My next foray into the Naim price list will probably be based on power supplies.
i currently have LP12, Cdx2 and Tidal/ internet radio via my 272 as sources (used 40/40/20 of the time) going through a 250dr into Neat Momentum Sx3i's.
Depending on how good I am at saving up over the next few months, the options might be two Xps' or possibly one 555. Queries are
(1) if it was only one Xps, or one 555, where should I put it. I had assumed source first, but do see the logic of putting it on the 272 as everything benefits.
(2) which would you prefer - two Xps' or one 555 and why
(3) if I went for s/h gear, how old would you be prepared to go. I can't recall if you can DR retrospectively, I assume you can, at a cost
. Have there been other past upgrades to these PS'?
Posted on: 01 April 2016 by Massimo Bertola
Hi BT,
my 2 pence in 3 points.
1) I have twice heard a CDX2 with a 555PS and was left openmouthed. If you like a high level of introspection, some assertiveness and no trace of aggressiveness, it is a dream CDP.
2) Once I had CD5, NAIT5 and FlatCap2X. I tried the three possible configurations and ended with the FC on the preamp section only.
3) I had my old XPS2 fully serviced and DR-ed. It cost me more than I had paid for the XPS in the first place, but it was worth the money in my opinion.
Do whatever you want with this...
Best
Max
Posted on: 01 April 2016 by David Hendon
I suspect wherever you put one 555PS you are going to end up buying a second one later and if you really don't want to spend that sort of money, two XPSs might make more sense. But then on the other hand, when did sense ever come into the Naim upgrade journeys?
best
David
Posted on: 01 April 2016 by Harty601
Hi taxman, I won't repeat the detail of my post to your question in the Price list thread - but I recently paid £4230 for a 2.5 year old 555DR inc power line and SXPS Burndy. It is the first time I have bought used hifi - but as it was only a few £100 more than a new XPS DR (if you also purchase a power line to go with it) it seemed like a no brainer to me. There seem too be a few 555 non DRs in the low £2ks - you could go for one of these and then get it serviced / DRd at a later date and spread the cost a little (which would probably amount to similar money in total to what I parted with). I was also lucky that the 555DR was purchased from a local dealer who kindly agreed to a sale or return - so I could make sure Iiked what it did and could justify the outlay. I would not have bought one blind (or deaf as it were).
I'm very happy - both with the sound quality I'm enjoying now and also in the knowledge if a "555" version of a streaming pre is launched or I do go the NDS route at some point, I won't need to look at upgrading the power supply. Although the fewer boxes the better for me - so preference would be a "372" (as per a fishy thread publishes earlier today).
I appreciate the decision for me is a little easier as I'm not running a CDP, but I'll leave you to read my thoughts on that in the price list thread. Even so, given your listening is currently evenly split between vinyl and CD, I would definitely go with putting something on the 272 as you'll definitely benefit your TT. Having said that, as always, there's no substitute for a home dem and trying the PSU (XPS & 555 if you can get your hands on them) on both 272 & CDX2.
Harty
Posted on: 02 April 2016 by Adam Zielinski
555PS is a 'dangerous' beast - adds a lot to any piece of equipment and takes away a lot...from your bank account.
I content myself this way: I listen to my Naim boxes every day, but I don't look at my bank account daily....
Does that help? I didn't think so....
