500 DR upgrade time

This picture is an early experiment where I put gaps between Snaxo-500PS for BMR and lowest pair of Bass 500. But I've now also raised the second-lowest 500PS and that makes a large improvement to dynamics and note-purity and extension. But I'm also fighting height - so will probably end-up with Medium levels for the supply stack. The two supplies in foreground are 555PS and the medium level makes a very worthwhile upgrade. In terms of SQ for outlay, these are very worthwhile - but it does need space - and even I am running out, so keeping to 4 stacks.

But departing from thread topic - so sorry for brief diversion!

DB.

J.N. posted:

This is 'DR 552 upgrade' level and then some. Actually; the 552 is irksomely, probably now the weak link here, and I ideally need one of those upright thingies.

That is exactly what we don't want to hear !!!

Upright thingies? There is medication available 

Gavin L posted:

J.N. posted:

This is 'DR 552 upgrade' level and then some. Actually; the 552 is irksomely, probably now the weak link here, and I ideally need one of those upright thingies.

That is exactly what we don't want to hear !!!

Just so Gavin. If one cannot increase people's stress levels hereabouts; where's the fun in that?

But seriously though folks; I've reached my financial limits with regard to the the lure of electronic goodies from The Salisbury Massive, so the said vertical thingy will unfortunately not be making an appearance here.

John.

Chris Dolan posted:

Upright thingies? There is medication available 

Nice one Chris. And it's a damn sight cheaper. Or so I am told.

John.

Good stuff John. Thanks for the update.

Darke Bear posted:

This picture is an early experiment where I put gaps between Snaxo-500PS for BMR and lowest pair of Bass 500. But I've now also raised the second-lowest 500PS and that makes a large improvement to dynamics and note-purity and extension. But I'm also fighting height - so will probably end-up with Medium levels for the supply stack. The two supplies in foreground are 555PS and the medium level makes a very worthwhile upgrade. In terms of SQ for outlay, these are very worthwhile - but it does need space - and even I am running out, so keeping to 4 stacks.

But departing from thread topic - so sorry for brief diversion!

DB.

I confirm that spacing between PS has a significant effect and have now become adept of empty shelves too. Of importance: one empty shelf between the 2 555PS on top, and one above the 500 PS ( which is on the bottom level). I have 2 racks,"brain" and "supply".  Only exception:  the bottom of the "brain stack", I  put the 552 PS on which is directly below a nap500 with a large shelf, then above the 552, then empty, then cdp 555. This way best ever!

One accessory question: how do you folks deal with all the powerline cords in the back: is there any do's and don'ts that can be shared, to elegantly resolve this jungle? DB: we need to see the back of your set up now!

Nestor

Pam and I popped round to J.N.'s for a listen this afternoon for a couple of hours. We were not prepared for the massive improvement the 500DR has made to his system. We were expecting an "icing on the cake"  type upgrade but this is more, much much more. It is a different signature of sound completely from the original 500. Without getting into hyperbole words cannot describe the new sound so I am not going to try at length. Suffice to say this is a much cleaner, broader musical presentation, deliciously emotive vocals and with the intricacies of the instrumental lines revealed with ease.  John's system is showing no signs of any run in issues and if there is more to come in the next month or so, as I am sure there will be, then all I can say is wow! We are now more than ever eagerly awaiting the return of our 500DR from Salisbury which should be any day now. We hope our NBLs respond as well as John's Titans. Congratulations to the R&D department at Naim with the advent of Super Lumina and DR amps we have come a long way from the early days. Superb! 

Very encouraging. Thank you.

Very very encouraging!

Michael posted:

...We were not prepared for the massive improvement the 500DR has made to his system. We were expecting an "icing on the cake"  type upgrade but this is more, much much more. It is a different signature of sound completely from the original 500. Without getting into hyperbole words cannot describe the new sound so I am not going to try at length. Suffice to say this is a much cleaner, broader musical presentation, deliciously emotive vocals and with the intricacies of the instrumental lines revealed with ease.  John's system is showing no signs of any run in issues and if there is more to come in the next month or so, as I am sure there will be, then all I can say is wow! ...

