CD555 Head Swap

I had my 2006 vintage 555 head unit re worked a few years ago and when it came back it was a completely new head unit. SQ was vastly improved, as was the sense of size and scale.

As time passes and Naim learn more about each item, not just the 555 head unit you will find that modern versions are improvements from older pieces of kit,

KR

PB

Hi PB,

Thank you for sharing your experience, 

Bearing in mind that i have not yet replaced the BMR faulty unit (i already have the part at home awaiting for replacement)  it's pretty like driving an supercar on semi punctured tyre. An automotive comparison, with this mech change, that sprang to my mind was like going from 458 Italia to Speciale or if you prefer from MC 650S to 675LT

Regards

Roberto

Like PB, I have a (purchased new) 2006 vintage CD555. It's still running on its original transport-mech, but has been back to Naim for two software updates. As Nigel stated; these make a substantial difference/improvement to sound quality, so it's worth checking Roberto, if your player has the latest (and to the best of my knowledge - the last) iteration of s/w.

Good listening.

John.

My 555 Head unit is about 8 years old and has not been serviced as such, but had a software update that significantly improved the SQ as a side-effect. Mine needed the update as it had developed a fault that this update fixed, but also apparently lowered noise interference and incidentally improved the SQ.

While it was away at Naim my Dealer loaned my another 555 Head unit that was more recent and I was amazed at how much better it was than mine - more involving presentation with improved clarity. When my unit returned it did indeed sound a lot better and it was then a mix comparing the two head units before the Dealer one went back. My 555 Head had far better transparency and more open sound, as it was fully run-in for several years compared to the new Dealer one, but the latter had aspects of involvement that were still better, if not having the more revealing musical sound-stage presented by my just updated one.

Since then I've had my 555PS DR updated a few years back - in fact I swapped for a a new one as I run 2x555PS with my system. These take time to run-in and it took a few months before I had no reservations that they were doing far more than the old non-DR supplies.

Presently my 555 Head is singing wonderfully and until it shows signs of needing the service I intend to keep it where it is. When I do get it serviced I'm confident that it should ultimately once it again runs-in sound even better than what I have at present. I don't like the run-in gaps of 2-3 months however, so will put that off for as long as possible.

In a world of streaming it seems anachronistic to be talking about expensive CD Players, but I've yet to find anything to match the performance and ease of use this offers me right now. When I hear a streaming system provide the insight and cohesive dynamic presentation with a calm authority the 555 gives, then I will aim to purchase that system. However it will not replace the 555 in terms of no fuss 'plonk and play' and will augment what I already have - I hope!

Enjoy.

DB.

Hi JN & PB,

My previous one was mid 2010 build and was serviced and updated at Naim HQ in Dec 2013, 

This one is mid 2013 and the service manager of Italian Naim service HQ told me that it was probably  used for very few hours.

After a week of use i can confirm that this is on another level from  my  previous one, it also seems to sound louder,  at 8.30/9 o'clock seems like 9/9.30 of the other one.

Regards

Roberto

I have never heard two CDS3's sound even remotely similar either. And I have had about 5 or 6 to listen to. Two of them sounded quite poor and two of them exceptional. 

When I got my CDS1, NANA had about 4 on hand. They all sounded different. Mine was the pick for the smoothest balance. 

Early preamps were notorious for inconsistencies between units. 

I have had maybe 8 gray or lavender NAIC-5 interconnects. They also sounded different. I tagged the best sounding one with a cable tie. And it was one of the older, non-lavender ones too. 

Same here Ron with a CDX2, a SN2, various pre's and a Nait XS. My first NaitXS was stunningly good and a couple after that very average. My present SN2 is way better than my first, and had the chance to compare at length, sell my first, and buy the second at zero cost. I also remember having two CDX2s at home of similar vintage which might as well have been called something else they sounded so different. Luckily my first and only CDS3 sounded great from the off and still does 8 years later.

My Nait XS (early 2011)  is astonishing too, according to my dealer and Massimo B.

Regards

Roberto