ND555 Impressions

I am with DB in that there are some amazingly good early cds out there......I have just got an early Robbie Robertson 1987 .... Somewhere down that crazy river CD.... it was mastered at masterdisc and sounds terrific on the ND555...

That said.... the 192 binaural .Macy Grey.. 'My Lucy' sounds .....epic

French Rooster posted:

Hey DB, 

I understood very well that you prefer original cd vs remasters or highrez remaster,

But i you listening also to contemporary hirez albums, produced  and recorded nowadays ?

Recent albums recorded on 24 bit can sound really stunning.  

I'm certainly not saying all HiRes material is bad - far from it - but a lot really is awful and the buyer should IMO verify he has the 'best' music for his chosen Artist.

What I've tried to state is hopefully the obvious - rubbish in - rubbish out. Meaning that Mastering is upstream of the final HiDef format release package and the Mastering, not the format, will dominate the result you get. Mastering was already a bit of a Cowboy-country trip IMO (no disrespect to genuine Cowboys intended) in that you never knew what you would get after some of these Recording Engineers did their thing with it. A lot of Remastering Engineers seem to have an over-inflated Ego-trip on them improving the music - now 'their' music and a dose of a little more humility and faithfulness to the original work would be more appropriate.

..I could say more - but off-thread topic.

I aim to have a mix of the best material from whatever format delivers it. I hear genuine good Masters through CD-format beat poor Mastering fully revealed in all its awfulness in HiRes. But there is good HiDef available and I am slowly going to explore it more. But first I want all my favorite Artist Albums available for streaming as best I can get them.

ND555 does an excellent job and I like the fact I'm not limited to CD format, even though it presently seems to have almost all my mainstay music collection.

End of week 5 run-in and still a few ups and downs - at best is is transparent, dynamic and open with wide frequency response higher and a lot lower than I had before. The low-end can cause small objects to move - but it is fun. Run-in takes it a bit sharp and edgy still, then a bit dull, so that is still happening but not to as large a swing as a few weeks ago.

DB.

Into day 3 with the ND555 and it’s a little bright but otherwise delivering more detail, a more defined sound stage, and tighter base. I’m enjoying the improved listening experience.

Echoing other comments in this thread, the new remote is quickly becoming a paper weight.  I was in the habit of working my NDS (and system) with the remote most of the time as I listen to a lot of internet radio. I had 25 radio presets and the remote provided one or two-number access to these presets.   The NDS remote could also stop radio playback. To “park” the system, as I left it powered on all the time, was two buttons - stop (radio playback) and mute.   System automation also enabled the remote to control volume.  It was a do-everything remote - it was all very easy.

The NDS remote also provided easy UPNP control.  My other source is a userve, where I have many playlists setup.  Alas, the new remote does not “do” UPNP, so the app is the only option.

it’s a pity because the new remote passes the look and feel tests.  It just fails the all-important usability test.  I’m sure I’ll get used to doing everything with the app.  More updates to come.

mf99 posted:

Into day 3 with the ND555 and it’s a little bright but otherwise delivering more detail, a more defined sound stage, and tighter base. I’m enjoying the improved listening experience.

Echoing other comments in this thread, the new remote is quickly becoming a paper weight.  I was in the habit of working my NDS (and system) with the remote most of the time as I listen to a lot of internet radio. I had 25 radio presets and the remote provided one or two-number access to these presets.   The NDS remote could also stop radio playback. To “park” the system, as I left it powered on all the time, was two buttons - stop (radio playback) and mute.   System automation also enabled the remote to control volume.  It was a do-everything remote - it was all very easy.

The NDS remote also provided easy UPNP control.  My other source is a userve, where I have many playlists setup.  Alas, the new remote does not “do” UPNP, so the app is the only option.

it’s a pity because the new remote passes the look and feel tests.  It just fails the all-important usability test.  I’m sure I’ll get used to doing everything with the app.  More updates to come.

I understand what you are saying however I find the remote very helpful for the base functions. And tend to only use my iPad for the selection of the albums...

Running for hours and hours now with the ND555 today. Sitting now again really in front of the system, and blown away by the depth and the natural sound of the drums on the Pineapple Thief album Your Wilderness, that’s what I hoped for when I ordered the ND555...., but so happy I hear it in real life.

Bert Schurink posted:

Running for hours and hours now with the ND555 today. Sitting now again really in front of the system, and blown away by the depth and the natural sound of the drums on the Pineapple Thief album Your Wilderness, that’s what I hoped for when I ordered the ND555...., but so happy I hear it in real life.

