Going to a 552?
Posted by: Zipperheadbanjo on 19 November 2015
Hi All,
I have an opportunity to pick up a dealer demo 2013 552 + 552 PS DR with about 300 hours of use on it. Cost is about 55-60% of retail. I would inherit the remaining 3 years of warranty on the unit.
I'd like some feedback if those on the forum believe it would work well with my gear (i.e. not be unbalanced). It would be fed by a Rega RP 10 + Superline / Hicap, and a Naim NDX>Chord Hugo TT (these are my primary sources). My amp is a 2013 250-2 which I plan on DR'ing at some point in 2016. Interconnects are Naim Hilines... speaker cable is Naca5... speakers are Proac D30R's.
I have no intention of ever moving to a larger amp, as my listening space is relatively small, but acoustically treated... I don't need anything more powerful than a 250-2.
I had never even considered the possibility of moving to a 552 preamp as the price new is just too hard to justify. That said, the price is right with this demo unit, and 552's come up on the used market very rarely... especially a 552 with so little mileage on it.
I can afford it... no remortgaging or taking a loan required (or stealing from the kids college funds).
Thoughts appreciated... note that a demo isn't possible... although I can get a 30 day window to return the unit if it's not to my taste.
Posted on: 20 November 2015 by Naimiac
Originally Posted by count.d:
Would the £11,000 be better spent elsewhere to give you a more balanced result, that you'd be overall happier with?
Such as £1000 on a three-year meditation course and £10,000 donated to the Tibetans?
N
Posted on: 20 November 2015 by analogmusic
the 552 is pretty much regarded as Naim's best every product (although the new DR amps might change that)
But the slightly uncivil comments are off putting.
There is an old saying, if you need to ask (especially about a 552), maybe it really isn't for you.
I find the thread a bit pointless. There is a 30 day trial period, just try it, and move on either which way.
If I won the lottery, I would buy a 552/DR and 500 DR today, without hesitation or asking anyone on the forum
Posted on: 20 November 2015 by joerand
Originally Posted by count.d:
There must be a better way.
The 'better way' means probably not to tune in to the forum. But that's a cop-out for everyone involved. Conflicting voices create balance, otherwise its a bunch of sheep "baa-ing" the safe, requisite response and there's little value in that. I don't think you should be put-off any more ZHB's responses than he by yours. After all, he asked the question and you seemed to identify what you thought were legitimate issues. Some use the approach that "You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar" but there's also something to be said for honest, direct responses on a forum.
Posted on: 21 November 2015 by Simon-in-Suffolk
analog, I think the Statement products take that crown now...
Posted on: 21 November 2015 by analogmusic
yes they sure do, now just depends on the size of the lottery winnings 
That would the system to own wouldn't it : Fully spec L12, Chord Dave, NDS/555DR/555DR, Statement, and then I suppose the Kudos Titans?
Posted on: 21 November 2015 by Simon-in-Suffolk
Indeed 
(Other than I would choose regular Hugo over Dave, and I would just use the one 555PS on my NDS transport)
Posted on: 21 November 2015 by analogmusic
Hugo over Dave? that is good financial news to me.
I suggested the twin 555PSDR for those days one just wants to listen to an "all Naim" sound.
But one PS555 with NDS is more financial good news.
Posted on: 21 November 2015 by analogmusic
I would describe the differences between 250.2 and 250DR as being the same jump that you experienced when moving to the Hugo. Once heard, no going back.
Posted on: 21 November 2015 by Gavin L
The ex demo 552 sounds like great value. I have taken ex demo from a trusted dealer and had no regrets. After all, someone has helped you to run it in!
With the 552 you know you are getting the very best your source can offer you and it dies set you up for that next indulgence...
Posted on: 21 November 2015 by Dao
I say go for it and don't look back. We can't take our money with us when we die so we might as well spend it on pleasures that make life a little more tolerable.
