I recently heard a 552 at my dealer and was gobsmacked. It is so clearly better in every way than a 52. I want one but there is no way I can afford it unless I sell some of my kit. But will I get a better overall sound if I get rid of my active set up and go back to passive? It will mean selling my 52/Scap, a pair of 135's and 2 other S/caps (one that powers Prefix and the other that powers 242 xover). I have sourced a second hand 552 so the price differential is not too great! Will 552, 135's passive SBL be better than 52 active 135 SBL's?

Steve

Apples & Pears but loathe as I am to say it go with the 552

Tom

Actively enjoying it all

I've used DBLs with both a 52/6x135/Snaxo/Supercap as well (briefly) with a 552/2x135s passive. The 552 system was better in all ways. Due to the topology of my system I cannot try out powering the Prefix with the 552, rather then its own outboard p/s, although end users that have tried both are divided as to which configuration is the preferred one- meaning that, at worst, the 552 powered Prefix is not vastly inferior.

A 52/135 active sytem is an unforgiving beast and the weaknesses of the pre and power amps are compounded which can lead to a somewhat brittle presentation, which in retrospect is more a trait of the 52 than the 135s.

Oh, and there is little doubt that a 552/135 system outperforms in most relevant ways a 52/500 one. I've been down that route too.

Ron
Dum spiro audio
Dum audio vivo

Praise indeed from Tom who is an 'active' man. The 552 is a very fine pre-amp and makes my 252 sound somewhat lacking in everything.

I would love one in the fullness of time when funds allow.

You have the player to do a 552 justice Steve; so yes - go for it. A remarkable pre-amp which seems to put everything else firmly in the shade.

Steve

I have just gone 52 > 252. IMO this is a big jump in performance, albeit not as big as going to 552. But then again the 252 retails at circa £4100: deduct the sale price iof your 52.....

Regards

Mike

Spending money I don't have on things I don't need.

Regarding powering the prefix, I think the debate is wether a Prefix/S-Cap/552 is better than a Prefix/552 or not. I do not think there is anyone arguing that a Prefix/S-Cap/52/S-Cap is superior to a Prefix/552.

HansW

steve
the anawer to your last question is yes ,ive been there and done it

neil

whats the going rate for a 2nd hand 552

Thanks for your replies guys.

It would seem the 552 passive is the way to go. I have been offered 2 552's from different sources. One for £8,995 and one for £10k.

Cheers
Steve