Just realized that it’s the first album with Gavin Harrison (the drums of Porcupine Tree) is behind the kit - which also contributes to the sound besides the quality of the ND555.

I was just interested if others have similar experiences and if there any tips.

I have the feeling that when you play the ND555 first time on the day that it doesn’t sound as perfect as it does after some time of playing. And especially after extended play I have the feeling things evolve even more.

Should I call a doctor as I am hearings things which don’t exist or do others have the same experience? And if so any tips how to best deal with the standby ?

Bert Schurink posted:

I was just interested if others have similar experiences and if there any tips.

I have the feeling that when you play the ND555 first time on the day that it doesn’t sound as perfect as it does after some time of playing. And especially after extended play I have the feeling things evolve even more.

Should I call a doctor as I am hearings things which don’t exist or do others have the same experience? And if so any tips how to best deal with the standby ?

I found the sound kept improving for about 6 weeks of continuous play. 

musicfan51 posted:

Bert Schurink posted:

I was just interested if others have similar experiences and if there any tips.

I have the feeling that when you play the ND555 first time on the day that it doesn’t sound as perfect as it does after some time of playing. And especially after extended play I have the feeling things evolve even more.

Should I call a doctor as I am hearings things which don’t exist or do others have the same experience? And if so any tips how to best deal with the standby ?

I found the sound kept improving for about 6 weeks of continuous play. 

I think there is something in that Bert. But then, by the end of the day with a nice evening meal, wine, I am more mellow. It’s one that would probably need a lot of science and money to be conclusive. I would not waste the money, just keep the Hifi running, nice meal with partner and wine.

I had a valve amp that did that Bert. It was part of the ritual. I can't say I've noticed such behaviour on our ND555. Or at least, not yet.

mf99 posted:

Into day 3 with the ND555 and it’s a little bright but otherwise delivering more detail, a more defined sound stage, and tighter base. I’m enjoying the improved listening experience.

Echoing other comments in this thread, the new remote is quickly becoming a paper weight.  I was in the habit of working my NDS (and system) with the remote most of the time as I listen to a lot of internet radio. I had 25 radio presets and the remote provided one or two-number access to these presets.   The NDS remote could also stop radio playback. To “park” the system, as I left it powered on all the time, was two buttons - stop (radio playback) and mute.   System automation also enabled the remote to control volume.  It was a do-everything remote - it was all very easy.

The NDS remote also provided easy UPNP control.  My other source is a userve, where I have many playlists setup.  Alas, the new remote does not “do” UPNP, so the app is the only option.

it’s a pity because the new remote passes the look and feel tests.  It just fails the all-important usability test.  I’m sure I’ll get used to doing everything with the app.  More updates to come.

Instead of ‘usability’, I think you mean ‘usefulness’. This is a particularly useless remote control, beautiful and all as it is, except perhaps as Cosh to be used against an intruder!  Just use Roon.

I like the ND555 remote very much. Once playback has been set up on the iPad it's nice to close it and have something simple and subtly presented to pick up and use on the sofa.  Particularly as I listen in a darkened room regardless of the time of day.

However, even if I could see the screen (which I can't) I doubt I could use many of the buttons effectively or intuitively. But for my needs it's perfect. Or at least, it will be when the replacement remote turns up. Yes, we've had a QC blip here. Nothing major. 

Bert Schurink posted:

I was just interested if others have similar experiences and if there any tips.

I have the feeling that when you play the ND555 first time on the day that it doesn’t sound as perfect as it does after some time of playing. And especially after extended play I have the feeling things evolve even more.

Should I call a doctor as I am hearings things which don’t exist or do others have the same experience? And if so any tips how to best deal with the standby ?

Bert, Ive always found the system sounds better after a warm up. The music seems much more fluid after about 20 minutes playing. Ive always found this to be the case.

Bert Schurink posted:

I was just interested if others have similar experiences and if there any tips.

I have the feeling that when you play the ND555 first time on the day that it doesn’t sound as perfect as it does after some time of playing. And especially after extended play I have the feeling things evolve even more.

Should I call a doctor as I am hearings things which don’t exist or do others have the same experience? And if so any tips how to best deal with the standby ?

Ah, the Standby - an interesting question. I have switched mine so that it never automatically goes into standby. I have tried leaving it on permanently overnight, reasoning that it's no worse than how it used to be with the NDS, but I do feel a little guilty about that, although I don't know why when I have several other Naim boxes which don't have the standby option and are left on permanently. I wonder if there's an audio benefit to leaving the ND555 fully powered permanently? I seem to recall that in the standby mode critical functions remained powered.

