Upgrade to separates - Which way to go.

I have a 272/250 and yes, adding an XPS takes it to a new level. Whatever you do with regard to Tidal, I see no value in an HDX. You can rip just as well with a computer, and the sound you can get streaming from a NAS is at least as good as that from an HDX. I've tried Tidal and never been happy with the sound: it's far better streaming CD rips from my aged Synology with MinimServer. And 24 bit downloads are in a higher quality bracket altogether. On the other hand, others seem to find Tidal SQ on a par with CD rips. In any event, forget the HDX and get that XPS. 

Reburner posted:

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Bearing in mind I have a Synology server with oodles of music on but have not been really happy with the quality from that. 

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What say you?

I say there's something wrong with your current setup.

When played back on the Unitilite, sound quality from CD quality files on the NAS should sound at least as good as Tidal (and actually better if they are WAVE files or FLAC / ALAC transcoded to WAVE).

I would forget the HDX and get the power supply for 272 for sure.

Adding an XPS will tranform the system NDX why?? ripped CDs should sound excellent if they are ripped in the correct format.

There's more to a streamer than just a trivial bit of digital electronics.  The XPS gives the NDX much better power supplies.  On the digital side this means less of the digital hash (i.e. clock noise) getting back into the power supply.  On the analogue side, this means both better protection from digital has coming through the power supply and less analogue noise from the power supply.  It improves the analogue side in the way that a SuperCap improves a pre-amp.

Thanks for the replies. 

I have no doubt there is something about the way I have ripped my CDs to Flac that is causing issues but, as I say, for anything not on Tidal I can re-rip.

So which power supply then?

XPS dr had a demo last wek added one to a NDX based system the difference was quite startling will do much the same on a 272.

I ended up ordering one for my NDX this with a few more bits of new Naim separates kit to replace my 25 year old Naim system.

The XPS DR is the one I'd recommend, unless you are feeling really flush, in which case you could consider the 555PSDR. The XPS is the 272's natural partner, and makes a huge difference to the performance. 

Don't forget that you will need a good rack to get the best from your lovely new system. 

I have a Qobuz sublime subscription that I run through an auralic Aries, they offer tidal & Qobuz integration so in the event of one folding you wouldn't be stuck with not facilities to stream. Qobuz offers its subscription customers discounts on high Rez purchased downloads too.

the Aries sound quality is excellent 

Just to speak up for Naim streamers, they are a very simple and convenient way to rip music and serve it your streamers. Sure you can do it with a PC or a upnp server on a NAS, but you have to be willing to roll up your sleeves and get into the settings on the software.

But I wouldn't go for an HDX because you can do all you want with a Unitiserve and with some searching around you could probably nearly get the Unitiserve and an XPS DR for the same money as an HDX.

best

David

Nay to HDX too.. Sorry Naim.