The 282 is loads of fun but when you let the 552 become the expression for your sources, many great things happen. You open yourself to the possibility of experiencing many great and wonderful moments. Time spent in solitude or in the company of good friends. A place to tune out and become animated by a musical landscape.
You could upgrade the source later on down the line and you'd be immediately greeted with a well warmed in 552. A 300DR should follow when funds permit and you may even change your speakers to become the expression of a new presentation. Experience it when you can and enjoy every minute. Let each note replicate a sound that touches a part of you, lingers with you and is retained as an experience within you. Relive it time and time again where you'll hear more and more each time. That combination is a musical behemoth. Almost unstoppable. Let us now appreciate what we have and look no further: for the road ahead could be perilous.
Posted on: 21 November 2015 by Christopher_M
Originally Posted by Dao:
I say go for it and don't look back. We can't take our money with us when we die so we might as well spend it on pleasures that make life a little more tolerable.
Oh come, come now, Mr Hobbes!
Chris
Posted on: 21 November 2015 by Harry
Originally Posted by count.d:
Discerning comment had nothing to do with you. Merely stated that a 552 owner would be discerning enough to look after it very carefully and that's who you should buy from and not a dealer's demo unit.
And yet the reality may not bear this out.
We has a 552 demo unit for a couple of weeks that was some years old and did not look totally immaculate. It sounded fantastic. Like someone had taken away the HiFi and left just the musicians behind. However, the brand new 552 which arrived a month later did not sound all that special. Good yes, but lacking in the 552 magic that many of us know and love. In the end it needed to go back to the factory for analysis, where it was rebuilt. The 552PS was back at the factory much sooner because on unboxing it the front fascia was slightly bent, rather line a very expensive, flat, black banana.
I was unlucky. The problem with sweeping generalisations is that they never fully apply and therefore tend to somewhat useless.
Posted on: 21 November 2015 by Simon-in-Suffolk
Originally Posted by Christopher_M:
Originally Posted by Dao:
I say go for it and don't look back. We can't take our money with us when we die so we might as well spend it on pleasures that make life a little more tolerable.
Oh come, come now, Mr Hobbes!
Chris
I suspect there are a few who follow the school of Thomas Hobbes on this forum....
Posted on: 21 November 2015 by pylod
Would a 2006 552 model, wich got recapped and updated to DR sound similar to a new bought 552 Dr today? Both run in . Can you expect some diffrence in sound presentation ?
Interesting experience you made Harry.
Posted on: 21 November 2015 by 911gt3r
Originally Posted by pylod:
Would a 2006 552 model, wich got recapped and updated to DR sound similar to a new bought 552 Dr today? Both run in . Can you expect some diffrence in sound presentation ?
Interesting experience you made Harry.
I bought my 552 in early 2003 and as a God sent it started sounding thin and screchy a couple of years ago Just as the DR upgrades were launched. It went back for a service/ DR upgrade and is playing sweetly as I am typing. All good Peter
Posted on: 21 November 2015 by pylod
Good to hear Peter. My got recapped and Dr in 2013 and is fantastic. I was jsut wondering, if naim did anything to the 552 head in the meantime.
Posted on: 21 November 2015 by The Strat (Fender)
Originally Posted by count.d:
Only you can make the decision whether it's worth it. How much do you use vinyl, as the Rega is a poor source, when you start introducing a 552? No Powerlines? Never going above 250.2? The power of the amp is not what you are only paying for when upgrading.
Have you heard a RP10?
Posted on: 21 November 2015 by Zipperheadbanjo
Originally Posted by joerand:
Originally Posted by count.d:
There must be a better way.
The 'better way' means probably not to tune in to the forum. But that's a cop-out for everyone involved. Conflicting voices create balance, otherwise its a bunch of sheep "baa-ing" the safe, requisite response and there's little value in that. I don't think you should be put-off any more ZHB's responses than he by yours. After all, he asked the question and you seemed to identify what you thought were legitimate issues. Some use the approach that "You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar" but there's also something to be said for honest, direct responses on a forum.
