Where would your money go?

A separate PSU will bring improvements and while certainly not insignificant (I have a HiCAP and a NAPSC on my 202 preamp and a FC on my CD5XS - all brought noticeable improvements), such improvements are typically not fundamental but incremental. If getting a new PSU, I would probably vote source/NDX first. I don't know your speakers but based on where they sit in the KEF range and their cost I think I would probably consider upgrading the speakers first when funds allow. In many cases with speakers the change is also about (a different) sonic signature, so extensive auditioning of likely candidates before one or two final home demos is recommended.

1. Get a pair of s-400 speakers

2. A Chord DAC 

3. HicapDR

PSAN posted:

I don't know your speakers but based on where they sit in the KEF range and their cost I think I would probably consider upgrading the speakers first when funds allow. In many cases with speakers the change is also about (a different) sonic signature, so extensive auditioning of likely candidates before one or two final home demos is recommended.

The same here. I have PMC25.23 for my modest XS2/ND5XS system. Admittedly, these PMC might be a bit "too much" for my humble system -- but they are "future proof".  The PMC 25 series would be great with your SN2, if you like PMC's sound signature. 

1. XPS 

2.Hicap DR

3. Second hand SBL or Allae

4. Naim A5 speaker cable

I doubt you will get an answer that everyone agrees on 

Karl

Karl posted:

 

I doubt you will get an answer that everyone agrees on 

Let me try:

Buy and listen more music.

(given the original question 'where should the money go')

The NDX does respond well to the addition of a XPSdr however I assume the equipment is on a decent rack and the mains power is sorted just get the best out of the boxes you already have and take your time with any changes it can can be a very enjoyable journey.

A good quality network switch such as a Cisco 2960 8tc (£50 refurbished) is essential to isolate the NDX and NAS from the noisy network along with audio quality Ethernet cables. Wi-fi may be an alternative if the hub is close enough. The rest is best determined by home demos.

Phil

If you try a Chord DAC, and like it, the NDX would not need a power supply added.  A Naim DAC might want an XPS or 555 PS.

People seem divided as to whether or not a Hicap improves the SN2.  I don’t recall anybody saying there was no difference, but some do not like the change.

Nick

I would suggest that a change of speakers will make a bigger difference than adding a power supply, but not necessarily different in a good way.   The difference in performance and presentation of speakers even in the exact same price bracket as each other can be vast.  Depending on choices, spending more does not guarantee better in my experience.  You really need to demo and make they're right for equipment, but just as important the room, and above all that they suit you and your own musical tastes.  When you get that right though, the rewards are worth the effort in my experience and can improve the overall performance of system as much as any other upgrade possible.

In support of others' suggestions, in my personal order of preference : 1) a dedicated radial mains supply (if you are UK based) - the best value of upgrades that I've ever done to a Naim system. 2) a decent rack if you don't have one already.  3) a decent ethernet switch, 4) an XPS or Chord DAC for your NDX.

Best regards, FT

I read once on this forum that a rack is the most important part of a hifi system. I am not sure I would agree and that a quality electrical supply is the most important but apart from that my advice is to keep your source at a higher level than any other piece and then you will be less unsatisfied with any so called improvements you ever make. For instance Its tempting to buy far better pair of speakers, you will feel your system will sound better but in my experience that really does not work. I am not saying you should buy a source that is out of the way far above the rest of your system but just keep it one stage up. 

Popeye

had lots on demo's when I put my system together with my NDX, i went down the route of Pre rather than SN2

i really like the sound of my bare NDX, i did not believe the additon of XPSDR improved the NDX sound compared to the cost of the PS, however the 555 even Non DR is a real different the whole sound opens up on th NDX

so for me I would demo a PS for the NDX and listen to upgrade

Popeye - I think the money should go on buying music for the time being. If you're really pleased with your recent purchases, just sit back and enjoy it and only think about upgrades when there's something in the performance of your system that you want to improve. 

Superlumina speaker cable.  I've been experimenting with it on systems of all sizes and it provides an amazing upgrade to the sound.  More detail, smoother high frequencies, deeper bass.  It did amazing things for my UnitiQute2/ProAc Tablet 10 office system.  Yes, very expensive but I think it provides the best bang for buck. 

Radial spur and power lines.  

Power cables (almost anything else is better than stock) and more refined speakers (ATC, PMC, Harbeth, ProAc, Spendor). Could we assume you already have naca5 cables?

I would always look to improve the source as the priority, subject to audition. You never know for sure until you listen.

There comes a point where it is both logical and beneficial to upgrade elsewhere in the chain. That will be determined by your ears. 

I've had a little pair of £1.1K speakers in the lounge, sounding breathtakingly detailed, dynamic, controlled and utterly believable on the end of a 552/500. The speakers were well matched to the room to start with, and that, I think, is the key.

In your particular situation I'd be looking at a power supply for the NDX as the first audition candidate. What I would end with is another matter.