Naim ND555 vs Linn Klimax DSM

Not really, although I have had the opportunity to listen to both fairly recently in different systems at different locations.

They both sound superb to me. It struck me that A) the ND555 sounded silky smooth (as do the Klimax DS and DSM) without a trace of 'hardness' or 'edge' that I have occasionally felt when auditioning some DACs and streamers and some NAIM kit in the past, and B) that the ND555 presentation appears to be voiced quite similarly to that of the Linn Klimax models.

Many people on both sides of the Naim/Linn divide appear to have had contrasting and vocal views about the respective merits of Naim and Linn streamers/DACs for quite some time. I really don't see how anyone could possibly be disappointed with either the ND555 or the current Klimax DSM. They are both fantastic devices and I think both the Naim app on IOS/iPad and the Linn Kazoo app on Windows 10 are equally enjoyable to use. For anyone who hears them both, choice will likely boil down to things like looks/aesthetic compatibility with existing kit, or whether or not the pre-amp in the DSM is of value.

If I hear any of the usual debate and comments on either side praising the merits of one and dismissing the other, I shall be extremely surprised and more than a little dubious.           

I would be very interested to hear that in a A and B comparison, as they seem to be amongst the very best choices on the market now.

Not heard them side-by-side either but have heard them both in 552/500 systems, albeit with different speakers.

I'm inclined towards the same view as HMACK; both are excellent and I could see why some people might struggle to decide on one or the other based on sound alone, with the ND555 being more KDS-like in its presentation than the NDS ever was. I didn't feel inclined to change, and ended up spending my budget on other things, one of which was a new Urika II, which requires a DS and which has taken my LP12 to new heights.

It was a real and significant bonus to upgrade to the latest Linn software which now allows for optimisation of my T606's. 

The Linn KDS sounds like a hologram, the ND555 sounds like the real thing.

Agree with above description, but the Chord Dave is better than both to my ears.

No Jonn, if you want it to sound like the real thing, you have to get yourself a turntable 

A turntable ... that’s got the vinyl sound but my taste  digital is now more enjoyable and musical !

What turntable have you got?

Heard a number of them including the awesome sounding LP12. 

I’m delighted with my Chord Dave !

 I would be delighted too with the ND555 

Dave J posted:

No Jonn, if you want it to sound like the real thing, you have to get yourself a turntable 

Interesting comment Dave. Your Vinyl player still rules over ND555 or DSM for you ?

My shortlist , headphone amp is a big plus for me, all to compete with a cd555 and AK Sp1000/Sony 1z daps that I am using as digital sources

dcs bartok  

chord tt2 + Mscaler vs

ndx2

ndx2+555ps vs

nd555 

Prices around 8k to 20k £ 

Emre posted:

My shortlist , headphone amp is a big plus for me, all to compete with a cd555 and AK Sp1000/Sony 1z daps that I am using as digital sources

dcs bartok  

The Bartok (in black) does sound rather interesting. 

kevin J Carden posted:

Dave J posted:

No Jonn, if you want it to sound like the real thing, you have to get yourself a turntable 

Interesting comment Dave. Your Vinyl player still rules over ND555 or DSM for you ?

Hi Kevin,

The KDSM and particularly the latest Katalyst version has, for me, taken digital replay way beyond what I had ever expected. At last digital is delivering what we were originally promised. But, yes, my vinyl player goes further still.

i have just had my lowly Akurate DS upgraded to DS3 status with the new Katalyst dac board/Exakt links.

the new dac had transformed the ADS, it now sounds uncannily like the original KDS which i have had on loan here in my system.

the higher echelon streamers from both stables mentioned are superb in all respects,but way out of my league budget wise.

upgraded my phonos and ethernet digital cables with Chord Epic to match my Chord Epic Supertwin loudspeaker cables.

My Lp12 beats any digital source i have had here,but it's grand to have the choice of both

John, in any case, thanks for a wonderful synthesis