My XP5 Xs has annoying Hum

Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of humming power supplies.
Generally there are two types of humms:

1. DC offset and intereference from domestic appliances  or your neighbours

2. Internal transformer hum

How to spot which one is it:

1. The humming will vary throuhgout the day as some devices get switched on and off - fridge, haridryer, heating pump etc

2. The humming is consistent

If it's 1: it can be dealt with
If it's 2: not much can be done. Transformers are like this.

Adam

Hi Adam,

Unfortunately it is #2--- I am returning to the dealer--he's gritting his teeth over this--but I am within my rights --no one wants a Device that hums along with the music--ha!

Grateful for the prompt reply

Best,

D41

See if he can exchange it for you. You may be lucky and get a quiet one.

I have 3 different 555PS - one is dead quiet, another one purrs like a kitten (quiet) and a 3rd one seems to be possesed at times (althoug it's worse when a heating pump is on in the building).  
SuperCap DR is just dead silent.

Hi,

Yes I have to catch him on a good day--he can be volatile!--

Like you my FlatCap XS is quiet as 24/7----

Interesting re your supplies-- I understand frequency rather than Voltage determines the humming-- so

a fridge/etc and in  you case a heat pump alters frequency on the lines as well as pulling the Voltage?--hmmm--thats something I did not know .

Thank you and good to know I am not alone with this "hiccup !" 

I have friends with Toroidal Trans in gears and they have trouble as well--- I suppose to get something to fit in the sleek casing rules out the alternatives--even if more stable.

Best,

D41

I think in my case it the harmonics from the heating pump motor that seem to wreck havock at times.

I have 3 phases to choose from when they enter my flat (we live in a 1930s building). The flat is completely re-wired with dedicated mains for my audio (3 separate circuits). Yet I still have to share the power supply with the building - hence the interference. 
So in my case the problem is exogenous to the flat.  Some ferriets clamped on the incoming phase helped as well as switching to a different one.

Indeed much to the jest of the great non Audio unwashed (ha!)---how we procrastinate over the performance of our gears--you are correct the source Power

is very much the factor we in practice can do little to "really fix" before it enters our in-house outlets.

Ah well will proceed to tempt fate and ask for a replacement to try--wish me luck!!!

Best,

D41

Apart from the annoying hum, are you happy with what the xp5 adds to the sound? (what source are you using? It's not on your profile.)

xp5 is an upgrade I've considered for a while now on my nd5 streamer. 

Hi, Yes I think it did improve the sonics slightly albeit with a bit of hardness with the increase in detail

--I use it with a CDX2 --I'm told though it is marginal with this player which really needs an XPS DR or the 555PS

but unfortunately I can't afford either-Ha! 

It does seem  to afford the ND/HD's a better upgrade just whether the Value is worth the Dosh--Try one first on return basis if you can to be certain-PLUS to avoid a humming Transformer!

Good luck.

D41

Diver41 posted:

 

--I use it with a CDX2 --I'm told though it is marginal with this player which really needs an XPS DR or the 555PS

but unfortunately I can't afford either-Ha! 

 

CDX2 really benefits from 555PS - I bought two of my 555PS as a pre-loved ones. The most recent one was 10 years old, so before it was sent to me from Cymbiosis, they had it serviced for me at Class A. All in all - costed around the same as a brand new XP5XS (give or take 100 pounds)

Wow-- Lucky Devil--I'm not that lucky--but will keep my eyes peeled for one--thanks for the tip!

 But sadly--you know those movies where the dumb ass always ends up a loser?

Thats Moi !

Complete with Humming accompaniment 

D41

Diver41 posted:

Wow-- Lucky Devil--I'm not that lucky--but will keep my eyes peeled for one--thanks for the tip!

 

 

Just drop them an email ask to be put on the 'want' list.

Adam

OK thank you will do!

D41

I've has two XP5XSs in my system, now one, and they have always been silent so I'd say what you're hearing isn't an attribute of the model.  

Ha!--I'm sure Naim don't go putting dodgy Torodials on purpose--with Murphy my middle name

it figures I'd get a bummer --besides my dealer gives me the impression he'd like it if I just went away

one of the sell it and forget variety!

D41

Heelloooo Adam, Are you still with us?--- I have been listening to my CDs accompanied by the warbling XP5XS--and wish to ask--now you have piqued

my interest in upgrading the PSU-- would the sonic difference for the better be worth the £££'s to find a used 555PS. Apart from the Hum

The system is sounding excellent --if a tad harsh on some CD's but maybe burning in needed--as the CDXS has new laser and the XP5 Hummer is also new.

