adding an XPS-DR to my NDX

Posted by: Iver van de Zand on 06 August 2018

Hello all,

Today I received the XPS-DR I bought from one of the forum members. It came to me in excellent condition. Connecting the Burndy is "challenging" but all went well. Power goes through my PowerIgel. Strange enough my iPad didn't recognize the NDX after spinning the system on, but after a router re-set things worked out well.

The XPS-DR is run-in already.  Though not night an day, the improvements are immediately obvious. There is definitely more detail and individual instruments can be recognized way easier. I can also almost tell where the band-players are on stage. Most impressive: Live recording become even "more Live". I was playing Carmen Gomez- Sings The Blues in 192K Hi-Res and it grabs you by the throat; extremely realistic. I love it.

I learn that with the level of system I have right now, the upgrade steps go in "smaller chunks". The most recent upgrades I have done (PowerIgel, Chord Shaline UTP, XPS-DR) all help and bring more. They don't bring a new system, but they do bring so much that I wouldn't be without them anymore. 

The next step is to wait for the NDX2 that I pre-ordered. I hope the XPS-DR is a good match to that one too.

Iver

Posted on: 06 August 2018 by wenger2015

The xpsdr is definitely not going to slap you in the face with a wow moment.... which is why its said ‘take it away and it’s then you notice the difference’....

That said, its definetly a box worth having .... enjoy

Posted on: 06 August 2018 by feeling_zen

It has a maturing effect on the NDX. Definately changes the character from a digital source to that of an analogue source. Not vinyl. Maybe reel-to-reel. 

An NDX/XPSdr is a formidable source.

Posted on: 06 August 2018 by S3

It’s definately an upgrade that you notice most when you take it away. 

Posted on: 06 August 2018 by Beachcomber
feeling_zen posted:

 Not vinyl. Maybe reel-to-reel. 

 

Ah - so increased hiss, a touch, perhaps, wow and occasional print through? 

Posted on: 06 August 2018 by feeling_zen
Beachcomber posted:
feeling_zen posted:

 Not vinyl. Maybe reel-to-reel. 

 

Ah - so increased hiss, a touch, perhaps, wow and occasional print through? 

C'mon. Reel-to-reel almost never has tape hiss.

Anyway, my point is, it sounds unlike a digital source with an XPS. So much so, a few people really dislike it. 

Personally, I think the combo is superb.

Posted on: 06 August 2018 by Bailyhill

Hello Iver;

Currently about to do this same upgrade.  Glad to read your review and know what to expect.  This is part of a move away from CD for

me and to the NDX as my only source.  I have  only played it for a couple of days, but the whole streamer

experience vs the cd one is one I can relate to--and I am no millennial--I am pre baby boomer--74 years old this year. 

Have you downloaded and HiRez files to a jump drive and played them thru your NDX?  Is that Viable? 

Bailyhill

Posted on: 07 August 2018 by Iver van de Zand

I have now been playing with the NDX/XPS-DR combination a few days, and I start liking it more and more. Even more than before, the system is the "boss of the living room". So much authority. The XPS-DR also added detail and especially the imaging (stereo and 3d) increased. Really, really like it 

[@mention:76328488954305491]: yes, most of the music I purchased (Qobus, HDTRacks, ECM etc) is downloaded in WAV format and stored on a NAS. That NAS feeds the NDX through a Switch. I buy a lot of Hi-Res too, even though they are not always top-quality. Next to that, I also have a TIdal account which is highly recommended. The Tidal quality comes close (not on par) to my downloaded music.