Uniti Nova or SN2 with CD5XS ?

I can not offer a valid opinion on the question you asked......  but have you considered replacing the CD5XS with a used NDX or NDS or perhaps a new NDX2?   Not sure of your location but there has been lots of discussion of trade-in's and good deals on streamers as folks are moving up to the ND555.

Just a thought.......

Thanks for the reply but I'm not very sure how are the sound quality of stream music compare to played from CD. Care to share? 

........ I have have approximately 1200 CD's ripped to NAS in WAV format along with a few hi-res downloads. MY system is basically NAS via ethernet connection to NDX to SN2 (see profile for detail).

I find that the streamed CD files from the NAS to the NDX is as good as a CD player. My ears, my experience and YMMV.  Obviously the system components could also influence outcome such as model and use of power supplies.

I am quite happy with my NDX/SN2 configuration and felt that the individual components was better than an all in box solution for me. The NDX and Nova both offer connection to services such as Spotify and TIDAL (which I subscribe to) along with connectivity to internet radio. I find the quality of Hi-Res subscription on TIDAL a great tool to explore both music that I do not own or new releases. As a result I have bought more CD's in the last year since buying a streamer then in many previous years. 

You did not mention if you were keeping the CD Player to use with the Nova. There are a number of threads where many forum members mention that they sold on their CD players and find streaming music from a NAS to be high quality and more convenient. Others have mentioned they prefer CD players. Use of the search function to review past threads could provide more information/opinions on the subject matter.

Good luck with decision.......

snowfoxx posted:

Thanks for the reply but I'm not very sure how are the sound quality of stream music compare to played from CD. Care to share? 

It can, and should sound identical, or near enough as. Underneath the covers, as far as the DAC is concerned the data looks identical assuming it’s the same master.

However clearly you may have a preference for particular CDPs, Streamers and DACs, and indeed how you couple these together can produce audible side effects leading to a preference... but that is a different matter entirely.

I'd add an NDX2 to the SN2.

Uniti from supernait seems a sideways step to me ...or even downward....don't waste your money..

Thank you all for the learned advice especially from Seakayaker.

Guess I got to audition Nova to hear for myself on where to go next...

seakayaker posted:

........ I have have approximately 1200 CD's ripped to NAS in WAV format along with a few hi-res downloads. MY system is basically NAS via ethernet connection to NDX to SN2 (see profile for detail).

I find that the streamed CD files from the NAS to the NDX is as good as a CD player. My ears, my experience and YMMV.  Obviously the system components could also influence outcome such as model and use of power supplies.

I am quite happy with my NDX/SN2 configuration and felt that the individual components was better than an all in box solution for me. The NDX and Nova both offer connection to services such as Spotify and TIDAL (which I subscribe to) along with connectivity to internet radio. I find the quality of Hi-Res subscription on TIDAL a great tool to explore both music that I do not own or new releases. As a result I have bought more CD's in the last year since buying a streamer then in many previous years. 

You did not mention if you were keeping the CD Player to use with the Nova. There are a number of threads where many forum members mention that they sold on their CD players and find streaming music from a NAS to be high quality and more convenient. Others have mentioned they prefer CD players. Use of the search function to review past threads could provide more information/opinions on the subject matter.

Good luck with decision.......

Sorry to bother you. Where can I learn more about CD ripping and NAS as I'm still old school using CD player? Appreciate it 

I have not heard a NDX2 but talking to my dealer in the week they have been running a NDX2 through a Supernait and said it is a superb combination, your dealer should be able to advise on ripping and setting up a NAS for you.

Take your time and enjoy your journey.

I heard it at the factory with supernait, would agree very special , if you stretch to a XPSdr......it’s very special.

Even though I’ve not yet heard any of the new classic box streamers, the positive reports and potential of the NDX2 and a Supernait2 together have planted ideas of getting back on the multi box upgrade path from my UQ2 - oh dear, its a slippery slope! Really want to hear these new streamers - had to miss the Audio T / Naim roadshow when in town which was a touch frustrating.