Adding 555 and 552

Posted by: mogul on 18 July 2011

 

I have been happily enjoying Naim-ed  music in my home through cds3/555ps/252/300/Fraim/Verity Parsifal Ovations. I told myself and others that I was fully satisfied with the system performance and that I have no intention of going further into the 500 series.I might even have used the word...never. I guess never has arrived.  The price of used 500 series Naim in the US has dropped along with their economy. A 555cd and a 552 are now on the way. I managed to purchase both from a dealer who took them in trade from a client. The cdp market is fading fast and so are the prices for the 555. I simply couldn't resist first the cdp and then the 552. (And I for one will not be swayed by the belief by some in the "death" of cd's and cdp's).

 

In spite of my "never" attitude, I am really excited to be able to add these to my set up. I'll bring them on one at a time so I can hear what each component adds. Which one should I plug in first? How long should I wait to plug in the second? (Is 10 minutes enough??)

As the greatest Forum champion of the 552, Edouard will be pleased!

I'll post some observations once things have settled in.

I can hardly believe this is happening...I trust that I will NEVER regret it!

 

David

Posted on: 20 July 2011 by Sloop John B

I was going to say wrong forum but perhaps the music room is where it belongs.

 

 

enjoy the music, I must admit to being a bit envious.

 

 

SJB

Posted on: 20 July 2011 by David O'Higgins

SJB, you cannot escape the Inevitable!

Posted on: 21 July 2011 by Sloop John B

It may escape me though!

 

 

 

 

SJB

Posted on: 22 July 2011 by David O'Higgins

Mogul, the 552 is probably the best single Naim component available. It has a phenomenal effect on all sources. I would put it in to the system before the 555, but you really should give it more than 10 minutes before adding the 555, difficult though that may be. Weeks or Months would be better but I know that for most people, that kind of discipline is impossible!

The most immediate impression I remember when the 552 went in to my system (nearly 10 years ago, I think) was a reduction in 'noise' and a consequent increase in 'musicality'. It continued to improve for months after switch-on but maybe yours will be faster, having already been run-in.

When you put in the 552, you will have a whole new CD collection. The same will happen again with the 555. There's life in the old dog yet.