The benefits of being a dinosaur
Posted by: MDS on 15 September 2018
I’ve yet to be persuaded to switch my primary listening from CD to streaming. The prospect of all that ripping and the ethernet cables, switches, routers, software and apps stuff. Well, never say, never, but for the time being for my primary source I’m sticking with the simplicity and reliability of what I know: CD. I admit it. I’m a dinosaur.
I’ve been enjoying for some years a great performance from my four-box CD set up: CDX2.2/XP5XS/nDac/555PSDR. I even tried a Uniti/NDS/555PSDR against my set-up in the dealer’s one day and still preferred my CD set-up so I haven’t felt I’ve been slumming it. Nonetheless, I’ve been following the ND555 discussions with interest and watched as quite a few members have taken the plunge. Trade-ins to be had, mostly NDSs, it seems. And then recently while chatting to my dealer he mentioned that a pre-loved CD555 head unit was due to be traded-in. Did I want to try it at home in my system? Well, I had never even seen a CD555 let alone heard one so on curiosity grounds alone I jumped at the chance.
The CD555 head unit was installed earlier this week. I think it took me about 36 hours to decide it was staying. Now I’m sure that the merits and sonic characteristics of the CD555 have been done to death on here so I’m not going to try to describe all that but if members who are all-too-familiar with the CD555 would indulge me I’d like to give a few impressions.
First were about the machine itself. This is not another familiar ‘black box’. What an impressive beast! Weightier and bigger than I had expected. And the engineering - wow! The silence and grace as the lid rises and closes: just beautiful. Even without listening to it, it was obvious that this is a top-end piece of kit. You can see and feel why the thing cost so much. I think I was half-sold before it was even powered up.
When switched on, right from cold the extra detail from the CD555 was immediately obvious. But it’s there is a more subtle way than I was expecting, not pushed at you, so perhaps a little more laid back than my current set-up. Once it was properly warmed-up and I had gotten used to it I confirmed in my mind a characteristic that I hadn’t expected. All of my CD set-ups since the mid-eighties have had that digital ‘signature’, especially at the top end. The CD555 is the first I’ve heard where the top-end signature doesn’t feel so obviously ‘digital’. Coupled to this, the music seems to have a pleasing ‘bounce’ that I normally associate with top-flight vinyl (I’m familiar with what a top-flight LP12 can do). In other words I suppose I’m saying that I think the CD555 has something analogue about its nature. A surprise to my ears.
Anyway, here I am having secured a very nice up-lift in my system’s performance, a wonderful piece of engineering, and all for a very nice price. So this particular dinosaur currently has a big smile on his face. 
Posted on: 26 September 2018 by onip
I am a dinosaur as well. I am getting close to 50 years old, and even among those my age they think it is strange that I can sit and listen intently to a whole album all the way through. Certainly this is what they did when we were all tape trading in the 1980s and early 1990s, but they are the types that go for the latest flavor of the month, and they aren't audiophiles/music lovers the way I am. My primary love is Vinyl, but I have many CDs that would take too long to move over to digital files. I have an old Naim CD5 (and a Nait XS integrated) and I am perfectly happy with it. When used players become cheaper I might upgrade to a higher-range Naim player that is in good condition (CDX2 or whatever). Occasionally I need to buy albums on itunes. I simply burn them onto a CD and play the CD in my CD5. When I have a choice, though, I always go for vinyl as that is my preference. I have a nostalgic and personal connections to my CDs and I don't want to stop handling them. My brother has moved over to streaming for his digital audio and says it sounds better, and he is probably right, but it is not worth the hours and expense, especially given my preference for analogue.
Posted on: 26 September 2018 by Timo
The price has not been mentioned yet.
How much does a second hand CD555 head unit go for from a reputable dealer? Roughly speaking (as Ted Chippington used to say).
Moderated Post: Timo, I've had to remove your post as it breaks forum rules.
Posted on: 27 September 2018 by Ghettoyout
I have a CDS3 but would be interested in hearing a 555. Would just like a ball-park figure for what the head unit goes for.
Someone must know and be able to reveal it without breaking any rules.
Posted on: 27 September 2018 by Gazza
About £3 - 3.5k depending on age etc
Posted on: 27 September 2018 by J.N.
I note that a London Naim dealer has a nice looking example on a familiar online auction site.
Optimistic price?
john.
Posted on: 27 September 2018 by Gazza
The one that Michael traded in for his ND555 went to a dealer in China for the £3 k- ish price, though when mentioned there could be others available.......he wanted to pay even less, apparently. So the London dealer, well, good luck to him with that price.
Posted on: 27 September 2018 by Gazza
I note that a London Naim dealer has a nice looking example on a familiar online auction site.
Optimistic price?
john.
The unit that a Michael traded in was a head unit only, the London dealer has power supply as well, so that’s probably a good deal.
Posted on: 27 September 2018 by J.N.
I note that a London Naim dealer has a nice looking example on a familiar online auction site.
Optimistic price?
john.
The unit that a Michael traded in was a head unit only, the London dealer has power supply as well, so that’s probably a good deal.
