NDS and FM capability

There's no FM option on the NDS. 

NDS was always designed without an FM module. If you plan to move to NDS the only sensible FM option would be to get a NAIM tuner.

Many people think the FM/DAB module that is included in some NDX, 272, SuperUniti etc doesn't sound nearly as good on FM as a proper FM tuner.  So you probably aren't missing much. There are lots of good pre-owned FM tuners out there, so why not pick up one of those?

best

David

The FM on my 272 is jolly good. 

m.paul taylor posted:

I have an NDX with the FM module. I prefer FM to digital radio, I am thinking of upgrading to an NDS but it looks like there is no FM option. Anyone know anything which may cast light?

I run a NAT01 alonside my NDS and prefer it to streaming BBC Radio 3 HLS from the NDS - especially when the latter drops out due to poor connection speeds in my area (soon to end with Superfast rural broadband I'm pleased to say!). I purchased the NAT01 10 years ago and had it serviced by Naim around 4 years ago. It has to be the best  value for money Naim component I have and has peformed flawlessly in all that time .....my NDS won't last as long for sure!

I am coming around to liking iRadio over FM with the typically compressed popular stations.  It has less compression & is not limited by FM's 19kHz pilot tone filter that limits the top end to 12kHz,  maybe 15kHz at best,   & to me it is a better way for a more serious listen with these stations.  The exception where I do prefer FM is with BBC R3 which has no/low compression,  but still has the pilot tone limitations.  However R3 on a Naim system via iRadio & the BBC HLS service is pretty good & is without doubt better than most run of the mill FM receiver/tuners.  I have finally arrived at preferring R3 on FM for classical & iRadio for jazz for serious listening.   All day casual/background is usually FM via my trusty NAT-05.

Thank you all for the useful advice on the NDS/FM issue

FM on my NDX is very good, the best I have owned. Even if there are better tuners out there, the NDX-FM exceeds my expectations, and is fun to use via the Naim app.  

Nick

Thanks Nick - that is reassuring!

Paul

I ordered my ND5xs with FM, it was great in LA but I don't use it now tho I have been thinking about it because of KUSC out of LA is out here in the desert, familiar people and music. and probably too much RP in my ears.