ND555 Impressions

Hi DB,am l not doing the right thing then buy useing the volume on the ND remote?.

jsaudio posted:

I have noted a background hiss during quiet time in the music especially older recordings, with the ND555/552 as compared to my previous 272/555PS.

I think DB may have the answer,  System Automation.   Just disconnect the RC cable at the preamp & listen.   There were a few threads on this in the past & if I recall correctly the effects vary depending on the amp.   My Supernait has a buffered RC link & as far as I (& others) can hear it does not affect SQ.  Most contributors reported the separate pre-amps are affected,  I'm not sure if it was agreed the amps RC input is buffered of not.  This was before 272 was launched so I assume from your experience the 272 is also unaffected.  

I've never even thought of using the ND555 volume control - that is what the nice big Volume control is for on my S1 Pre.

Doing volume control well is usually done better by the Pre, as it has all the buffering and usually a more linear way to do it that doing it digitally at the source - but if you have tried it and that sounds better then you have your answer, for you.

I want the ND555 to run 'flat' full-throttle with the maximum signal it can put out into the Pre input and then do the adjustment at the Pre as it just seems the better way to do it to me.

DB.

My understanding is that the streamer having its own volume control included is only because Apple insist on it in order to get Airplay certification. Thus Naim include it reluctantly, and provide the option to disable it for optimum sound quality. Of course, if it sounds no worse to you, then you might as well use it. 

Hi Chrissy,haven’t tried with the rca lead or without yet,have you?.

I only have a humble NDX1, which has neither Airplay nor its own volume control. I do use the system automation volume control with it, allowing it to be adjusted with either the streamer remote or the app, and I can’t say I noticed any loss of sound quality from doing this. 

Just try it if it bothers you to find out. I'm just saying what I found - later confirmed by my Dealer too. People want nice functionality and Naim will offer it and I'm really happy it exists - and that I don't have to use it myself if a better sounding option - for me - is there.

I used to find my 552 Pre sounded better running 'single-source' too - which was then OK as I only had a single source. I still run single-source but probably the S1Pre which also switches the 0v line would be OK multi-source (there must be a reason Naim did that).
I think it is an 'earth-loop' effect, not the usual gross effects of hum or buzz but a very low-level alternative path available between Source and Pre that is best not to be present.

DB.

Oops I seemed to have kicked off a diversion from the OP subject. I still have kids around the house and the compromise is to make things easy for all . Hence it may sound better without automation, but that’s for the future

Compromise is always there to a degree - you are enjoying what you have now so just continue and put it from your mind.

DB.

If you set up system automation, you will still get easy volume control via the app. so I wouldn’t necessarily let that put you off using it. If you have other sources, you also get some control over them from the app. Try it, you might like it!

Mike-B posted:

jsaudio posted:

I have noted a background hiss during quiet time in the music especially older recordings, with the ND555/552 as compared to my previous 272/555PS.

I think DB may have the answer,  System Automation.   Just disconnect the RC cable at the preamp & listen.   There were a few threads on this in the past & if I recall correctly the effects vary depending on the amp.   My Supernait has a buffered RC link & as far as I (& others) can hear it does not affect SQ.  Most contributors reported the separate pre-amps are affected,  I'm not sure if it was agreed the amps RC input is buffered of not.  This was before 272 was launched so I assume from your experience the 272 is also unaffected.  

I used to find the sys automation on my 252 had a slight impact... but fed by my NDX I can’t hear any issue/impact with the 552.. though I have a shorter mono lead now doing automation.. so doesn’t loop around or have a spare unused channel, and that might have something to do with it..

As far as inputs.. I find my when 552 set to float and my CDX2 plugged in, the other inputs sound ever so slightly more appealing than when the 552 set to chassis  and CDX2 unplugged. Always have my CDX2 connected now and 552 set to float.

System automation and interconnects work fine with my Nova ????

I really hope that the SQ of the ND555 does not turn out to be the same when using its volume control.  I spent a boatload of money for the preamp/volume control as I only stream.  Seems one has to watch the impedance match if you do.  

Bailyhill

5Hi Bailyhill,what what is a preamp/ volume control?.

Hi Bob

Since I only use a streamer NDX (ND555+PS555 any day now), the only function the preamp server is to impedance match and act as a volume control.  So I just call it the most expensive volume control in the hi fi world.  Spmetimes I refer to it as the preamp/voume control for short.  I realize that Naim likes to sell preamps, but pretty expensive.

Gary

But if that’s true then I imagine there would be no difference in SQ between the preamps ,all else being equal.

Well if all preamps were perfect volume controls, then they would all sound the same.  Since they are not perfect, they do have a difference in SQ.  Not a designer so I cannot tell what itis but we all hear differences.  So the active circuitry is not performing colorlessly.  If the preamp is doing other things that volume control and impedance match, then I would like to hear a description of it.  I have never hear a good explanation.  Would love to read a pier reviewed paper if anyone knows of one.

Bailyhill

I am a huge fan of passive pre amps...however, not with Naim ..it will should flatter....less drive ...just not as good. You are right they are flipping expensive....I think if you really want to use a passive try a different amp....my old vtls loved the passive....

Thanks Richieroo

So it sounds like the problem with passive preamps may be on the power amp end rather than on the ND555 output side.  Out of curiosity, was your passive preamp an autotransformer type?  I looked up a VTL200 and the input impedance was 45K, while the Naim amps tend to be 18K.  

Bailyhill

Mine were old MB50 monoblocks ........ they sounded excellent ........ I think possibly valve amps are more tolerant???

Richieroo posted:

I am a huge fan of passive pre amps...however, not with Naim ..it will should flatter....less drive ...just not as good. You are right they are flipping expensive....I think if you really want to use a passive try a different amp....my old vtls loved the passive....

Was the passive the auto transformer type?

Bailyhill

My ND555/PSU555 is in the country (USA) and on its way to my dealer.  I am hoping to pick it up in about a week.  Then the burn in begins.  I am excited about this new item.  Its the 

first new item in my system in a long time. It will be replacing my NDX.  

Bailyhill

Hi Bailyhill,don’t expect to much at first,give it time to show what it can do,you will love it,got 360 hours on mine and it’s still improving .best wishes ,Bob.

ND555 is getting better and better ......... tried out Ozone Percussion Group - La Bamba at the weekend.....omg....epic.....try track 10 Jazz Variants................ it is one of the best recordings I have ever experienced. The ND555 just re-created an amazing open detailed and utterly dynamic - representation.....I was pretty overwhelmed. This is an 8 min track ....... and it is pretty darn good in the 1st  minute .......... but the last 1.5 min finale nearly blew my windows out!!!!

Bailyhill posted:

My ND555/PSU555 is in the country (USA) and on its way to my dealer.  I am hoping to pick it up in about a week.  Then the burn in begins.  I am excited about this new item.  Its the 

first new item in my system in a long time. It will be replacing my NDX.  

Bailyhill

Replaced my NDX with a ND555 three months ago a massive upgrade indeed my ND555 has settled this after about a thousand hours enjoy.