Greetings Gazza. If we're talking about the same item; only a head unit is listed and pictured - it comes with Burndy cables (as it should), but not with a 555PS.
John.
Posted on: 27 September 2018 by Gazza
I note that a London Naim dealer has a nice looking example on a familiar online auction site.
Optimistic price?
john.
The unit that a Michael traded in was a head unit only, the London dealer has power supply as well, so that’s probably a good deal.
Greetings Gazza. If we're talking about the same item; only a head unit is listed and pictured - it comes with Burndy cables (as it should), but not with a 555PS.
John.
Sorry John, similar price......but dealer in Scotland with a non Dr power supply for £5990. But not a bad deal.
Posted on: 27 September 2018 by J.N.
Ah; right. Thanks Gazza.
John.
Posted on: 02 October 2018 by Mr Underhill
I'll have a go, Mr U.
I'm still acclimatising myself to the different presentation. As you know, my previous source, on certain types of music, presented a 'big' picture, and rather forward. The CD555 seems smaller and steps back a bit, in comparison. But within that, the portrayal is more detailed and intricate. Vocals and background instruments are easier to follow and have their own 'space'. The presentation is probably a bit drier too.
I have found myself nudging up the volume control several times on familiar material, perhaps unconsciously looking to push the picture up to the scale of my previous source, then I realise I'm getting carried away with the impressive speed and impact of the dynamics I'm hearing and dial back down a bit. Our mutual friend has suggested this is in part the much lower noise floor with the CD555 - it can get loud quite effortlessly and there's less edge at the top-end and wobble at the bottom end which with my previous system would have prompted me to rein-in the volume. To use a car analogy, the CD555 seems to be able to cruise at higher speed but it doesn't feel like you're travelling that fast. The CD555 seems more coherent and relaxed if that makes any sense.
Must arrange for you to gain your own impressions soon.
Mike
Thx Mike, looking forward to hearing it.
I do think that greater relaxation in yourself and an ability to push up the volume without hitting edge can be great indicators that you have done something good to your system.
Will you be swapping things back to confirm the changes?
M
Posted on: 02 October 2018 by The Strat (Fender)
Interesting reading guys.
Posted on: 02 October 2018 by MDS
Thx Mike, looking forward to hearing it.
I do think that greater relaxation in yourself and an ability to push up the volume without hitting edge can be great indicators that you have done something good to your system.
Will you be swapping things back to confirm the changes?
M
No, Mr U. I've p'xd the CDX2.2 against the CD555 head unit but in any event a direct A/B comparison would be practically very difficult because of the necessary re-ordering of the some of the other black boxes. To accommodate the CD555 optimally, both brain and brawn stacks have been fully rebuilt.
I shall look forward to your impressions but in the meantime I had a friend visit over the weekend who shares our interest in this hobby. He was very, very surprised at the difference he heard. Not so much the detail but the difference in presentation. He said that previously the presentation and sound-stage was forward and on some music grabbed you; now everything had stepped back, relaxed and everything just flowed. He thought someone could listen to it for hours on end and never get tired.
In summary, I think I've sacrificed a bit of 'grab-you-by-the collar' excitement for a significant lift in detail and laid-back refinement. There's always some element of trade-off in these things. For example, I was always a fan of the 'exuberance' of the 282 and 250.2 but I'm in no doubt that the different qualities that the 552 and 300 bring to the party are overall 'better'.
Mike
Posted on: 12 October 2018 by Mr Underhill
This morning I popped over to listen to Mike's system. As soon as I heard it I was immediately struck by how much I liked what I was hearing. On the positive: Resolution; timbre; and, imaging. Was it all good news? Well, no. The imaging was far more three dimensional with the image being cast behind the speakers in a way I enjoyed, but the soundfield was a bit more tied to the speakers in way I didn't remember from before.
Overall Mikes system is doing EXACTLY the sort of things I love about my system, but slightly better and slightly bigger. Now this causes me an issue. It used to be that Mike's system had a larger image and was more dynamic, but I could console myself that mine did various aspects in a way I preferred - well, no longer. All I can do is console myself that Mike's system costs a lot more, and that is NO consolation AT ALL!
Damnation!!
Mike, love what the CD555 has done to your setup, and I hate to say it but I suspect that a second PS555 will return the aspects that you also loved but have been a tad lessened.
Now, back to my similar system, on a smaller scale, sniff.
Posted on: 12 October 2018 by MDS
It was great to see you this morning, Mr U. Always interesting to get some else's opinion on changes and I think we found ourselves in much agreement. The characteristics on imaging seems to vary by genre. To my ears the most noticeable is on heavy rock.
As to the idea of trying a second PSU, well.........as coincidence would have it, our mutual friend got in touch during this afternoon on another matter and the opportunity was too good to miss. Suffice to say arrangements are being made for a 555PS demo unit to pay a visit for a few days 
I shall report back, of course.