However, I have found that I can now at least control the illumination of the Naim logo, even though I switch off the LEDs behind the buttons to the right of the screen when it's playing. I found it a bit irritating that the logo was dim when the logos on all the other Naim boxes were fully lit. Michael has discussed this before, but if you switch the buttons LEDs off and then go to standby (either manually or automatically), the next time you come out of standby the logo will be very dim. The solution is to switch off the auto standby option (select 'Never' in settings) and then before manually selecting standby, say at the end of a listening session, you switch the buttons LEDs to maximum brightness. Then next time you press standby, either on the unit or the remote, the Naim logo will be fully illuminated. No doubt some will assert that there's an audio benefit to having it only dimly lit.

Hi Clive,

Equally annoyed with the dim logo scenario, but I've been unable to locate in "settings" the switching off the auto standby option you suggest.

Help!

dave marshall posted:

Hi Clive,

Equally annoyed with the dim logo scenario, but I've been unable to locate in "settings" the switching off the auto standby option you suggest.

Help!

It's in 'Other Settings'. Once there, select 'Auto Standby Time' and choose 'Never'. Then, if you wish to put it in standby, follow the process I suggest above.

Clive B posted:

Bert Schurink posted:

I was just interested if others have similar experiences and if there any tips.

I have the feeling that when you play the ND555 first time on the day that it doesn’t sound as perfect as it does after some time of playing. And especially after extended play I have the feeling things evolve even more.

Should I call a doctor as I am hearings things which don’t exist or do others have the same experience? And if so any tips how to best deal with the standby ?

Ah, the Standby - an interesting question. I have switched mine so that it never automatically goes into standby. I have tried leaving it on permanently overnight, reasoning that it's no worse than how it used to be with the NDS, but I do feel a little guilty about that, although I don't know why when I have several other Naim boxes which don't have the standby option and are left on permanently. I wonder if there's an audio benefit to leaving the ND555 fully powered permanently? I seem to recall that in the standby mode critical functions remained powered.

However, I have found that I can now at least control the illumination of the Naim logo, even though I switch off the LEDs behind the buttons to the right of the screen when it's playing. I found it a bit irritating that the logo was dim when the logos on all the other Naim boxes were fully lit. Michael has discussed this before, but if you switch the buttons LEDs off and then go to standby (either manually or automatically), the next time you come out of standby the logo will be very dim. The solution is to switch off the auto standby option (select 'Never' in settings) and then before manually selecting standby, say at the end of a listening session, you switch the buttons LEDs to maximum brightness. Then next time you press standby, either on the unit or the remote, the Naim logo will be fully illuminated. No doubt some will assert that there's an audio benefit to having it only dimly lit.

I always have my ND555 on, sounds better that way. 

Clive B posted:

dave marshall posted:

Hi Clive,

Equally annoyed with the dim logo scenario, but I've been unable to locate in "settings" the switching off the auto standby option you suggest.

Help!

It's in 'Other Settings'. Once there, select 'Auto Standby Time' and choose 'Never'. Then, if you wish to put it in standby, follow the process I suggest above.

Many thanks, Clive, for some reason, this option doesn't appear in the "settings" menu when using the remote, but is revealed via the Naim app. 

Silly me, imagine expecting the full menu to be available using the posh remote!

Anyway, I've followed your instructions, and, as they say, "let there be light ....................... and there was light! 

Would be good if Naim support could publish a kind of best practice for things like standby etc.

Bert Schurink posted:

Would be good if Naim support could publish a kind of best practice for things like standby etc.

What about a detailed user guide? I really do not know what to think about a company that sells a EUR 16k device without a comprehensive manual. I think we badly need higher interest rates ...

I did mention to Naim not long after I had my ND555 that the Start Up Guide could be improved as it is barely adequate.

Agreed that a comprehensive guide should be available on line personally I wouldn't want a printed manual in this day and age.

Naim have never been good with manuals,because they now about there products they think we all should know.its the same when you speak to them on the phone can get a bit shirty!

Bob green posted:

Naim have never been good with manuals,because they now about there products they think we all should know.its the same when you speak to them on the phone can get a bit shirty!

I disagree: the Naim DAC, the SN2 and the UnitiServe all came with user guides that were comprehensive, detailed and well written. Without the downloadable UnitiServe user guide, I would most likely be a very unhappy UnitiServe owner. The guide saved me some money and my dealer a lot of troubles. The absence of detailed user guides is a no-go for me: I have put a moratorium on new Naim gear until they reintroduce suitable user guides!

Bob green posted:

Naim have never been good with manuals,because they now about there products they think we all should know.its the same when you speak to them on the phone can get a bit shirty!

Perhaps they will do a test in the future to check if you are allowed to use their products......