552 DR versus 252/super cap dr with 300 DR driving Allaes or isobariks

Posted by: m.paul taylor on 03 January 2018

left of field questions! I have an NDS / 555 DR with 252/SC DR powered by 300 DR driving Allaes. I am having isobariks updated/refurbed. Room is narrow (about 22 by about 13) so speaker placement tricky. I am thinking of going to 552 DR rather than buying new speakers but wonder if it is overkill. Your help, please? I like both the Allaes and the isobariks but wonder if they will be too much of a limiting factor. Also, what about a 555 DR instead of the 552 power supply?

Posted on: 03 January 2018 by Simon-in-Suffolk

No not really. The 552 brings a different presentation to the 252, and simply gets you closer to your music enjoyment.... the NAC is the heart of the system, it will bring your other components along with it... don’t get me wrong the 252DR is superb, I thoroughly enjoyed mine, but you have obviously heard the 552 and thought that’s what I like. If in doubt audition at home, it’s a lot of money to spend if you have doubts.

What I would say is the 552 has a slightly more forward presentation than the 252 so some tracks do sound different.. only you can decide if that’s what you prefer.

Posted on: 03 January 2018 by yeti42

The 552 power supply come with the amp and no other supply will do. The supercap would be worth hanging on to if you have even the slightest temptation to go active (or you have a superline).

Posted on: 03 January 2018 by Iron Cobra

I owned Allaes for 11 years until April last year. I held on to them for so long as I always preferred to upgrade higher up the chain. I found they became the limiting factor when the 300 entered my system with the 252. I should have replaced them then but a 552 came along so the stayed another year.

Allaes will still be ok with a 552 and you will at least be getting the best out of them. 

Posted on: 03 January 2018 by m.paul taylor

What did you upgrade the speakers to?

Posted on: 04 January 2018 by Richieroo

Simon is right the 552 does give a different presentation - but it is strange in the sense that it is not brighter - the mid and upper reaches seem to be 'illuminated' and have allot more information - infact I think it is simply the extra information being let through that gives the impression it is brighter.....it is a fabulous preamp.

Posted on: 04 January 2018 by m.paul taylor

I have taken the plunge! 552 arrives end of January 

Posted on: 04 January 2018 by Richieroo

I think you have made the right decision ....  .... regarding my previous comment ..... I also noticed a big improvement in bass response and leading edge timing. However, i originally had a high line between NDS and 552 ..... this was not a good combination for me. I tried a SL between NDS and 552 and wow.....a terrific improvement everywhere no going back ... even though financially it hurt. The 552 seems to be an all out attempt by the naim design team to return to the traditional 'naim sound' without compromise - it is upfront - pacy with terrific detail....enjoy....recorded live music sounds amazing.

Posted on: 04 January 2018 by analogmusic

yes Richeroo but 282 and 202 got the traditional Naim sound too.

not entirely sure about 252 

Posted on: 05 January 2018 by Edouard

Well done Paul!

As I always said, the 552 is not an upgrade, it's a revolution in the system! 

Even with a Nap 140...you'll be amazed!

It's like having the music "live" at home!!!

I had at the time, in 2005, both 252 and 552 at home on the stand, once switching from 552 to 252, it felt like I turned off the system...I will never forget! The difference is stratospheric! 

Of course there need to be the right combination between the electronics, the speakers and the room!

It will need some time to warm up though.

Enjoy!

Edouard