n-DAC/555PS against the NDX2/555PS

Posted by: crackie on 14 September 2018

Just wondering if anyone has yet had a chance to see how the NDX2/555PS fairs against the n-DAC/555PS.

We had a glorious naim event here in Perth, Australia, with Daniel (naim export/overseas manager) from naim HQ and the Australiasian importer Chris Murphy with the NDX2 on demo.

They could only pair the NDX2 with a XPS2 and A>B with the 272 internal DAC at the naim dealer. It did sound so very fast and clean (unfortunately only with the 272 DAC as referance point for comparison ).

I was so gratefull that we naim owners here at the ends of the earth could actually hear a NDX2, so I am now very interested to see other members opinions on how the n-DAC/55PS stacks up against it.

Cheers,

Peter

* edit sorry, fat fingers and the title - please edit the correct this to 555PS if you can Richard.

Moderator: Edited.

Posted on: 16 September 2018 by Simon-in-Suffolk

Guinnless posted:
Suzy Wong posted:
Guinnless posted:
Suzy Wong posted:
On the topic of NDac’s (which I’m now seriously contemplating), could I power it with my Olive XPS, or does it have to be a later (black) one?
Olive XPS is fine. This is what I use.
Good answer! Thanks.
It makes a nice difference too. Much like a Hicap upgrade on a Pre.

The only time you need to be careful is if powering a streamer... the older Olive XPS can’t deliver sufficient current to adequately power the streamer .. you must use the the Black XPS.

Posted on: 16 September 2018 by Suzy Wong

Simon-in-Suffolk posted:
Guinnless posted:
Suzy Wong posted:
Guinnless posted:
Suzy Wong posted:
On the topic of NDac’s (which I’m now seriously contemplating), could I power it with my Olive XPS, or does it have to be a later (black) one?
Olive XPS is fine. This is what I use.
Good answer! Thanks.
It makes a nice difference too. Much like a Hicap upgrade on a Pre.
The only time you need to be careful is if powering a streamer... the older Olive XPS can’t deliver sufficient current to adequately power the streamer .. you must use the the Black XPS.

Ah yes, I was convinced that I’d read somewhere that a black XPS was needed for some unit or other. I just couldn’t remember which one!.

Thanks

Posted on: 16 September 2018 by Bart

Gazza posted:
When I enquired my dealer said they had not stocked nDac for last couple of years.....no demand.

Not surprised at this at all. I'd be more surprised if the converse were true!

Posted on: 16 September 2018 by nbpf

Dev B posted:
I’m looking forward to insights. A Swedish Naim source has told me this weekend that
1. ND555
2. NDX2
3. ND5XS
4. NDX
i heard a ND555 this week and it was unbelievable. I never got on with NDS and we have 2x NDAC in both our systems so I’m keen to hear reports from the field

Did your source offer some insights as to where NDX > nDAC and NDX2 > nDAC would be placed within this hierarchy? I understand that not many have tested NDX2 > nDAC at this point ... I guess this will change rather soon!

Posted on: 16 September 2018 by steve95775

crackie posted:
........
Antony, apparently this is the only one in Australia ATM and it is going to a few more naim product events this month too. But yes, I would love to get one for a home demo. - whenever that may be.
And that coukd well be a while, as I don’t know when full stock for dealers will be available and/or if my local dealer get a demo. unit in to lend out.
Another option is to try and snag a used/demo. NDS I suppose. Then again , that really would be an impossible comparison to make where I live...................

The joy of Perth. I am contemplating either an NDX2/282/HC or a 272/PS555 to replace my lowly 172. The dollars here fall out pretty line ball.

My gut feeling is that the NDX2 combo would be the better option, (given that I only stream from a NAS). All my experience has been that source first wins the day every time, (with the proviso that we're talking good source).

I had my invite to the Perth event, sadly I missed it due to a last minute hiccup. The dealer here does their best but only stocks to a modest level up the product range. So the stock advice about home demo is problematic. Either you just go on faith, or a roadshow event demo.

I have been a Naim dealer in the past, and have still got faith. So I will probably buy without any demo.