Unbalancing a sistem with a 552

Posted by: smike42 on 05 May 2003

Is it possible to unbalance the sound of a Naim sistem?

For example, if I owned

CDX/XPS 82/Hi Active 250 SL2

would putting in a 552 be daft? or would CDS3 and 252/Super be better balanced?

I guess the question, the real question, is how good a source do you need before a 552 is a sensible choice given that you loose some money each time you upgrade so going straight from an 82/Hi to a 552 is more cost effective than going via a 252/Super (if cost effectiveness enters in to this sort of question!)

I desire to be at CDS3/XPS2 552 front end which do I buy first?

My leaning is to go 552 as I have a good TT source too and live with the comprimise on the CD source but is the 552 too revealing?

Smike
Posted on: 05 May 2003 by garyi
Smike I understand the stance of source first approach.

but it can't be denied that a. A CDX is a fine source espcially as you have XPSed it and b. The 552 is an exceptional pre amp.

You will find a whole new world with the 552, its indeed an expensive upgrade, but I have heard it and its supurb.

So in my opinion, you would have a bigger better more satifying sound moving to the 552.
Posted on: 05 May 2003 by Martin Payne
I have heard the opinion that CDS2/XPS1 owners would be well advised to upgrade to CDS3/XPS2 with the 552.

cheers, Martin

E-mail:- MartinPayne at Dial.Pipex.com
Posted on: 05 May 2003 by david r
I would go for the CDS3 /252 first without doubt. You will be using a fraction of the potential with the 552 and will indeed be unbalanced. I belive that should you buy the 552 an element of disatisfaction will creep into your listening as you recognise the shortcomings of your source. You will have just given yourself a bad case of upgraditis. Whereas with the CDS3 and 252 it will sound terrific even though you know it can be better.

CDSII, 52, 135's and SF Electa Amator II's
Posted on: 05 May 2003 by Erik
I think You should go for a 552. Totally terrific and makes a 52 sound confused. A preamp for a lifetime. The cdx/xps is good and even if You can imagine their limitation, I´m sure You will enjoy the music and then You can change the xps for a cds? when possible.
I think almost any CDP will be humble in front of a 552!

/Erik
Posted on: 05 May 2003 by garyi
Snigger, nothing like a united front!
Posted on: 05 May 2003 by Jez Quigley
quote:
Snigger, nothing like a united front!


The 'third way' would be to get the S3, and keep the 82 until you have the wherewithal for the 552 if that's where you intend to go. Not buying the 252 will help bring that day nearer.

"Seek first to understand, then to be understood"
Posted on: 05 May 2003 by David Tribe
What Jez said!

DCT
Posted on: 05 May 2003 by JeremyB
Smike,

Just re-read your post and saw you also have a good TT source. A 552 will probably make you want to upgrade your cartridge Smile
If you don't listen much to the TT, get the CDS3. If you listen to the TT a lot, get a VPI record cleaner (if you haven't already) followed by a 552. My advice FWIW. In any case, listen to all the options if you can. I can't think you'll be disappointed having the best there is whichever you decide.
Posted on: 06 May 2003 by smike42
United we stand divided we have to spend months listening to all the combinations!!

Smike