I’ve recently upgraded to a K22 and retained my CX for server duties.
Having decided to keep the CX there was very little financial benefit to trading the EX so I’ve kept that too.
I plan to use it with other “orphaned” gear and my Naim Nait50. My issue is the Naim DAC I’d like to use it with doesn’t have a USB input.
As the Antipodes P2 is only slightly commoner than rocking horse sh*t, does anybody have any recommendations for a converter worthy of sitting between an EX and an NDAC?
Way back when I had an Audio Note 2.1X Signature DAC with coax input only I used an Audiophilleo converter which was highly satisfactory, but is now quite expensive.
I do happen to have a black M2Tech HiFace (BNC) converter (M2TECH HiFace Two B USB Hi-End SPDIF Output Interface (BNC) | Hi-Fi Heaven) which is surplus to my requirements and which I have just tested out of my EX … sounds fine. Device is as new and with box. If you think you might be interested in it please feel free to contact me. I am in NZ.
There is the Antipodes S20 which may also be
Is superior to the P2 because it has an updated re-clocker and is independently powered rather than USB powered.
A good Digital-to-Digital Converter (DDC)?
Below 3 fantastic choices with excellent jitter suppression. Likely improving your digital audio performance at a reasonable cost (new and used easy to find).
Singxer SU-6
Premium performance with ultra-low noise power supplies, femtosecond clocks, and outputs including I2S, AES/EBU, Coaxial, and Optical. 12V. 7.5 V - 9 V.
Gustard U18
Robust design with advanced XMOS USB interface and CCHD-957 clocks. Offers versatile outputs (I2S, AES, Coaxial). AC powered.
Denafrips Iris
Great DDC with precision clocking and multiple outputs (I2S, AES, Coaxial). AC powered.
Windyb
Thanks, but I’m in the UK so I think I’ll pass.
Andy
Thanks Mark
I’m aware of the S20 and note your comments. A solution not requiring additional rack real estate would be preferable.
K22 with the CX as server is absolutely superb.
Andy
Thanks Paul for your suggestions.
Matrix Audio X-SPDIF 3 (Ensure the device is fully driverless compatible with EX)
I’ve always had great success with Halide bridge usb - takes up no rack space .
Had one - sold it - regretted .
Bought another -sold it / regretted that as well .
At
Thanks Paul I’ve seen that but not sure about the compatibility as you say.
But limited to 96khz by the look of it. I have some 24/192 files in my library.
Thanks All for your suggestions.
Looks like my options are
M2Tech HiFace £240
Matrix X/PDIF 3 £440 (if compatible)
Denafrips IRIS 12 £600
Or by some miracle a P2 comes up for sale while I’m trying to make up my mind 
Andy
Mutec also makes one that seems to have a lot of fans.
I love it!
A p2 currently for sale is £800 + shipping from Portugal.
Maybe you are lucky and find one for £600 in a couple months. All options you retained above will cost less than that ( even less when purchased used).
Another option is to sell the Naim DAC (nDAC?). DAC technology has advanced significantly over the past 10-15 years, and find a more compact DAC with all the connections you need. This approach saves space by eliminating the need for an additional box, and you’ll likely get comparable or better sound quality at a lower cost.
A lot of people make the mistake of writing the Naim DAC off on account of it’s age……
I reckon my Aqua La Scala is unbeatable under £10k but if I put a PS on the NDAC it would as close as match it (albeit with a different musical presentation) for c£3k as makes no difference. It’s not that far behind the La Scala without the PS.
I recently got the opportunity to listen to an XACT server and Aqua Formula DAC. To these ears the K22 and Aqua La Scala were far more desirable.
….and that’s understandable. However, the decision to part with it could also be about practicalities—like wanting to downsize and save some space. More than that, I’d assumed the EX, while still a solid endpoint, might not quite match the nDAC in performance. That’s where I saw an opportunity to scale down the DAC without really sacrificing sound quality, especially since it’s for a secondary setup. Absolutely no disrespect to the nDAC here—except maybe a touch of sentimental attachment! 
A bit off-topic (maybe create one?), but an intriguing observation nonetheless. Plus, it’s hard not to envy your privileged access to this ear candy!
Could it be that the hyper-detailed presentation of the first setup appeals less to you, while the second setup’s more ‘musical’ and forgiving sound aligns better with your preferences?
I assume both setups were streaming (with no local files) —did you notice any significant differences between using UPnP and Squeeze to Squeeze on the K22 vs. the XACT ( offers only UPnP ) ?
