one 555PS or 2?

this is the naim forum, and Naim don't make upgrades unless they are worth it

A number of forum people use NDS with 2 PS555, so I think considering the huge expense, it must be worth it - to them.

However I see you are not using Superlumina cables, so maybe you want to look into going full Superlumina loom.

It's quite expensive, but makes a big improvement in sound quality to my ears.

analogmusic posted:

this is the naim forum, and Naim don't make upgrades unless they are worth it

A number of forum people use NDS with 2 PS555, so I think considering the huge expense, it must be worth it - to them.

However I see you are not using Superlumina cables, so maybe you want to look into going full Superlumina loom.

It's quite expensive, but makes a big improvement in sound quality to my ears.

Ah yes....I am currently trial testing Chord Super Array XLRs and have a Chord Sarum T interconnect on the way. I don't plan to upgrade my speaker cables just yet...

That said, I have always thought that one should spend the cash on the boxes first then the cables.

that's what I used to think until I tried some hi-end cables (SL, Chord, Vertere)

I would in hindsight much rather spend the money on cables first, and then see if any black box upgrades are needed.

The XLR cable that feeds the 250/300/500, when replaced with SL XLR, does give a very good uplift to the system.

How are the super array XLR's....?

If you can afford another 555PS and expensive wires, I'd stick with one power supply and your existing leads, and swap the 282 for a 552. The 282 is holding things back and no amount of posh wires will provide what a 552 would, in terms of sheer listening enjoyment. 

I usually am in deference with HH as he has a lot of naim experience.

On this matter though, I replaced the standard DIN-XLR with a Vertere XLR cable and noted a huge improvement in soundstage, PRAT and clarity. Also much superior Bass articulation and grip, doesn't sound like a 250 anymore, more like a 300 !

I think the SL one is even better (in a Naim foot tapping way - although the Vertere is wonderful and sounds different - more "live music" and equally foot tapping - I am very pleased with Vertere), so I would with this experience, change that cable first.

And that's what I did, before indeed thinking of upgrading the HCDR to Supercap.

Not sure I need a Supercap now as it sounds wonderful.

And how do I know this? one of my friends has a 552/500 with the same Vertere XLR, and well..... after hearing his system with that cable, I noted similar verve, PRAT and "live feeling" to my system that I always admired on his and never heard on mine before (and I thought it was the 552)

I can easily live with my system now, I feel no need for a Supercap. This can be (thanks to vertere) my end game system.

Hi Richard,

My recent experience has been with CD555  and NDS may vary.  However despite i was pretty skeptical about this, my impression from the start was more naturalness on the voices, more refinement, a quid more depth of bass with better control: Definetely more natural and analogue aound. If the difference from the  start, 1 psu vs 2 was quite obvious, while  the recent introduction of S. Lumina on the source, at the begininning has been a bit controversial even if  i reckon now it has settled in beautifully.

Unless you're prepared to go for full SL loom, if you can find a good deal, i'd be more inclined to go for 2x 555psu

Regards

Roberto

I read Hungryhalibut's post and then went straight to your profile to check he was right about you owning a 282.  Of course he was right lol. 

Having read that I can only agree with what he's written. Why are you not considering a 552? As long as the money isn't a problem you really should be going there rather than a second 555ps. Nothing wrong with a 282 but you're wasting your money a bit having two 555ps with it  

I have NDS, 555psdr, 552dr and 300dr all with standard naim cables. Now I have the boxes sorted I will consider cables (one rainy day in the winter maybe). 

HH advises one thing, but then says he is very happy with his 272

It isn't easy to sell a 282 (although they're always in short supply and in great demand) and then find the 20,000 GBP for a new 552.

Used 552 are very rare to find on the market.

It isn't a necessity for me to buy a 552, but I found it is absolutely  required to upgrade the standard DIN-XLR Naim interconnects.

If I were te OP I would look at a SC for the 282 before an additional 555 or if funds permitted a 552. For the moment the  wires are fine.

Thanks everyone. Just realised my profile stated I used a HiCap and not a Supercap. Didn't update. . I am using a Supercap.

Everyone has made good points. I wasn't planning on a new 555PS much less a 552 (which is 2x the price of a 555PS).  My  282 was fairly new so it will be with me for a while. 

That said, the points about the SL full loom is something to think about. I was planning to have Chord ICs (5din, XLR and perhaps SNAICs) with SL speaker cables at some point. So given what everyone has said, maybe I should focus on that as opposed to another 555PS (actually I am reluctant to add to my already high box count).

Anyone has a full Chord SA (tuned or Sarum) loom with the speaker cables being SL instead? If yes, I'll be interested to know what are your thoughts.

For that sort of money I assume you are buying new ..... I would do one of two things ..... update the existing 555ps to dr ..... or go out and buy a dave .... and run it via the nds....

