What do you expect the NAC552 will cost in 2016?

Posted by: Consciousmess on 20 May 2011

Hi all,

 

This is probably a very off-the-wall question, but there are several factors I have noticed about the audio scene.  The mass-market is for consumers after moderate systems and the number of those desiring the audiophile experience is in the minority.  Therefore I would expect great products such as the NAC552 to not shift from its price point.

 

However, technology is improving all the time and if I am not mistaken there is a law called Moore's law which shows that computing power doubles every 18 months (please correct me if I'm wrong).  By logic, technology follows a similar stream and eventually hifi components become dated......

 

So the reason for my question is this.  Buying a NAC552 or having it bought for me will be a treat for my 40th birthday, so I ask the wiser ones amongst you:

 

What price would you expect this 'antique' component to be in 2016??

 

Jon

 

Posted on: 20 May 2011 by Phil Harris

The thing is, a 552 isn't a "technology" component ... very much the opposite. Moore's law here doesn't apply.

 

Phil

Posted on: 20 May 2011 by David Scott

Assuming it's still being made - which seems likely - it'll cost more than it does now.

Posted on: 20 May 2011 by JWM

But less than a 552XS, 652, or whatever its successor will be called...

Posted on: 20 May 2011 by Stephen Tate

Even though many new pre-amps maybe launched from various other brands come 2016 with "so called" higher specs or whatever, i doubt even by then they will match a NAC 552

 

I'm sure by 2016 a NAC 552 will still be a very special pre - amp indeed.

 

I would not be able to contain my excitement if i ever owned one!

 

regards, Steve

 

 

Posted on: 20 May 2011 by BigH47

More than I could afford , I'm almost certain.

Posted on: 23 May 2011 by matt podniesinski

More than i can afford now unfortunately. I expect by then the successor will be out in any event.

Posted on: 27 May 2011 by Salmon Dave
Originally Posted by David Scott:

Assuming it's still being made - which seems likely -


Unlikely, I would say.

Naim changed their range in 1989 and 2002. When the 552 came out they said it would be the reference 'for the next decade at least'. That's 2012. I'd guess 2013 or 2014 they'll revise the range, so the new reference preamp will be about £20,000.