Partnering amplifier for NAC 552

I recently upgraded from a NAC52 to a NAC552 and used it quite happily with my NAP135s until I could justify a NAP500. As you say, the NAP500 is the ideal match and in my experience is a major step up from the NAP135s. According to your profile you already have a NAP250 - if you really would like to use a NAP500, why not keep your NAP250 until you can afford a NAP500? You could always buy secondhand. A power amp is a pretty safe bet to buy secondhand, since once it's placed on the shelf and switched on it probably isn't touched.

I would be surprised if the 552 would fail to delight with practically any NAP you wanted to slot in — on your way to a 500, of course.  

I am only half-joking — I credit my 552 as an important partner through many disparate and humble amps throughout my multi-zone system.  It made an important positive difference, to me, everywhere, to my unexpected joy.

Nick

If the cost of a NAP500 is well out of budget you could consider getting a 2nd NAP250DR [you already have one in your profile?] and aim to go active?

However, you'll also need a SNAXO + PS, more NACA5, and more shelves... but buying pre-owned and ex-demo could still cost less than a NAP500?

I think active Isobariks will beg 3 x NAP250DR so may need a rethink for active speaker, or blow the budget! : D

Debs

Khan posted:

hi guys,

what would be a more suitable amplifier for a NAC 552. NAP 300 or a 135s? I understand a 500 would be ideal but that is currently well out of my budget  

Speakers will most likely be linn Isobarik. 

Umar

I've used Briks powered by Naim amps for decades until a few years back and they work well with any Naim power amp of 250 and up, but you do hear clearly the different character of each amp.

The 135 mono-blocks have their own unique and engaging sound and sound very different from the 300 and 300DR.

The 300DR will win an all respects IMO, but between the non-DR 300 and 135 they each have their strengths and either will work well musically, but have very different character.

The later Naim amps reveal more detail and have better HF response IMO, possibly due to the better output power transistors available and gradual improvements as you would expect. But the 135 has its own dedicated power supply and transformer for each channel so has some 'boogie' advantages from how I hear it over the non-DR 300. The 300DR is better I think due to the better DR regulation design.

In short all work fine musically with the 552 and Briks.

DB.

So it depends which way you would like to go. Active get yourself a second 250. If you think you would have emerging funds in the future you are best advised to stay with your 250. And if you doubt you ever will get to the 500 then the 300 might be a great place to “end” obviously DR. 

I have had the 552 some time with a 200 and even that was an engaging combination while limited. While I wouldn’t at all suggest you to downgrade your 250, it’s a very fine amp on it’s own.

Hi guys,

I’m sorry i I should have updated my profile. The amplification and speakers were sold to finance an extension on my house. I’m looking to go one step further with my next setup. So up from a 252 to a 552 with nap 300 or a 135s.

As I haven’t purchased any yet I’m looking for advise as to which route to take. I just wanted to make sure the 300 has enough juice for the Briks. I have read it definitely has more detail and tbh I have already owned a NAP 300 in the past in a NAC 82 SUPERCAP olive system. Only thing is it was driving a Harbeth 30.1 then and Briks as I understand are a lot harder to drive. The 250dr sounded better to me than the 300 non dr  I suspect what I was actually hearing though was a breeze preamp at work. 

Its comforting to know that the 552 will sound great with anything. Perhaps I might even buy an olive 250 (serviced) until I can plunge for the 500dr. 

Khan

Sorry breeze= better. I should really prof reading before posting. Stupid Iphone.

I’ve done it again. Lol. Proof read 

I can vouch that the NAC552 works nicely with a NAP110, NAP160, CB NAP250 , as well as the current NAP250DR. Oh, and a NAP500 works brilliantly too. However, for passive 'Briks I would suggest a pair of NAP135s if a NAP500 is still out of reach.  

Khan posted:

hi guys,

what would be a more suitable amplifier for a NAC 552. ......

Speakers will most likely be linn Isobarik. 

Umar

Khan,

Since you consider going the "LINN way", did you evaluate Linn Active speaker systems ?
I use the (older, fully analogue) 350A since many years with my 552, but I know Linn has newer (including some  more reasonably   priced !!) active models . 

(Well I hope, they still accept a normal analogue input signal)

 Regards

 Urs

In prior discussions regarding acquiring NAP 500DR, member(s), perhaps a dealer, urged caution in considering NAP 500DR. Can anyone think of  reason why adding NAP 500DR would compromise sound quality and if so where would foibles lie? 

Many Naim owners speak of system/equipment balancing, with this in mind is NAC 552DR with NAP 300DR less balanced than NAC 552DR with NAP 500DR?         

Looking forward to a response to the above post. Thank you in advance.

cnewyork posted:

In prior discussions regarding acquiring NAP 500DR, member(s), perhaps a dealer, urged caution in considering NAP 500DR. Can anyone think of  reason why adding NAP 500DR would compromise sound quality and if so where would foibles lie?      

Rather than attempt to answer this odd observation could I ask you post a link?

I could see how someone might warn against a 500 if the rest of the system isn't right but - what was the context?

Richard Dane posted:

I can vouch that the NAC552 works nicely with a NAP110, NAP160, CB NAP250 , as well as the current NAP250DR. Oh, and a NAP500 works brilliantly too. However, for passive 'Briks I would suggest a pair of NAP135s if a NAP500 is still out of reach.  

And what about the 300DR?

