How good is the NAC 52?

Regarding the Supercap, bear in mind that you'll need one of these (or an earlier NAC52PS) for the NAC52 .  

Secondhand NAC52s can be a bit of a minefield - there seem to be a few "bad pennies" that tend to do the rounds of the secondhand market and auction circuit - so best avoid anything that's not via a dealer or trusted seller.  Best to do your homework and try to listen before you buy.  A service history is essential and the later the better.  POTS8 board is ideal.  Anyway, plenty on here to read up on.

Hi Analogmusic
As Richard says above, you will need a Supercap, whether you make the best of your 282, have a 52 or a 252.

A few years ago, I had a 32.5/Hicap and wondered whether to go for a 282/Supercap, a 252/Supercap or a 52.

The only way to really know what works best for you is to listen to them before deciding.  This is not a decision to rush and there is no way around it.

Your Naim dealer will be able to demo 282/HCDR vs 282/SCDR vs 252/SCDR, which eliminates a number of variables for you.  Then you have to audition a 52, either from a Naim dealer (recommended) or perhaps from a fellow forum member or friend who has one.

Some prefer the 282/SC, some the 52 and others the 252.  There are many, many threads about it on this forum.  My personal favourite is the 52/olive SC, which I preferred over the 52/SCDR. I haven't heard a 52/52PS.  However, your ears may tell you something different.  
Theoretically, the 252/SCDR should walk it.  Theoretically.  It didn't for me, even after auditioning 3 of them.

So, start with the 282 vs 252 demo at your Naim dealer and take it from there.

Hope this helps, FT

Thanks have read all the threads on the 52, 252 and 282 over the years... 

I guess it boils down to whether a 52/SC is better than a 282/HCDR and I remember Richard you wrote that it depended on the 52, and indeed a good 282 maybe better than an older version (maybe pre POTS8) 52?

I can't listen to any 52 before I buy, as there aren't any available where I live to audition.

Hi Analogmusic,

I would be frankly amazed if a 282/HCDR betters a decent, serviced 52.

Where do you live (not precise address, as this is a public forum!), as someone may be able to help you.

Best regards, FT

Middle East 

I'd be equally surprised FT.  However, a poor example of a NAC52, is something else entirely...

analogmusic posted:

Middle East 

That will be Mildenhall then

Dubai to be more specific 

Given the challenges of listening to a 52, and the fact that lots have been messed around with, I'd go for a Supercap DR for the 282. It's much better than a Hicap, and will pave the way should you want a 252 at some point. 

Analoguemusic,

I know how it goes in your situation. I bought my first full Naim rig from DAC (Dubai Audio Center) on SZR back in 2008. Adil was very helpful but his shop does not do the volume of trade to keep second hand gear and do trade ins. I had to buy and hope. The shop was moving more to the AV side before I left in 2011. I have never heard a 52 but I did own 252/SC for many years, previously 282. I am a big fan of the 252 which was connected to a NAP300. This is a great combo and I would recommend this if buying blind. This avoids the risk of acquiring an old, dodgy 52 as you should be able to pick from many SH or new 252s in the UK and get one delivered to DXB.

Dave

Thanks Dave

Now that you have 552, what are your thoughts on 252/SCDR vs 552? Can 252/SCDR be a final preamp?

Only an idiot would say 'no'. The 252/Supercap costs over £10,000! A NAC 12 is good enough to be a final preamp. 

The 552 is wonderful - I've had one, and yes it's miles better than the 252 - but it's not necessary to give you decent and enjoyable listing. 

well you didn't like the 252/SCDR, and the number of people who call the 252/SCDR boring, I have doubts about it.

I think totemphile also write a nice thread and ended up returning the 252 and keeping his 282.

On the other hand, Simon-in-suffolk loves his 252 and will not be trading up to 552

AMA said the 252 is better than 282 (no surprise) but not worth the extra money.

and thanks for all your responses, will think about it a little while.

analogmusic posted:

Thanks Dave

Now that you have 552, what are your thoughts on 252/SCDR vs 552? Can 252/SCDR be a final preamp?

 

 

 

 

Analogue,

I had a non DR SC with my 252. This replaced a 282 Hicap. For me the 252 was a brilliant change. it would have been my final pre. Honest. But a 552 came up SH at the right price. What can I say. I never found the 252 boring, just musical and so realistic compared to the 282. I confess I will never agree with the 282 camp but this comes down to personal taste. This won't help you without a dem to chose for yourself. It is worth the money. 

Dave

FT: mine is 52/52ps so you have heard that?

Hi Jon,

Sadly not, as your 52/52PS was sitting quietly by as an up 'n coming young substitute was in play at the time.  If I recall correctly, it was called S1, or something like that.

Best regards, FT

Simon-in-Suffolk posted:

analogmusic posted:

Middle East 

That will be Mildenhall then