Advice on using the ND 555 in a non Naim audio system?

I tested the Weiss DAC with streaming in my system. Apart from a total instable streaming function, this DAC sounds like a 300$ device. My dealer confirmed...bad enough I think. Auralic DAC G2 + Auralic upsampler + Clock coud be a streaming heaven me think...rave reviews so far, modular and less than ND555:-)

joeinid posted:

Not disappointed but my original thinking was to add the ND 555 to add some Naim flavor and experiment from there.

 I was not originally planning on replacing everything at once. I was interested in just trying out the ND 555 to start.

Joe

 

Hi Joe,

Combining it with other brands is of course possible. The one thing I would negatively advise on is using a non Naim Powersupply. So if you like the ND555 it also mean 555PS..... and of course also ensure the rest of the chain is also capable to represent how good the ND555 really is....

I used Naim sources (CD5, CD5/Hi, CDX2, CDX2/XPS2, CDX2/DAC/XPS2, HDX/DAC/XPS2, HDX/DAC/PS555) with a variety of valve amps, over a number of years. Utterly superb combinations, every one. It took a 252/300 to finally convince me that Naim amps were worth the outlay. Up to that point I'd much preferred my toobs and stayed a lot richer into the bargain!

Bert Schurink posted:

joeinid posted:

Not disappointed but my original thinking was to add the ND 555 to add some Naim flavor and experiment from there.

 I was not originally planning on replacing everything at once. I was interested in just trying out the ND 555 to start.

Joe

 

Hi Joe,

 

Combining it with other brands is of course possible. The one thing I would negatively advise on is using a non Naim Powersupply. So if you like the ND555 it also mean 555PS..... and of course also ensure the rest of the chain is also capable to represent how good the ND555 really is....

Thank you. I’d absolutely consider the 555PS to go with it.

Harry posted:

I used Naim sources (CD5, CD5/Hi, CDX2, CDX2/XPS2, CDX2/DAC/XPS2, HDX/DAC/XPS2, HDX/DAC/PS555) with a variety of valve amps, over a number of years. Utterly superb combinations, every one. It took a 252/300 to finally convince me that Naim amps were worth the outlay. Up to that point I'd much preferred my toobs and stayed a lot richer into the bargain!

Thank you for that. I’m reconsidering and will be talking to my dealer when I can. I’m thinking about what my next step will be.

Would I be crazy to partner the ND 555 with a Supernait2?

A friend is selling his SN2 and I agreed to buy it. This gets me back into Naim, at least in a small way. I know the ND555 is not on the same level as the SN2 but adding those 2 together gets me a lot of the flavor that I want.

Thoughts?

Why not....great source, with an amp that you can change in the future. You will get a lot of comments on balance or “mullet” system, but if that’s an interim step and not your end game, why not.

joeinid posted:

Would I be crazy to partner the ND 555 with a Supernait2?

That should be good - i like decent integrated amps fronted by a stellar source.

On the other hand, you've got some very decent amplification already so why not take a listen to the ND555 fronting your present amps and then consider your options once you've heard that combination. 

James

Source first. This wouldn't have been such a big ask in the 70s and 80s, but the source first principle has been going for so long that some think it unfashionable. It's as relevant today as it's ever been. Nothing wrong with keeping an open mine though.

Nevertheless, my answer to the question "Would I be crazy to partner the ND 555 with a Supernait2?" is still "no". To either keep or use as the basis for middle and back upgrades down the road. 

Always best to audition first, however convincing or logical a plan seems. Or however much positive noise is generated by people like me, who won't be listening through your ears.

a jump from audio research ref 10/ dagostino monos/ 100 k electronics to a supernait:  wow!  

where is the parachute?

I'm easy to please. 

I do miss the PRAT and meat on the bones that Naim offers !

joeinid posted:

I'm easy to please. 

 

I do miss the PRAT and meat on the bones that Naim offers !

if you sell your electronics, you can buy 552/500 combo at least....or 252/supercap/ 300/ nd555.

French Rooster posted:

joeinid posted:

I'm easy to please. 

 

I do miss the PRAT and meat on the bones that Naim offers !

if you sell your electronics, you can buy 552/500 combo at least....or 252/supercap/ 300/ nd555.

Kinda what I was thinking. Baby steps.

Maybe the 252/supercap/ 300/ nd555.

French Rooster posted:

a jump from audio research ref 10/ dagostino monos/ 100 k electronics to a supernait:  wow!  

where is the parachute?

Maybe the retail value is close to 100K, in reality, used pricing on the open market is closer to 1/3 the value. Maybe a little more if lucky. Nothing hold its value much anymore.