ND555 and pre-amp
Posted by: jsaudio on 21 May 2018
I have heard that there may be a way to use a streamer like the ND555 (or any streamer) without a pre-amp. Is that possible?
I currently have a 272/PS555 set up and would like to consider the new streamer but would also like to keep box count down along with interconnects etc.
I doubt that they have volume control build in.... and if so, how do you connect analog inputs?
You can use a streamer without a preamp if the streamer includes a volume control. The Linn KDS is one such streamer. The ND555 has no volume control so therefore needs a preamp. Ah, you say, a 552 would be a bloody expensive volume control. And you’d be quite right.
If you look inside an ND555 you will see that it has empty space for about a quarter of it. When I was at Naim recently, and there was an open ND555 sitting on the table, I pointed at the space and said to Steve Sells, its designer, ‘look, you could put a volume control in that space. Then I could use an ND555 with my 555PS and 300 and still only have four boxes’. Steve said nothing, and simply smiled.
Time to have Max implement an autotransformer in that empty space then. ????
Chag -
naim have a wonderful strategy to make you spend money, hiding it with the technical nessecity for better sound. A volume control will compromise the sound, power supply works better in a different box....
I'd hang on a while for a 272 replacement. Great as the 272 is, Naim must be itching to get the new NP800 streaming card into an updated 272 to bring it into line with the rest of the range ?
Hungryhalibut posted:
If you look inside an ND555 you will see that it has empty space for about a quarter of it. When I was at Naim recently, and there was an open ND555 sitting on the table, I pointed at the space and said to Steve Sells, its designer, ‘look, you could put a volume control in that space. Then I could use an ND555 with my 555PS and 300 and still only have four boxes’. Steve said nothing, and simply smiled.
Are you hoping/waiting for a "slimmed down" 572 for digital use only? 
james n posted:I'd hang on a while for a 272 replacement. Great as the 272 is, Naim must be itching to get the new NP800 streaming card into an updated 272 to bring it into line with the rest of the range ?
Yes, but a new streaming preamp with no power supply and a twin burndy connection, i.e. a 555 with a volume control, would be just so much better. People will say, ah, it’s not as good as a 555/552, but at half the price it doesn’t have to be.
It would, but I'd be surprised if something like that appeared first. Never say never though...
Some have argued here that an Allegri may be as good for a bit less than half the price. ????
Chag -
Given the success of the 272 I imagine Sales and Finance are taking turns at battering Trevor with PowerPoint presentations on a new combo unit that feature graphs going off the scale. The techies will all be saying that they can shoehorn the necessary gubbins into the box.
The good Doctor will be wondering where the feck they can manufacture it, given current demands!
Alba1320 posted:According to the ND555 specifications (Appendix 3 in the ND555 White Paper), it has a 'Digital Volume Control for streaming services' - not being a Computer Audio type, I don't know the particular relevance of this, however - does it mean online streaming only? Local streaming too? Presumably, it's not available if used as a S/PDIF DAC?
Perhaps there's more info. in the body of the White Paper?
Hmm - must take another read of the White Paper later.
Perhaps they just mean it supports system automation and can act as a bridge to the preamp like today?
Hungryhalibut posted:james n posted:I'd hang on a while for a 272 replacement. Great as the 272 is, Naim must be itching to get the new NP800 streaming card into an updated 272 to bring it into line with the rest of the range ?
Yes, but a new streaming preamp with no power supply and a twin burndy connection, i.e. a 555 with a volume control, would be just so much better. People will say, ah, it’s not as good as a 555/552, but at half the price it doesn’t have to be.
This would be very interesting. I must say that i'm certainly tempted by a return to Naim after the recent visit to Salisbury but don't want the big box count again - a limit of 4 boxes would work quite nicely. The Hi-Fi fund is looking rather healthy so it's time to either go dual mono with the Dev (with the potential to go active later) whilst checking out the competition when the NDX2 breaks cover.
I'm thinking 272/555/250 vs NDX2/555/SN2 vs Dev 440 Pro could be interesting.
Well, if you want to hear a 272/555/300 you know who to call.
Cheers Nigel - you're a gent.
French Rooster posted:naim have a wonderful strategy to make you spend money, hiding it with the technical nessecity for better sound. A volume control will compromise the sound, power supply works better in a different box....
That is a presumption. The ND555 already will have an analog output stage: in what way is it inevitable that incorporating an analog volume control would cause it to lose quality of sound?
Of course, if done digitally the challenge is different, but Davecshows it can be done well.
Or not, it’s just an opinion