Naim newbie need upgrade path help??

That is quite a lot of upgrades. It might be best to do one at a time, and pause to evaluate. 

My guess us the biggest difference will be a new amp. The SN2 is a terrific amp, and the 200/202 is probably better still. Both good options.

Don't bi-wire. Use NACA5 single wired. Bi-amping wouldn't be my choice either, but others disagree. The SN2 or 200 are more than up to the job of driving your speakers.

i gather the Melco is good, but I'm cynical about the extra benefit compared with a well set-up regular NAS, such as the one you have. 

Sorry to recommend you spend less than you were intending, but think of all the music you'll be able to buy.!

hi thx for the advice sorry should have made clearer was thinking one or 2 of the above (alas couldn't afford everthing), thinking maybe DAC first then AMP upgrade.......... get confused over what benfit the Hi Cap DR would bring to the supernait2 VS the Nac202/nap200 combo

I suggest that you forget Melcos, fancy wires and biamping and stick to fundamentals. The Naim kit you've bought is interesting, and it's rare to see the ND5 with an XPS. The NDX would be a more normal companion. 

What would I do? I'd cancel the ND5 and get either an NDX or a 272. Then I'd get either a Supernait 2 to go with the NDX or a 250DR to go with the 272. The XPS will power either the NDX or the 272 happily, and either would be a great three box Naim system. 

+1 to the above response.

thx for the advice makes a lot of sense, i went ND5 as what i could afford and got the XPS DR (for similar price as the lesser power supply would have cost the xp5 i think it was), i like the idea of the supernait2 (as gives possibility to one day upgrade the ND5 to the NDX)  what are your thoughts on the NDAC with an XPS using the nd5 as a transport 

ND5>XPS>SN2 with future upgrade of NDX>XPS>SN2 for 3 box

OR 

ND5>NDAC>XPS>SN2 for 4box 

comments so far been really really helpful in settle my thoughts  

I like the Naim DAC, but would probably add it last, if you go that route.  My first Naim amp (112/150/FC2X) changed/defined my priorities, more than the DAC did.  Most importantly, it changed what I thought about my existing speakers, in a very positive way, by revealing their best capabilities.

Nick

what are peoples thoughts on this upgrade route

ND5>XPS>SN2 with future upgrade of NDX>XPS>SN2 for 3 box

so rather than NDAC use that money to upgrade from nd5 to NDX (so would do SN2, then NDX next year) 

can anyone explain what the HiCap DR does for the SN2 benefit wise, is it just a power supply for the pre-amp part of the SN2???

thx again guys 

That sounds right. SN2 then NDX. Hicap maybe later. 

Matthew Johns posted:

what are peoples thoughts on this upgrade route

ND5>XPS>SN2 with future upgrade of NDX>XPS>SN2 for 3 box

so rather than NDAC use that money to upgrade from nd5 to NDX (so would do SN2, then NDX next year) 

can anyone explain what the HiCap DR does for the SN2 benefit wise, is it just a power supply for the pre-amp part of the SN2???

thx again guys 

Starting to 'sound' like a good system: NDX + XPS + SN2. Adding nDAC to the system is an interesting idea, but not vital.

HiCap DR for the SN2: to my ears it makes the sound fuller, more settled and by far more enjoyable to listen to. You must audition this at home for several weeks to make your mind up though.

If I make a suggestion: rather than HiCap, think about PowerLines for all your 3 boxes - by far more impactful than adding a HiCap to an SN2.

Another warning - NAIM gear does not like to be plugged into any filtered distribution blocks. At this level of NAIM aplification WireWorld Matrix2 strip is a good, no-nonse distribution block.

Adam

I would still go source first with nDAC for ND5>nDAC<XP5. Then SN2 or even 282/250DR in a year or two.

Chag -

thx guys will plan a demo of the SN2 an NDAC/XPS on the ND5 and SN2/NDX/XPS out of interest (set me of dreaming of the possibilities   

on a side note mentioned about not using filtered mains blocks, what are is the recommended surge protected mains block that i could use with the naim power lines that been mentioned? 

