. To me they're an essential part of my system.