The physical properties of the partially oxidised complexes [(n-Bu) 4 N] 2 [M(dcbdt) 2 ] 5 with M=Au and Ni (dcbdt=4,5-dicyanobenzene-1,2-dithiolate) are compared and related to the different electronic bandfilling and their slightly different structure. Both compounds present a triclinic structure, space group P-1, with pentamerised segregated stacks of the complex along [-2 1 0]. The lower electrical conductivity with a larger activation energy, as well as the larger magnitude of thermopower and paramagnetic susceptibility, of the Ni compound are a consequence of both its different electronic bandfilling and more pronounced modulation of the stacking.