Good post Joe. I took some comments personally. I felt the need to reply to them. Chalk it up to a bad day perhaps. Apologies if I offended anyone.
And I'm still sleeping on it.
Posted on: 21 November 2015 by nigelb
Originally Posted by Dao:
I say go for it and don't look back. We can't take our money with us when we die so we might as well spend it on pleasures that make life a little more tolerable.
The 282 is loads of fun but when you let the 552 become the expression for your sources, many great things happen. You open yourself to the possibility of experiencing many great and wonderful moments. Time spent in solitude or in the company of good friends. A place to tune out and become animated by a musical landscape.
You could upgrade the source later on down the line and you'd be immediately greeted with a well warmed in 552. A 300DR should follow when funds permit and you may even change your speakers to become the expression of a new presentation. Experience it when you can and enjoy every minute. Let each note replicate a sound that touches a part of you, lingers with you and is retained as an experience within you. Relive it time and time again where you'll hear more and more each time. That combination is a musical behemoth. Almost unstoppable. Let us now appreciate what we have and look no further: for the road ahead could be perilous.
So, just to be clear, are you saying you like the 552? 
Posted on: 21 November 2015 by sheffieldgraham
Originally Posted by Zipperheadbanjo:
Originally Posted by joerand:
Originally Posted by count.d:
There must be a better way.
The 'better way' means probably not to tune in to the forum. But that's a cop-out for everyone involved. Conflicting voices create balance, otherwise its a bunch of sheep "baa-ing" the safe, requisite response and there's little value in that. I don't think you should be put-off any more ZHB's responses than he by yours. After all, he asked the question and you seemed to identify what you thought were legitimate issues. Some use the approach that "You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar" but there's also something to be said for honest, direct responses on a forum.
Good post Joe. I took some comments personally. I felt the need to reply to them. Chalk it up to a bad day perhaps. Apologies if I offended anyone.
And I'm still sleeping on it.
How long can you hibernate for before it's gone ! 
Posted on: 21 November 2015 by analogmusic
Nice write up, but...
These great musical moments happen with all Naim amps I have heard from the UQ all the way to 552/500
But provided they are set up properly.
Originally Posted by Dao:
The 282 is loads of fun but when you let the 552 become the expression for your sources, many great things happen. You open yourself to the possibility of experiencing many great and wonderful moments. Time spent in solitude or in the company of good friends. A place to tune out and become animated by a musical landscape.
Posted on: 21 November 2015 by rackkit
Originally Posted by Zipperheadbanjo:
Sadly I don't belong to the ranks who would consider installing concrete pillars so that my system could avoid contact with a suspended wood floor.
I belong in those ranks then because i've the exact same thing. Ok, the house was being renovated, well actually, gutted, so i took the opportunity to do it knowing the speakers would benefit from a solid base instead of springy floorboards. Just wish i'd done the same thing for where the rack is sited too.
Posted on: 21 November 2015 by joerand
rackkit,
Definitely a good point about the importance of a solid base for the rack, along with the speakers. Although, I can't help thinking that you become locked into a fixed situation. What if you ever decide to change speakers and they require alternative positioning?
Posted on: 21 November 2015 by joerand
Good, solid planning
Posted on: 22 November 2015 by rackkit
Originally Posted by joerand:
rackkit,
Definitely a good point about the importance of a solid base for the rack, along with the speakers. Although, I can't help thinking that you become locked into a fixed situation. What if you ever decide to change speakers and they require alternative positioning?
Hi Joe.
My room layout dictates that there's only the one position for the speakers. The concrete bases are bigger than the speaker footprints so they can be moved around a bit for fine tuning if needed but they sound great where they at the moment, so i'll leave well alone! Same goes for the n-Sub and it's position on it's concrete base.
Yeah, good solid planning - haha!
Cheers!
Rack.
