Upgrade Thoughts

Royd speakers are generally very highly thought of so I would think of keeping them.

I can't reply more specifically about upgrading your set but ask if you have ever run the Stageline from the HC-ed NAC282's Aux2? How was that compared with now?

You have lots of options, but I think you need to start with the source. I would consider either upgrading the ND5 to an NDX, or keeping it, and using it as a transport into a separate DAC. The obvious candidates are a Naim NDAC or various Chords, but of course, there are lots of other possibilities.

I used to have an ND5XS, and I found a big improvement by adding a Chord Hugo1 DAC.

If I were you, I would have a listen to the new Chord Qutest which should at least equal the performance of the Hugo2 and would appear to be an ideal match for the ND5XS. Although individual renderers can make a difference (eg the NDX/Qutest might well be a little better than a ND5XS/Qutest), the ND5XS does a very decent job and in my opinion would be the obvious value for money choice. I have since moved away from the ND5XS as a streamer/renderer and now use a Sonore microRendu/Gustard U12 with my Hugo DAC. This does sound better, but loses out on a number of respects with regard to convenience. I preferred the Naim app to the open source app (Lumin) I now use, and I miss the ease of Internet Radio access I had with the Naim app.   

Of course, you may end up not liking the presentation of Chord DACs, so it would probably make sense to listen to an nDAC as well if this is possible. I remember being a little underwhelmed when I had a demo of a possible nDAC upgrade for my ND5XS a number of years ago, but your view may be different.  

I reckon that the ND5XS/Qutest combination may turn out to be the ideal and (relatively) inexpensive upgrade solution for you.

If the hicap on the 282 is not a DR version yet, I would upgrade that to DR. For sure before an upgrade of the poweramp or an extra hicap.

I would take a long term view and get the best source you can possibly afford. If you want to stay with Naim and you like streaming this might mean waiting for possible new Naim streamers and saving for another year or two. Alternately a top pre loved Naim streamer now.

The 282 is very capable and will easily partner the very best sources. However, that would be my next area to upgrade.

If it were me I would upgrade the Linn and phono power supply buy hey ho!

Stu

hiCap on 282 and a source improvement - either NDX or even better nDAC (this one can be futher improved by a separate power supply). ND5XS is a good digital transport. NDX would of course makes an even better one.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. Looks like the consensus is on a source upgrade and more specifically a DAC upgrade. I'll start some research... To Christopher's question, I've never tried powering the stage line from the 282. Maybe I shall try that...

Assuming your speakers integrate with your room then for now focus elsewhere.  I guess the problem with digital is the pace of change. Assuming you wish to stick with the 282 why not optimise around that? So DR the HC or the SC.  And then as has been suggested wait out for the next generation of source components.  

Regards,

Lindsay

Rather than "bang for the buck" upgrade, some idea of what you are trying to accomplish - what are the strengths and weaknesses of your current system,what sources do you use (proportionally). Try to define what needs improvement. Just finding the "weakest link and improving that,may not be very beneficial.  If you alter (to improve) the vinyl,but primarily play digital ,well..... 

If you are happy with the balance an performance of your system, I would look into ramping up the front end. The DAC is a good first audition candidate. While the NDX undoubtedly outperforms the ND5 with little effort, the cost of the DAC, particularly a second hand one, looks attractive.

But each to our own. Your ears, your money, your choice.

One more thing with regards to ND5XS and NDX via nDAC.

It’s worth noting that both ND-platform streamers can be had with an optional FM / DAB module (factory fitted only).
Using either ND5 or NDX in a digital-out mode (say into an nDAC) still makes listening to FM possible.

The reason I’m mentionign it, is that at cost level of NDX + nDAC + 555PS, NDS + 555PS starts to make a lot of sense. Sonically those combos are comparable. But NDS does NOT have an FM / DAB module.

should you go NDX our systems will almost match, love the NDX, i do't have an NDAC on mine however, i love the bare NDX, I also have LP12 - SC on 282 would be another upgrade

but i have to say the best addtion to my system was SH 300 so if box count is not issue i would look at that also, then DR when budget allows

Not sure what speaker cable you have. Ive just changed mine for Witch Hat Phantom and it made a worthwhile improvement without costing too much.

It may be helpful to indicate available budget.

Re source, it s worth looking at this recent thread: https://forums.naimaudio.com/topic/nd5sx-upgrade-path?

As for speakers, I’m not sure why you say more “modern” - I would class 2001 as pretty modern in terms of speakers! Whether there is benefit in changing maybe depends on how much you like their sound, and how much they may be the limiting factor. Your room dimensions and how acoustically live or dead t is, and what characteristics of sound you particularly value would be helpful if you want suggestions. Unless you have a very large budget, I would suggest only considering secondhand as it opens a much greater range of possibilities. 

However, I suggest one thing to consider is whether this is a one-shot rejigging of the system to then remain static for some time, or if you have any intent/expectation/likelihood of getting onto an ongoing upgrade path. The answer is key to deciding what is the best thing to do now within available budget.

