ND5XS + Nait XS2 upgrade path?

Posted by: Nic Chan on 25 January 2016

Hi there,

I'm new to this forum and would like to seek for some advise.

It was only a month ago when I decided I want a Hi-Fi system installed in my room (3.5 x 3.5meters) Went so wrong by picking up a Cambridge Audio CXN streamer + CXA80 amp + KEF LS50 which end up not the kind of sound preference that I like (I'm new to HiFi stuff). Everything sound so different when I got home. (No ho,e demo service in HK)

So I changed the amp to a Nait XS2, things got better but still I don't find the sound very pleasant with the tremble. I just feel the sound is messy and noisy when played loud. I decided to upgrade the streamer and talked to my dealer which he claims that if I change my streamer to a ND5XS the sound will be much better and everything will sound a lot more controlled with a clear upgrade path for the future. I placed my order today and the streamer will arrive tomorrow. Now crossing my fingers hoping the streamer will solve all my problems. Anyone here been through a similar situation I'm under going?

So here is my question: Is my dealer telling me the truth? Will the ND5XS sound so much more better than the CXN and bring me over the moon? What is the next upgrade that I should consider? Getting a Hi Cap or get a better pair of speakers?

Thanks for the help. I understand I might sound silly but I'm really trying hard and did a lot of researches on the Naim brand before making my decisions just hoping that I'm on the right track and not wasting my money.

Really appreciated for the help.

Nic

 

 

Posted on: 20 February 2016 by spurrier sucks
Mike-B posted:
Screened cables are not needed in domestic installations, avoid running close to mains power & UTP (Cat6) is as good as anything.
If you are still thinking Cat7,  Cat7 (600mHz) is not an agreed standard,   Cat6a (500MHz is.
Then you need to correctly carry the screen through the network & most important make a single (one) correct ground. Chances are you don't know what other devices are grounded through their own mains power earth so will probably compromise the screen & invite unwanted EM & RF noise.
Simple solution, as there is little SQ differences worth the money for Cat7,  wire the whole LAN Cat6. 

I now have Cat5 from router to Uniti2. Upgrading to Cat6 is a good idea for me? Should I also upgrade from modem to router with same Cat6 cable? If I do make this upgrade should I go ahead and spend the extra cash on the Audioquest Cinnamon?

Posted on: 20 February 2016 by Simon-in-Suffolk

I would not use Cat5 - I would at least use Cat5e 4 pair. Although if you are certain you are never going to use 1Gbps port speed then Cat5 could suffice. Obviously Cat5e is fine for 1Gbps. Cat6 is not necessary - but by all means use if it 'sounds' better.

Simon

Posted on: 20 February 2016 by Mike-B
spurrier sucks posted:      I now have Cat5 from router to Uniti2. Upgrading to Cat6 is a good idea for me? Should I also upgrade from modem to router with same Cat6 cable? If I do make this upgrade should I go ahead and spend the extra cash on the Audioquest Cinnamon?
 
.........  per Simon,  I would not use Cat5,  its been superseded by Cat5e & although retaining the same 100MHz bandwidth it has tighter crosstalk specification.
But if you are replacing cables,  keep in mind the price difference between Cat5e & Cat6 is peanuts   
e.g.  www.Lindy      5m x Cat5e = £3.98  .............  5m x Cat6 = £4.30
.........  so I would go for Cat6 which is a little more robust in construction & its 250MHz bandwidth will give better headroom (reserve)
I would not advise AQ Cinnamon for a Uniti2,  these boutique cables are a contentious issue & I would rather not go off down that well worn goat trail   ........  5m x AQ Cinnamon = £135.00

 

Posted on: 20 February 2016 by hungryhalibut

Don't be suck a spoilsport, AQ Cinnamon is great...

Posted on: 20 February 2016 by hungryhalibut

Oops! Suck? Such. 

Posted on: 20 February 2016 by Mike-B

...........  shucks ..........  I got the message OK. 

Posted on: 21 February 2016 by Huge
Nic Chan posted:

I have a Cambridge Audio X201 it's a tiny 9" cube but don't judge with the size! It's really powerful. I think it sound great and punchy. There is crossover control at the back and I think they work fine with the LS50s.

Nic,  a bit off topic...  I've recently improved my Nait XS-2 to sub connection by using a minDSP 2x4, with great success, see this...

https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...on-using-a-subwoofer

It's a much more flexible approach than using the sub's controls alone (for instance you can set flexible delays and faster cutoff slopes with less phase effect).  If you use REW and a calibrated instrumentation mike, then you also get reassurance that you've got the crossover right, and proof of the fact, including frequency and phase / relative timings of the speakers.