Phil

Adam Meredith posted:

cnewyork posted:

In prior discussions regarding acquiring NAP 500DR, member(s), perhaps a dealer, urged caution in considering NAP 500DR. Can anyone think of  reason why adding NAP 500DR would compromise sound quality and if so where would foibles lie?      

Rather than attempt to answer this odd observation could I ask you post a link?

I could see how someone might warn against a 500 if the rest of the system isn't right but - what was the context?

Adam, thank you for your inquiry. I am not audiophile and have limited interest in audio equipment other than advancing my listening. Over many years I recognized that "better" equipment was actually better, eventually leading to Linn/Naim and later Naim.  For many years acquisitions were few and far between with no interest in Naim's 500 level prior to  buying NAC552DR, which was prompted by comments on Forum. Inquiring with dealer about 500DR was met with caution and distance, not so different from what I heard about 552. With obligations dissolved less constrained I am able to consider what I would get by adding NAP500DR in place of NAP300DR and obviously other changes. Some on Forum speak of NAP500 as passageway to newer truth, or should I say better truth. It would be fun to know and better to achieve.    

Thank you again for following up.    

It might depend a bit on your speakers, if they’re current hungry the bridged operation of the 500, though providing higher power into reasonable speakers doesn’t cope so well with a high current demand as the 300. I think the review from hifi critic goes into the numbers in the lab section.

https://www.naimaudio.com/site...TIC%20Complete_1.pdf

yeti42 posted:

It might depend a bit on your speakers, if they’re current hungry the bridged operation of the 500, though providing higher power into reasonable speakers doesn’t cope so well with a high current demand as the 300. I think the review from hifi critic goes into the numbers in the lab section.

https://www.naimaudio.com/site...TIC%20Complete_1.pdf

Yet142, thank you for your suggestion. I previously read the attached review, will now do so again, May I suppose that NAP500 is best matched with "easier to drive speakers" and if so would you recommend? I surmise from prior comments on the Forum that the NAP500 like many things desirable is as beautiful as it is accessible. Magico told me they admired Naim sound, but amps above while workable would deprive even their most modest speakers of their full bloom and palate, Ah the art of balancing. If only Naim would return to  yesteryear and recreate the calm and intimacy of active SBL & SL2 instead of throwing consumers into the laps of dealers whose interests may no longer coincide with Naim dream. Has no one learned anything from Apple that beauty works best, but is desired for fidgeting least.          

I listened to the Kudos 707 speakers with active twin Nap 300 versus single passive nap 500. Two great systems and most have commented on the new opportunity to go active with Naim, for me I came away with the I feeling I had just had a great Amplifier demo. And the nap 500 seduced me with its power, dynamics and “majestic” delivery.......would love to own one. I currently have a Nap300.

552/300 is just awesome! I have had so many demo at lengh of the 500 and never fancied one.

Never heard the Statement, but the 300 maybe the best amp Naim ever made!

Regards,

Edouard

Bonjour Edouard!

It has been a while since I have seen you on the forum.  I ran a 552/300 for quite a long time and found the combination at times perhaps a little warmer and more subtle than the 500.  Really quite lovely with certain pieces of music.  I changed over to the 500 as I realised that my speakers, then NBL's, were quite demanding of power and it took the 500 to fully harness them.  I note that Edouard was a long time admirer and owner of Sonus Faber speakers which, I think I am correct in saying, tend to be more efficient and less power hungry in their design.  This is where you will get the best out of the 300.

The NBL's are an isobarik design and perhaps incorrectly, I suspect that the Linn Isobarik speakers may fall into the less efficient category and benefit from a bit more 'welly'.  Hence Richard earlier suggesting a pair of 135's over a 300 for these speakers.

Peter

Hello Edouard,

Great to see you back on the Forum.

Cheers, F

Bonjour Peter and Franz,

Peter : It makes sense that depending on the speakers to drive, the choice of amp can vary.

Even though I prefer the 300 over the 500, I did enjoyed very much listening to Geoff Phillips's 500 with his Totem Mani 2 and later with his Kharma 

BTW I'm still in contact with Geoff!

As you can see in my profile, I'm still an admirer and owner of Sonus faber speakers! As a matter of fact I have 3 pairs of Sonus faber!

Amicalement, Edouard

It had been a while since I had a 300 partnered by 552 driving DBLs.  As good as it was the succeeding 500 cleary won the Show.

Edouard posted:

Bonjour Peter and Franz,

Peter : It makes sense that depending on the speakers to drive, the choice of amp can vary.

Even though I prefer the 300 over the 500, I did enjoyed very much listening to Geoff Phillips's 500 with his Totem Mani 2 and later with his Kharma 

BTW I'm still in contact with Geoff!

As you can see in my profile, I'm still an admirer and owner of Sonus faber speakers! As a matter of fact I have 3 pairs of Sonus faber!

Amicalement, Edouard

 

Edouard,

Thats great, hope you are fine, still enjoying music replay through naim and your beloved Sonus Amati.  So do I actually after some times of less interest I found my way back and enjoy it more so than ever. Even faced with some signs of presbysaccusis it has never sounded that good before, possibly due to DR and LP12 Upgrades.

Amicalement F

I have never been a fan of Naim speakers, hence I can't say which amp I prefer with them.

How ever I listened many time to Chris Bell 552/500/DBL in Seattle

I have listened to the 552/500/NBL as well, in UK

But you know I'm a Sonus faber fan

I listened only classical music and jazz...

As they say each to its own. What matters is to be happy with our own choices

Cheers, Edouard