Mike
Posted on: 12 October 2018 by wenger2015
It was great to see you this morning, Mr U. Always interesting to get some else's opinion on changes and I think we found ourselves in much agreement. The characteristics on imaging seems to vary by genre. To my ears the most noticeable is on heavy rock.
As to the idea of trying a second PSU, well.........as coincidence would have it, our mutual friend got in touch during this afternoon on another matter and the opportunity was too good to miss. Suffice to say arrangements are being made for a 555PS demo unit to pay a visit for a few days
I shall report back, of course.
Mike
You just know..... it’s going to sound superb....
Posted on: 12 October 2018 by Rattlesnaic
It was great to see you this morning, Mr U. Always interesting to get some else's opinion on changes and I think we found ourselves in much agreement. The characteristics on imaging seems to vary by genre. To my ears the most noticeable is on heavy rock.
As to the idea of trying a second PSU, well.........as coincidence would have it, our mutual friend got in touch during this afternoon on another matter and the opportunity was too good to miss. Suffice to say arrangements are being made for a 555PS demo unit to pay a visit for a few days
I shall report back, of course.
Mike
You just know..... it’s going to sound superb....
And be expensive 
Posted on: 12 October 2018 by MDS
It was great to see you this morning, Mr U. Always interesting to get some else's opinion on changes and I think we found ourselves in much agreement. The characteristics on imaging seems to vary by genre. To my ears the most noticeable is on heavy rock.
As to the idea of trying a second PSU, well.........as coincidence would have it, our mutual friend got in touch during this afternoon on another matter and the opportunity was too good to miss. Suffice to say arrangements are being made for a 555PS demo unit to pay a visit for a few days
I shall report back, of course.
Mike
You just know..... it’s going to sound superb....
And expensive
Err, yes. 
Posted on: 12 October 2018 by nigelb
Are dinosaurs making a comeback? Seems so, and with double the power of those of the past. Scary!
Ceedeeasaurus. Bet that is a new one on David Attenborough!
Posted on: 13 October 2018 by sjbabbey
Are dinosaurs making a comeback? Seems so, and with double the power of those of the past. Scary!
Ceedeeasaurus. Bet that is a new one on David Attenborough!
Any relation to TT Rex ?
Posted on: 14 October 2018 by MDS
The second 555PSDR was plumbed in this morning having been warming up overnight. Early impressions are positive. Even more detail coming through. Bass lines easier to follow and to 'feel'. Soundstage and sense of scale has grown. My Focal 1028be speakers seem to have got bigger! Demo unit is on loan to me for the week ahead so lots of time to acclimatise myself to the 'changes' so that I can then more objectively judge whether what it does is qualitatively better and, most important, more enjoyable.
Posted on: 14 October 2018 by Happy Listener
Posted on: 14 October 2018 by Cdb
I had been thinking for a while about getting hold of a 555PS to replace the XPS (non DR) powering my CDS3. This thread got me thinking and last week a CD555 arrived, immediately followed by a 2017 555PS. Thanks are due to Gazza for pointing me towards the CD player after I asked him about the one he had seen in Scotland - already sold.
As my CD player also came from an owner going to the ND555, I thought about starting a new thread called ‘Trickle down economics?’, but concluded it would be redundant given this one where several people had already commented, and that I was anyhow happy being a dinosaur.
My intention was to add the PS to the CDS3 first and then progress to the CD555, but having fitted a 555 burndy to the CDS3 and finding it was only partially powered, I realised that the XPS wiring configuration was different and skipped that step initially.
I did subsequently briefly listen to the CDS3 with the 555PS which seemed broadly to be more of the same but a bigger, bolder presentation. The CD555 is something quite different though. My description of the presentation of the music would very much echo Mike’s in his various posts. It is my first experience of the fifth level of Naim and there is a real sense of quiet authority in the sound. The quietness is literal and makes the player seem a little laidback while paradoxically more detail is clearly apparent. Authority comes in the control of lower frequencies. I’m sure there will be more to come as I have inherited the new ND555 burndies and they will need burn time - I hope their newness explains a mild graininess occasionally on higher frequencies.
Being a true dinosaur I also have lots of LPs and an LP12. I’ve not done any direct comparison between the same music on CD and LP (not necessarily illuminating because of mastering differences), but my sense is that the player doesn’t make CD become analogue but that the music does sound more organic. All very subjective of course, and more so as I begin to wonder about emotional expressiveness.
Clive
Posted on: 14 October 2018 by MDS
I've never heard a CDS3, Clive, but have had its characteristics described for me by someone who knows it well and, as they also know my tastes, suggested its presentation wasn't for me. The CD555 is a tad laid back compared to what I'm used to but boy it brings so much more to the party. I like your expression of 'quiet authority'. It brought to mind that expression by President Roosevelt "speak softly and carry a big stick". The CD555 had that alright.
I'll look forward to learning how you get on with yours.
Posted on: 14 October 2018 by Gazza
Clive....must have been fate. You sent an email just as my dealer turned up to do the ND555 install. Quick confirmation that they had the CD555 coming in and ......everyone happy. Great that it’s the result you were looking for.....keep us posted.