All helpful suggestions everyone. I really don't think I'll go to an NDX , especially as it's pretty old now and from what Ive read likely to give very marginal gains. The Hugo-2 or indeed the new QuTest from Chord look worth investigating - the QuTest looking particularly interesting especially given the price vs Hugo. Or indeed any new streaming products that may come from Naim in the near future. There's a dealer near me that stocks Naim and Chord products so I should hopefully be able to demo side-by-side.

Interestingly, there doesn't appear to be any votes for a 250 DR. Likewise for a speaker upgrade ("modern" is all relative - 2001 was 17 years ago - a lifetime in the tech world!)

Source first seems to be persisting. 

Thanks

Speakers are not hi tech! Mainly evolution rather than revolution. The main change in recent decades has been computer modelling taking out a lot of trial and error, so reducing development costs and speeding up development of new models (but that does not necessarily mean better sounding). There are of course other developments, including wider use of more exotic materials rather than just wood.

The biggest changes in recent years have been on the digital side, at least in part facilitated by  ever increasing computer power and memory capacity.

AudioClueless posted:

Interestingly, there doesn't appear to be any votes for a 250 DR. Likewise for a speaker upgrade ("modern" is all relative - 2001 was 17 years ago - a lifetime in the tech world!)

Source first seems to be persisting. 

On paper, your source (XS series) is already a step or two below your amp (Classic series) so any further upgrades would only show up any shortcomings in your source. Resolve that issue, and I think you'll get lots of people suggesting a 250DR. 

Speakers are more difficult, as they need to be a good match for your room, as much as for your amp.

AudioClueless posted:

All helpful suggestions everyone. I really don't think I'll go to an NDX , especially as it's pretty old now and from what Ive read likely to give very marginal gains.

Have you heard one? It makes the ND5 sound not all that good. It is, of course your decision. But the NDX gain over the ND5 is not marginal.

Happy hunting.

Harry posted:

AudioClueless posted:

All helpful suggestions everyone. I really don't think I'll go to an NDX , especially as it's pretty old now and from what Ive read likely to give very marginal gains.

Have you heard one? It makes the ND5 sound not all that good. It is, of course your decision. But the NDX gain over the ND5 is not marginal.

Happy hunting.

Surely, adding an Naim DAC (or a Chord DAC, if one prefers this "flavour") would offer a greater update. The costs involved are similar, and one wouldn't need to worry about selling the ND5XS. 

Yes it would. As per my original suggestion. Probably.

This doesn't change the fact that the NDX is hugely more capable than the ND5 in the absence of an external DAC. A perception that only a marginal gain is possible with the NDX over the ND5 is, IMO, inaccurate. 

Timo posted:

Harry posted:

AudioClueless posted:

All helpful suggestions everyone. I really don't think I'll go to an NDX , especially as it's pretty old now and from what Ive read likely to give very marginal gains.

Have you heard one? It makes the ND5 sound not all that good. It is, of course your decision. But the NDX gain over the ND5 is not marginal.

Happy hunting.

Surely, adding an Naim DAC (or a Chord DAC, if one prefers this "flavour") would offer a greater update. The costs involved are similar, and one wouldn't need to worry about selling the ND5XS. 

 

Certainly worth considering, depending on your appetite for more boxes, shelves and cables. Worth seeking the assistance of that Naim/Chord dealer you mentioned, as these upgrades become largely subjective, and personal preference will play in important part.

Your path is definitely laid out.

Keep your streamer and add the nDAC, that would be a huge improvement over bare NDX and would suit best and warrant 282 goodness.

An NDX + PS is nearly as good as nDAC + same power supply. I have a CDX2 into nDAC+XPSDR. I am finding that a Pre-loved 6 year old UnitiServe (circa £1000) is as good with a good digital interconnected as the CDX2. There are some delights to a bare CDX2 analogue output, and one powered by XPSDR.

I tried the NDX for the addition of TIDAL but have found that TIDAL on the iPad into the nDAC front panel is better than the NDX. So I can’t see the point of NDX any more. There are plenty of internet radio player for the iPad as well.

The nDAC is good even without a PS, but.... 

The important thing with streaming from a NAS/UnitiServe is to have a Audio only switch. The Cisco 2960 8 tc is about the best for reasons Simon in Sulfolk has explained recently. I bought a refurbished one for 64€. Add some audio Ethernet cables particularly to the streamer and you will be well setup.

Phil

Filipe posted:

An NDX + PS is nearly as good as nDAC + same power supply. I have a CDX2 into nDAC+XPSDR. I am finding that a Pre-loved 6 year old UnitiServe (circa £1000) is as good with a good digital interconnected as the CDX2. There are some delights to a bare CDX2 analogue output, and one powered by XPSDR.

 

And some of the other DACs suggested sound as good as they do without the need for an additional power supply, which may make a difference when considering cost or space, subject of course tolikeing what they do.