The recommendation is not to use a surge protected block. Just plug the Powerlines into the wall socket. 

Not got enough sockets for that option would an unfiltered mains block be ok, something like the wire world mentioned or a russ Andrews power bar (has no filter and can be taken without surge protection) 

thanks again guys learning so much is a great forum 

Yes - Wirelworld Matrix 2 will work well. If I can suggest another thing - try original NAIM cables (the ones that came in the box) once you get Matrix 2. You may be positively suprised how they 'sound' versus Chord.

Adam

I had excellent results with the affordable Supra MD06-EU Mk II (unsurged model). Just make sure to use LoRad 2.5 Power cable to the wall. A bit lean but dynamic, smooth and 3D layered sound. I have been using the more expensive star-earthed Nordost QB8 and PL to the wall now for two years with excellent results.

Chag -

gary yeowell posted:

+1 to the above response.

+ 1 again...

thx guys budget wise think will opt for the wire world matrix 2, in terms of mains cable to it there is a bundle offer for it which includes Wireworld Stratus 7 Power Cable is this p/cable suitable as a starting place (couldnt tell whether it was filtered or not?)

also seen that can get a upgraded wall sockets: by Furutech FP-1363-D High Performance Duplex UK Mains Power Distributor - Gold

OR 

MS HD Power Audio Quality UK Double Gang Wall Socket Gold - MS9296G

are the wall sockets worthwhile?  as could get these fitted over time to conincide with being able to afford the naim power lines

First off congratulations on your new HiFi I for one am envious and would love to hear from you how much that XPS improves the ND5 and I caution you to be happy with the ND5 XS and stick with it for a while,  enjoy it, it sounds as if you are pretty pleased with your purchase and so you should be!  This forum isn't for the feint hearted being told that your new pride and joy isn't the piece of art you thought it was can be disheartening to say the very least of course the NDX is better and so it should be  at the price that it is so much better is not everybodys opinion.  Google and read                                                                                                      Andrew Everards review of the ND5 XS for Gramophone magazine it is very interesting especially as you have a separate power supply already albeit the more expensive XPS. 

Matthew

Don't overdo it.

Just a simple Wireworld Matrix 2 connected to a wall with a regular Naim cable is sufficient.

If you feel an urge to chane try the PowerLines. 

Adam

Cheers Adam been really useful advice will start with the wire world got 2x original naim plus I can use for xps>wire world>plug an build from there with the supernait 2 next in next 6-9months 

Thx bob the builder, first impressions (only day 2) of the xps is that it has made the nd5 much fuller/richer in sound also feels more musical and deeper/darker (best explanation i can muster but is early days and not run in yet) 

hi all

quick update just booked a demo next saturday 9th july for the following:

System 1: ND5 XS>XPS DR> Supernait 2 

System 2: NDX>XPS DR> Supernait 2 

both systems used with linn majik 140 speakers with updgraded stands..........................see if i get out of the demo room with wallet in tact............. 

also got offered NDX new for £1500 inc trading in my ND5 XS (seems a good price for the upgrade?) 

thx mat

I think you will like option 2 especially with an XPS DR

No,I don t think at all You should get a SN2, Just get 202/200 napsc much better system to justify ndx xps2 You ve on mind.ok You do so get the aforesaid then either straight to ndac and hicap for pre duties.nd5xs si the last to go I reckon if You re planning dac -streamer and xps ruote.It would be a great system. another idea,if not dac based,replace nd5xs with ndx.very good system too.don t assume the 272 being better Then 202/nd5xs You already have ,also useless if planning better results 

Hi all,

Update heard the following......

System 1: ND5 XS>XPS DR> Supernait 2

System 2: NDX>XPS DR> Supernait 2

So now Upgrading my nd5 to an ndx, sounded fuller an more solid, no harsh edges on complex music 

already got next upgrade planned will be trading my Arcam a39 in for the SN2 in the new year

cable with thinking chord signature tuned array, will demo first 

Sounds like a good plan. The SN2 responds extremely well to improvements upstream. The cable is down to taste, no opinion on that as i've not heard it.