positively surpised by HDX

Posted by: DrPo on 24 January 2017

Whilst my NDX is being checked for a recurring "fault 36" problem and sent back to HQ my dealer has generously lent me an HDX as a substitute.

Despite my NDX being powered by an external PS (ND5 XS) i have the distinct feeling that the HDX is providing a more impactfull and dynamic sound.

Really impressed - not bad at all considering that the DAC in the NDX is presumed to be better.

Posted on: 24 January 2017 by Richard Dane

Greg, interesting result. FWIW, both the NDX and the HDX use Naim's implementation of the Burr-Brown PCM1791A DAC chipset, although I think that the digital filter in the NDX is more sophisticated.

Posted on: 24 January 2017 by DrPo

thanks for the info, Richard. I will recheck my findings once the NDX is back - I am nevertheless impressed with the HDX SQ and now i understand why many are happy with it as a single digital source.

Posted on: 25 January 2017 by sktn77a

Yep, the Swiss Army Knife of High End Audio, perhaps!

Posted on: 26 January 2017 by Klout10

I've owned a HDX for quite some years, it's still a wonderful machine!

Posted on: 26 January 2017 by dave marshall

HDX + nDac + 555PS ....................... a marvelous combination which kept me more than happy until the arrival of an NDS.

Posted on: 26 January 2017 by Harry

I always thought the HDX and NDX performed about the same with and without XPS2.

As per Dave's comment above, HDX/DAC/555PS was superb. Only beaten by NDS with some people not preferring the NDS.

Impressive.