Good to hear your appraisal. I've only heard the DR Demo at my Dealer's demo system - and it aligns with what you say, but there is nothing like hearing it at home in a known system to make things clearer. I will look forward to my eventual DR upgrade.

DB.

John  -  can I ask, how are things now going with the 500? To my ears my 500 usually mellows after a few days post a switch-off i.e. initial slight brightness goes away and the bass grip tightens. Is it still evolving?

Phil

Darke Bear posted:

This picture is an early experiment where I put gaps between Snaxo-500PS for BMR and lowest pair of Bass 500. But I've now also raised the second-lowest 500PS and that makes a large improvement to dynamics and note-purity and extension. But I'm also fighting height - so will probably end-up with Medium levels for the supply stack. The two supplies in foreground are 555PS and the medium level makes a very worthwhile upgrade. In terms of SQ for outlay, these are very worthwhile - but it does need space - and even I am running out, so keeping to 4 stacks.

But departing from thread topic - so sorry for brief diversion!

DB.

Hi DB, after reading your tip to put the three 500ps on medium level frames instead of the standards, I spent this morning taking apart the frames and re-stacking. I have to thank you for this excellent tip as it is a very worthwhile upgrade, more space around the instruments and more dynamics. Naim should advise this where it is possible. Many thanks

At Bristol today heard 500 vs 500DR - to these ears the latter is a significant step up in performance. 

Happy Listener posted:

John  -  can I ask, how are things now going with the 500? To my ears my 500 usually mellows after a few days post a switch-off i.e. initial slight brightness goes away and the bass grip tightens. Is it still evolving?

Phil

Greetings Phil,

It's pertinent that upon installation and power-up 8 days ago, my 552 had been powered down for a month, so it needs to come on-song again to some extent.

The first couple of tracks with my dealer (Andy of Signals) here, had us both a bit slack-jawed. We could instantly hear that it was a different NAP500. Over the next few days the sound cleaned-up and opened up, gradually gaining more transparency, resolution, insight and 3D sound-stage. The DR upgrade seems to de-clutter the music and have the effect of removing any electronic sonic signature and hash. It sounds like vocals have been (comparatively) lifted out of a fog.

I've had a nice listening session this evening (day 8) and the sound has fleshed out; gaining some balls - the general increase in clarity and resolution, remaining intact. In short; (for me at least), a DR upgraded 500 has some wonderful qualities from cold - sounding instantly and obviously better than the standard amp in a warmed-up/run-in state. I will again however; mention that I had a full service (re-cap on the PS) too because my combo was 8 ½ years old.

Best wishes.

John.

Morning John,

Many thanks for the update. My 500 is around 9Ys old and I would imagine many 500 owners are in the service zone (say >8Ys on the PS), with the carrot of the DR upgrade dangling, albeit the usual wallet health warning comes with! Trigger pulled....

IIRC there are some published words which indicate 500 series kit could 'last' up to 15Ys before a service would be required...how life and transistors move on.

Phil

J.N. posted:

Happy Listener posted:

John  -  can I ask, how are things now going with the 500? To my ears my 500 usually mellows after a few days post a switch-off i.e. initial slight brightness goes away and the bass grip tightens. Is it still evolving?

Phil

Greetings Phil,

It's pertinent that upon installation and power-up 8 days ago, my 552 had been powered down for a month, so it needs to come on-song again to some extent.

The first couple of tracks with my dealer (Andy of Signals) here, had us both a bit slack-jawed. We could instantly hear that it was a different NAP500. Over the next few days the sound cleaned-up and opened up, gradually gaining more transparency, resolution, insight and 3D sound-stage. The DR upgrade seems to de-clutter the music and have the effect of removing any electronic sonic signature and hash. It sounds like vocals have been (comparatively) lifted out of a fog.

I've had a nice listening session this evening (day 8) and the sound has fleshed out; gaining some balls - the general increase in clarity and resolution, remaining intact. In short; (for me at least), a DR upgraded 500 has some wonderful qualities from cold - sounding instantly and obviously better than the standard amp in a warmed-up/run-in state. I will again however; mention that I had a full service (re-cap on the PS) too because my combo was 8 ½ years old.

Best wishes.

John.

