Help choosing between 555PS DR and XPS DR

Posted by: TomSer on 06 August 2017

Hello,

I’m planning to add a power supply to my nDAC.

I’m hesitating between the 555PS DR and the XPS DR.

Mostly I listen to classical (Baroque) music. My goal is to add more details (instrument separation) when listening to multiple instruments/voices.

My system is the following:

CDX2  ---[DC1]--->  nDAc  ---[Hiline]--->  SuperNait DR + HiCap DR ---[NACA5]---> Jean-Marie Reynaud Abscisse

And :

PC --> AudioPhileo MKII SE + PP --> nDAc

Which power supply would better suite my system considering my expectations in terms of details/instrument separation?

The price difference between the 555PS DR and XPS DR is quite important. Would it make sense to choose the 555PS DR?

In case Naim produces a new DAC ( nDAC 2 ?) would these power supplies be compatible with this possible new DAC?

Thank you very much for your help,

Thomas

Posted on: 06 August 2017 by The Strat (Fender)

Well of course you have to hear for yourself - but the 555 is something very special!

Posted on: 06 August 2017 by Chag...

Indeed the 555PS, DR or non-DR, will get the best out of the nDAC, but at a very substantial cost. It also depends then on where you envision ending on the upgrade ladder for all system cohesion purposes and for which the 555PS will become a must, or only a nice to have. Pre/amp, streamer.. And yes it is likely that the 555PS indeed will be compatible with a still unlikely nDAC2.  

Chag -

.

Posted on: 06 August 2017 by MDS

On my nDAC I originally powered it with an XP5XS. When I later tried an XPS I wasn't convinced that it was enough of an improvement to justify the price (double that of the XP5XS). I felt the same with the XPS2DR.  However the 555PS was a huge improvement.  Initially I went for a pre-owned nonDR 555PS and if you can find one I recommend trying one at home. Much better VFM than a new XPSDR.

Posted on: 06 August 2017 by Skip

Of all the Naim gear I have bought, the 555PS had the most impact. It was on my CDS2 into a tube rig and the benefit was breathtaking.  It replaced an XPS.    I have since moved on to a CD555, but I will never forget the 555PS and the weekend I spent listening to CD's when it came in.

Posted on: 06 August 2017 by Adam Zielinski

I tried both with my nDAC. Actually I tried both 555PSDR and 555PS (non-DR).

Ended up using a pre-loved-re-capped 555PS - seems to works best with the nDAC.

 

Posted on: 06 August 2017 by Simon-in-Suffolk

Agree in my experience the 555PS nonDR works best by far with the NDAC... I found the DR version encouraged the NDAC to sound relatively  dull and a bit too polite or 'dry'... and yes I do think it's strange how the use of different regulators in the 555PS can make such a huge difference.. equally strange is the complete reverse with the NDS, here the 555PSDR sounded very much preferable. Certainly the DR and nonDR version of the 555PS appear to be  very different beasts and you should audition with care.

Posted on: 07 August 2017 by Diver41

Agree mainly with Above--Get a recapped 555PSU--no need for your usage to outlay for the DR'd

I use one with the CDX2.2 and it smokes the lesser Naim PSU's 

You will not regret it--used ones are available at reasonable prices in the UK--go for it!

D41

Posted on: 07 August 2017 by Emre

I hope if you don't mind to answer this tread with another approach...

just don't!! 

adding all that upgrade money to nDac.... there are many good dac for xps money and best ones for 555dr money...

so just get a better dac, cd2x is good enough without a DAC or PS, it is way too good a product just for a transport to nDac...

buy a DAC with a good usb that wont need a converter...

New Naim DAC is a mirage....