I'm afraid the 552's charms move me not a bit.

A real preamp needs a phono stage. I understand why Naim does not include a phono stage, but I must respectfully refrain from acquiring the flagship.

(No comments on my bank account!)

Regards.

Phil

quote:

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A real preamp needs a phono stage.

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...about as much as it needs a headphone socket.



Regards,

Steve.

London Lad,

is it not possible to use 2 Snaxos, one for each channel?
Has someone tried it?

Actually since the 552PS has three outputs, it is technically possible to use THREE Snaxos, each powered up with its own dedicated supercap. Maybe one for the tweets, one for the mids and one for the bass. For the ultimate, the internal rails that supply the unused bandwidths could be disconnected, maximising the low-noise of the powersupply. Still not the same as a dual-rail power supply though.

I also made the move from an active system (6xNAP135, Snaxo 326/Supercap) to a passive 500/DBL system. Although I have never looked back at that active system, I will be looking forward towards the inevitable return to active...but only with 3x500. Or maybe 6x500!

quote:

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is it not possible to use 2 Snaxos, one for each channel?

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Ron
Dum spiro audio
Dum audio vivo

Roger40 / Chris Bell.

Bas***ds. I hate you both!!!

OK, I have a NAP500 on demo........

You know what I’m going to say, you were right, it’s better than my 3x250.2, Snaxo, SC2.

The active system is more ‘in your face’ but the 500 just sounds more like real musical instruments.

Sod it!!!

Graham.

Not a lad any longer and not from London!

Hi Graham,

The big question is are you going to make the move ?

Roger.

Graham

"I have a NAP500 on demo....it’s better than my 3x250.2, Snaxo, SC2"

Please tell us more, where are the differences, is it all pros or are there some cons?

Roger:
Yes!

Bosh:
Cons: The 500 has a little less ‘impact’ than the active set up and it makes my Fraim look empty!

Pros: The first thing that I noticed was that the bass was better controlled which surprised me as this was exactly where I found serious problems when I tried the NBLs passive with a single 250.2 or 300. Some bass lines that previously appeared to contain mistakes now sound correct.

Instruments sound more ‘real’ you can hear ‘how’ an instrument is being played not just what is being played.

It is easier to hear any inflection that a singer puts on a word.

Its easier to listen to for long periods.

It’s more musical!

Graham.

Not a lad any longer and not from London!

London Lad

you should also consider to hear the ECS EA1 monos which I rate over the NAP500.

Hermann

Oh bugger

Youre the second person thats said that. Looks like I need another 500 ( or 2 pairs of ECS EA1 monos )

The hifi business is only a minute fraction of ECS's turnover and very few amps are being sold.

My guess is that they will discontinue and then you would be up a creek without a paddle.

Stick with the 500. It sells well because it is good.

Regards

Mick

Graham,

(INSERT EVIL LAUGH)


Chris Bell

Chris,

Could you help me out please ? How deep are your DBLs with crossovers and connections etc.(accurately), as I'm trying to work out if they will fit in my room with the ability for me to still open the door ?

Cheers
Roger