I think I will stop reading these posts until I have the funds to do the upgrade myself.....��

I've always been told it's 15 years for the 500 level stuff. That's the time frame we'll be working on.

RICHYH posted:

Hi DB, after reading your tip to put the three 500ps on medium level frames instead of the standards, I spent this morning taking apart the frames and re-stacking. I have to thank you for this excellent tip as it is a very worthwhile upgrade, more space around the instruments and more dynamics. Naim should advise this where it is possible. Many thanks

Glad it worked for you too!

Yes - it is a surprising and very worthwhile upgrade I found just waiting for me to discover. I'd previously noticed that some transformers, particularly the Supercap for Snaxo, were sensitive to placement in stacks with other transformer supply boxes, but when I found all the big transformer boxes like some space to work right it was a revelation in the added performance. Removing a cloying layer of crud from the music and large subjective increase in dynamic range is what I hear.

DB.

would you please share some more pics, and identify a little more what is where please?

I've read your posts but am seeking more clarity before undertaking this project myself.

thank you

Top to bottom: 500PS (BMR) - Supercap (Snaxo) - 500PS (Bass 1) - 500PS (Bass 2).

I probably would have ideally had (and may still try) Supercap top and use all Medium levels, but only had spare standard levels, so used these to space the 500PS units from the Supercap, which needed to go next down for the lead to Statement to reach (it would reach fine if all Standard Levels).

If using an empty glass shelf, then ensure that you briefly put a heavy weight on it first to settle the bearing-holders into the wood cups, otherwise it can 'shout' a bit, but seems fine after it is properly bedded-in.

The stack behind has Snaxo top and the three 500 Head units, BMR top, Bass 1 and Bass 2 bottom, empty shelf lowest.

DB.

J.N. posted:

Happy Listener posted:

John  -  can I ask, how are things now going with the 500? To my ears my 500 usually mellows after a few days post a switch-off i.e. initial slight brightness goes away and the bass grip tightens. Is it still evolving?

Phil

Greetings Phil,

It's pertinent that upon installation and power-up 8 days ago, my 552 had been powered down for a month, so it needs to come on-song again to some extent.

The first couple of tracks with my dealer (Andy of Signals) here, had us both a bit slack-jawed. We could instantly hear that it was a different NAP500. Over the next few days the sound cleaned-up and opened up, gradually gaining more transparency, resolution, insight and 3D sound-stage. The DR upgrade seems to de-clutter the music and have the effect of removing any electronic sonic signature and hash. It sounds like vocals have been (comparatively) lifted out of a fog.

I've had a nice listening session this evening (day 8) and the sound has fleshed out; gaining some balls - the general increase in clarity and resolution, remaining intact. In short; (for me at least), a DR upgraded 500 has some wonderful qualities from cold - sounding instantly and obviously better than the standard amp in a warmed-up/run-in state. I will again however; mention that I had a full service (re-cap on the PS) too because my combo was 8 ½ years old.

Best wishes.

John.

Hi NJ

If you don't mind my I ask the cost for DR and service to PS?

Thanks ayap1

Picked up a loan 500DR from my dealer on Friday and proceeded to install it on Saturday morning. It should come with a health warning on the box as I'd forgotten just how heavy the PS and Amp are to lug around!

The good news is that even from stone cold you can hear a difference. It doesn't quite have that absolute total transparency and grip yet - I think that'll still take a few days to come out but it has a very clean almost eerie realism to the sound. Vocals in particular seem to take on much more emotional inflection.

Even running the TV through the system last night I noticed a lift in the sound. I found It difficult to pull myself away from listening to the end of a movie sound track.

I'm really looking forward to see how it's evolved tonight - although I suspect the real jolt will come when I put my 500 back in! 

Good news Geko and your findings are on a par with what J.N. has observed and I heard in his system on a brief visit last week. Yes the switch back to the non DR 500 will be interesting for you. I think it will not take you long to decide that the 500DR is the way to go!

Hopefully my 500DR is being boxed and shipped back to my dealer Signals today, so I will not have long to wait now until the music is flowing again.  

Day ten, and a big snarling beast is emerging. The sound has fleshed out, gaining balls, weight and clout. The soundstage has become wider and deeper too. All good so far.

John.