Sorry was looking at heading ..... right you have a dr ..... ok so it is eithe a new ps or dave.... audition time enjoy :-)

The Strat (Fender) posted:

If I were te OP I would look at a SC for the 282 before an additional 555 or if funds permitted a 552. For the moment the  wires are fine.

the wires are not fine - when you hear better XLR ones, then sadly I realized all the time wasted listening to the old XLR ones.

Richieroo posted:

Sorry was looking at heading ..... right you have a dr ..... ok so it is eithe a new ps or dave.... audition time enjoy :-)

Hi have you been able to compare Dave with NDS?

Richard Choong posted:

analogmusic posted:

this is the naim forum, and Naim don't make upgrades unless they are worth it

A number of forum people use NDS with 2 PS555, so I think considering the huge expense, it must be worth it - to them.

However I see you are not using Superlumina cables, so maybe you want to look into going full Superlumina loom.

It's quite expensive, but makes a big improvement in sound quality to my ears.

Ah yes....I am currently trial testing Chord Super Array XLRs and have a Chord Sarum T interconnect on the way. I don't plan to upgrade my speaker cables just yet...

That said, I have always thought that one should spend the cash on the boxes first then the cables.

you have hifi critic review on that:  martin colloms found pro and coins in adding a second 555ps. But finally preferred the coherence in sound with only one.

If you can borrow a second 555ps, try it. Perhaps you will prefer, perhaps not.

For myself i prefer to wait for the nds 2....

Hungryhalibut posted:

If you can afford another 555PS and expensive wires, I'd stick with one power supply and your existing leads, and swap the 282 for a 552. The 282 is holding things back and no amount of posh wires will provide what a 552 would, in terms of sheer listening enjoyment. 

552 will add much more than second 555ps, even 252....

analogmusic posted:

HH advises one thing, but then says he is very happy with his 272

It isn't easy to sell a 282 (although they're always in short supply and in great demand) and then find the 20,000 GBP for a new 552.

Used 552 are very rare to find on the market.

It isn't a necessity for me to buy a 552, but I found it is absolutely  required to upgrade the standard DIN-XLR Naim interconnects.

 

 

I'm perfectly happy with my system, but try to advise others where it might be helpful. I've owned a 552 so know how good it is. For the cost of another 555PS and some posh wires, it would be possible to sell the 282 and Supercap and get a used 552. That's what I would do if I had the OP's system and wallet. To me, posh wires come once the boxes are sorted. I'm happy with my boxes so added SL cables to get the best from them. I certainly wouldn't mix Chord and SL cables as the synergy would be lost. Those are just my thoughts, which with the OP may do as they see fit. 

Hungryhalibut posted:

analogmusic posted:

HH advises one thing, but then says he is very happy with his 272

It isn't easy to sell a 282 (although they're always in short supply and in great demand) and then find the 20,000 GBP for a new 552.

Used 552 are very rare to find on the market.

It isn't a necessity for me to buy a 552, but I found it is absolutely  required to upgrade the standard DIN-XLR Naim interconnects.

 

 

I'm perfectly happy with my system, but try to advise others where it might be helpful. I've owned a 552 so know how good it is. For the cost of another 555PS and some posh wires, it would be possible to sell the 282 and Supercap and get a used 552. That's what I would do if I had the OP's system and wallet. To me, posh wires come once the boxes are sorted. I'm happy with my boxes so added SL cables to get the best from them. I certainly wouldn't mix Chord and SL cables as the synergy would be lost. Those are just my thoughts, which with the OP may do as they see fit. 

i agree for the most with you: nds with 2 555ps with 282 is a waste of money i think. Better sell the 282/supercap and buy used 552, it will cost the price of a second 555ps and raise the sound quality for 2 steps.

But for chord and superlumina, i prefer chord interconnects with superlumina speakers cables...

I think hh is totally right ..... 

Richieroo posted:

I think hh is totally right ..... 

That's because all 3 of us have owned or do own a 552. You can't deny how good it is. It's a shame it's so expensive. 

I don't know. I've heard 552 many times and it's good but not an alchemist 

it won't turn a bad source into a Chord Dave 

I've rather have a Dave with a 282 than a mediocre source with a 552

and that's how I spent my money and no regrets at all 

Richieroo posted:

I think hh is totally right ..... 

I think HH is mostly right 

If it were me and my budget was 555PS territory, I'd go for a SuperCap DR for the 282 instead of a second 555PS.  The SC really lifts the 282 to very difference performance level (one of those 'wow' moments).  The money saved could possibly mean some Powerlines, and my first one would go on the NASPC powering the control section of the 282.

Yes, the 552 would do even more, but then it costs a great deal more and the OP says he hasn't had the 282 long.    

The OP has recently updated his profile - he already has a Supercap DR with Powerline 

Chris Dolan posted:

The OP has recently updated his profile - he already has a Supercap DR with Powerline 

Ah!