I have some feelers out for used 555 so I could be a  prime plum if one is within reach --if the upgrade is worth the effort as you think

Thank you again

Best,

D41

Morning - still here

As you have a CDX2 (ther is no such thing as CDXS - at least to my knowledge) it really benefits from a decent power supply.

I tried my CDX2 with: XPSDR, nDAC powered by XPSDR, nDAC powered by 555PS and with 555PS. My personal vote went for the following: CDX2 + 555PS (I use a non-DR version, recapped in October 2016). Interconnect: HiLine. That's how I use it now.

Have a look at this thread:

https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...rst-shootout-results

One thing: if you do go for a 555PS (which I highly recommend) you will need to purchase an SXPS Burndy separately. 555PS always come WITHOUT Burndy cables.

Adam Zielinski posted:

Morning - still here

As you have a CDX2 (ther is no such thing as CDXS - at least to my knowledge) it really benefits from a decent power supply.

I tried my CDX2 with: XPSDR, nDAC powered by XPSDR, nDAC powered by 555PS and with 555PS. My personal vote went for the following: CDX2 + 555PS (I use a non-DR version, recapped in October 2016). Interconnect: HiLine. That's how I use it now.

Have a look at this thread:

https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...rst-shootout-results

In such a case it almost becomes overkill as you don't get the cdx2 better as it's base quality. I would still prefer the NDAC or go for a cds3 555ps supported...

Bert Schurink posted:

Adam Zielinski posted:

Morning - still here

As you have a CDX2 (ther is no such thing as CDXS - at least to my knowledge) it really benefits from a decent power supply.

I tried my CDX2 with: XPSDR, nDAC powered by XPSDR, nDAC powered by 555PS and with 555PS. My personal vote went for the following: CDX2 + 555PS (I use a non-DR version, recapped in October 2016). Interconnect: HiLine. That's how I use it now.

Have a look at this thread:

https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...rst-shootout-results

In such a case it almost becomes overkill as you don't get the cdx2 better as it's base quality. I would still prefer the NDAC or go for a cds3 555ps supported...

Bert - what do you mean by 'overkil'? I'm a bit confused by your reply.

H yeah Adam, Great stuff  matey--yes silly Moi-it is with the new factory bits in Sept --a CDX2.2 according to the receipt -- On Monday I'm

hitting my dealer up make or break on my Hummin' strummin' XP5 Xs--I've feeling he won't refund so I'll have to take  a bath I suppose when I try to move it privaterly

ah the joys of Audio wackiness!!

Thank you for the Synopsis on the shootout---!

D41

Adam Zielinski posted:

One thing: if you do go for a 555PS (which I highly recommend) you will need to purchase an SXPS Burndy separately. 555PS always come WITHOUT Burndy cables.

Yep--Smart dude those Naimers --Propriatory  cabling -Money for jam!

D41

Diver41 posted:

Adam Zielinski posted:

One thing: if you do go for a 555PS (which I highly recommend) you will need to purchase an SXPS Burndy separately. 555PS always come WITHOUT Burndy cables.

Yep--Smart dude those Naimers --Propriatory  cabling -Money for jam!

D41

There is actually some logic to this particular one... A bit convoluted, but makes sense to my simple mind...

555PS is generally paired with either a CD555 (head unit comes with 2 x Burndy) or with an NDS - as a standard it comes with 2 x Burndy but can be ordered without them if one intends to use an NDS with say XPS (which comes with an SXPS Burndy).

Thanks for that Adam--yes I figured the Burndy business out!--just as an aside if no 555PS appears on the used scene within my budget --would there be

much "loss" to head for the XPS (no DR I think too dear)--with much improvement over my Humming bird!

Will ( is my name) D41

Diver41 posted:

Thanks for that Adam--yes I figured the Burndy business out!--just as an aside if no 555PS appears on the used scene within my budget --would there be

much "loss" to head for the XPS (no DR I think too dear)--with much improvement over my Humming bird!

Will ( is my name) D41

Hi Will

Humming Bird -  a good film with Mr Statham

Back to PSUs... 
Having heard all the variables.. personally I would do the following - if your dealer agrees to take the humming XP5XS back - get a refund.
Start searching for a 555PS - it may take you serveral months before one comes along. But it's worth a wait. I would not go down the XPS route. Personally I would always have that niglig feeling - what if I went for that 555.... 
In the meantime just enjoy your CDX2.2 saute.

Before someone shoots for me for the XPS comment - of course CDX2.2 and XPS are natural partners and make for a brilliant CD player. But... 555PS turns a brilliant CD player into an exceptional one. 

Cheers,

Adam

I have an XP5XS which doesn't hum. It seems to be pot luck on the transformers - the last thing I had which hummed badly was a CD5XS which doesn't have a very large one. My Supernait 2, obviously with quite a large one, doesn't hum either.