New NDX2 vs the old NDS

I think the 202 with a HiCapDR would be a great preamp, or even a used 282 with HiCapDR... both preamps support digital automation from the streamers. If you wished to use phono on either of these NACs you would need a separate phono preamp.

I’ve just upgraded to a Nova, so not looking for anything more at the moment. It would be interesting to hear how an NDX2 with a SuperNait 2 would compare to the Nove, as they both have the new streaming technology and an 80W output, but the NDX2/SuperNait2 is twice the price of the Nova, would the extra cost be worth it. When is enough good enough?

I think the latter will be comfortably ahead IMO, but as usual not twice as good despite being twice the price. The ND5xS2 would also be a great combo, particularly with a second hand NDac or Hugo etc.

This thread is getting interesting. I never thought of paring the NDX2 with the nDAC. So...NDX2 powered by a 555PS with the nDAC also powered by the 555PS or a separate one? I assume it should be a separate one. Wonder if that would bring it to the level of an ND 555...

Of course if you already own a 555 PS, getting an NDX 2 + nDAC +  another 555PS, you might as well get a ND 555.

I was thinking more the ND5XS2 which is the one without the screen or the ability to use a power supply. I agree if you load up the NDX2 with a power supply and a DAC you might as well save a little more and get the ND555.

If you are using the NDX2 with the nDAC then a PSU on the NDX2 is probably not needed as there are no analogue circuits to power.

It was suggested to me that an NDX2 would be better than a nDAC/XPS.....

I’m getting a sore head. DACs, power supplies. I remember now why I went for the one box solution!

Simon-in-Suffolk posted:

I am interested to hear the ND5 XS2, as apparently there has been a real focus on SQ performance compared to its earlier incarnation  by stripping back the thrills from its elder siblings that otherwise can detract... really allowing the SQ performance to shine..

I hope you mean 'frills' rather than 'thrills'! 

Gazza posted:

 I agree if you load up the NDX2 with a power supply and a DAC you might as well save a little more and get the ND555.

Exactly.

But then you have less boxes to show your friends.

Billy no mates????

Imho it makes no sense to add DAC with NDX2, the DAC in the NDX2 should be superior vs external:-)

T38.45 posted:

Imho it makes no sense to add DAC with NDX2, the DAC in the NDX2 should be superior vs external:-)

Not sure yet. The ndac was superior to the dac inside the ndx.

T38.45 posted:

Imho it makes no sense to add DAC with NDX2, the DAC in the NDX2 should be superior vs external:-)

Of course there will be standalone DACs that are no better than the one built into the NDX2, but I don’t see how you can generalise that it will be better than any separate DAC you may choose, at any price. Also it’s often a case of different rather than simply better or worse, so to my mind, it’s great to have this sort of versatility. 

Having said that, if using a Naim streamer as a transport into a separate DAC, as already discussed, I would consider the cheaper ND5XS2 before spending the extra on an NDX2. 

Interesting thread that has got me thinking … always a bad move

Currently I have UnitiServ -> DAC V1 -> 202/Hicap.

was thinking of the following path over the next year or so (or even sooner):

1. Replace Hicap with Supercap DR (in preparation of 3 below).

2. replace V1 with NDX2 (UnitiServ used for my own old curated collection; NDX2 for future purchases through streaming subscription).

3. replace 202 with 252 (pre-loved) or 282.

Always of course after home demo … where is that damned NDX2 anyway?

Now the thread has given me some more thoughts …

… and then of course there just might be an N272 replacement soonish that would do it all for me if it was a pre (at least 282 level but preferably better) and new streaming platform (at least ND5 level)!

sore head, Allan

French Rooster posted:

T38.45 posted:

Imho it makes no sense to add DAC with NDX2, the DAC in the NDX2 should be superior vs external:-)

Not sure yet. The ndac was superior to the dac inside the ndx.

If a new streamer has not a better analog section then the 4-5 ? years old NDAC then there must be something wrong with Naim.

add on: hope to test NDX2 soon in my system...

Not so sure on that.....Naim make a move when it’s significant improvement to their ears. It’s easy to show something sounds different.....we just need to demo and make our own decision.

T38.45 posted:

French Rooster posted:

T38.45 posted:

Imho it makes no sense to add DAC with NDX2, the DAC in the NDX2 should be superior vs external:-)

Not sure yet. The ndac was superior to the dac inside the ndx.

If a new streamer has not a better analog section then the 4-5 ? years old NDAC then there must be something wrong with Naim.

add on: hope to test NDX2 soon in my system...

Thanks for questioning this.  This system uses the DAC V1 also for its volume control.  It has no preamp.  Direct to amp.  Its got me thinking to upgrade the DAC V1 with something newer with better SQ and a volume control.  Lots of options out there.  If Naim would do this, that would make the decision easy.  Have not heard of anything like this being worked on.  It sounds like other members have tried a couple of things and are happy.

Bailyhill

NDX2 is now in the dealers on demo from tomorrow.

Is this Demo in UK?  Is the NDX2 available in the US tomorrow?

Bailyhill

This is in the UK

NDX2 presentations in New Zealand mid September.

Ardbeg10y posted:

But then you have less boxes to show your friends.

One swanky big black anodised aluminium box in the lounge with a small apple ???? tv and bluray player and a pair of sexy Totem Forest Signatures to be fair. I compensate my small box count in the media room with the Core, UnitiCute2, NAP100, Apple ???? TV and reframed bluray for a 65inch OLED Screen. Not that I’m counting......

Gazza posted:

Billy no mates????

I do tend towards solo happening, it’s true. Partly because the misus says, why buy that stuff, it all sounds the same ????

Any feedback so far? Anyone blowing away?????????????????????