I have a CDS3, 52 and a 300. What would a change to a 252 mean to my system?

It would look nicer, the sound would become slightly more refined in presentation, and it would cost you 2k (if you went SH) for the pleasure. Why not wait till a 552 is in reach ?? Has your 52 been serviced ??

What would a upgraded 52 mean to mee?

You can find information about updates to the 52 here
An up to date fully serviced 52 is a bloody good preamp, and when I tried the 252, there was nothing like enough difference to justify the money IMO.
I agree with Bungle's comments

I agree with the comments above - a fully updated 52 will get very close to a 252 - so much so that it would be much more worthwhile in terms of value for money to jump to a 552, even if it means saving for longer. Although it's a lot more expensive, the 552 also represents a significant improvement over even an updated 52 and is therefore a much better investment than the 252 in the long run.


Michael

My 52 is from 1996 and I wonder what a full yogrde would cost me and what improvment I could expect

quote:

Originally posted by guj:
My 52 is from 1996 and I wonder what a full yogrde would cost me and what improvment I could expect

Depends - what flavour of yogrde did you have in mind?

quote:

Originally posted by guj:
My 52 is from 1996 and I wonder what a full yogrde would cost me and what improvment I could expect

Based on an update some years ago of a 1998 52 and 1995 supercap, I would expect a cost in the region of 500 pounds. However, you should contact a dealer or the factory for a more specific estimate.

Michael

I thought the 252 was way obove the 52, was I wrong

quote:

Originally posted by guj:
I thought the 252 was way obove the 52, was I wrong

no.

Hello Guj

Wellcome to the forum.

Bungle 007s comment in MHO summs it up pretty clearly. I have made the step from 52 to a 552. The improvement is huge and you will find raving comment about the qualities of the 552 here on this formum. Though differnt in presentation ie more redined- I would not consider the 252 ahead of a newish 52 by such a margin that would justify the extra outlay. Is it an option to listen to the 252 within your system? You may also consider to buy a 552 S/H.

good luck

franz

quote:

Originally posted by guj:
I thought the 252 was way obove the 52, was I wrong

A 252 is a better amp than a 52.
But they sound different enough in that some might favour one over the other. ( a 252 is more round earthed )

whether you can justify the cost difference is up to you.
If you have your eyes on a 552 eventually, then a 52 is a cost effective stop gap and it works well with your current amplifier.

There are a few nice features besides the sound quality with the 252 that where "missing" with the 52:

- The newer 252 has "unity gain" mode for the AV input for easier integration in a surround system.
- It has 2 inputs switchable between DIN and Chinch/RCA/Phono (or whatever you guys over there call these plugs ). Easier integration of non naim gear.
- It has an auto input switching mode, when you use naim CD, Tuner or AV gear.

They may not matter to some people, as the don't have the related gear or need. But I found that they where very practical and welcome add-ons. Even when the sound remains the most important reason to upgrade.

happy upgrading
Adrian

Greetings guj.

I've owned a 252 and was underwhelmed with it.

An arguably heretical and personal viewpoint of course, but try a 282+Supercap. I thinks that's a cracking sounding combo, and prefer the sound of it to a 252.

It would be a beautifully symbiotic match for your CDS3 and 300.

John.

A 282 better than a 252 with the same power supply? I'm amazed and can only suggest that your 252 was broken. I assume the one you originally auditioned sounded o.k.

quote:

I've owned a 252 and was underwhelmed with it.

Interesting comment J.N.

I had 282 with Supercap 2 before making the move to a 252. The 252 has improved things immensely and I have no plans to upgrade further. IMO the 252 does everything better than the 282 it replaces. I also think that replacing my 250 with a 300 allowed the 252 to shine further.

Maybe you prefer the 282/SC2 combo in the same way some people prefer CDX2 to CDS3. And I doubt you will be the only one. Just goes to show what a crazy game this is.

As always audition, audition, audition is the best advice.

Regards,
Steve O.

quote:

I'm amazed and can only suggest that your 252 was broken.

It was not, I listened to John's 252 in 2005, system was CDS3/252/300/Allae, it sounded extremely good to me on my classical recordings, I thought the system/room synergy was excellent.
As Steeve pointed out, it's just a matter of preference and what you are looking for.

Regards,
Edouard

I upgraded from 82/Hicap to 252/Scap2 and it was a huge musical leap forwards. Yes, the presentation is different and I can see why some may prefer the 282 (or 82). It is perhaps analogous to the difference in presentation between the CDX2 and CDS3 as Steve O pointed out. Those expecting an even more up-front and overtly dynamic sound will be dissapointed. The 252 simply doesn't seem to have any obvious sonic character - it is just very musical. It takes a while to really appreciate what the 252 has to offer and in a quick A/B dem against the 282 it would probably sound rather bland - it certainly wouldn't scream "buy me"!

Peter

As I understand it the 252 is a bit better but different in its presentation of music..
What I like about my 52 is the dynamics, the feeling that the musicians want to deliver. It might be a little "spot on" for some people. Is the 252 a little more "hifi", stagedeep and things like that?

quote:

Is the 252 a little more "hifi", stagedeep and things like that?

IMO the 252, paired with CDS3 and 300 sounds very natural and unforced.

Regards,
Edouard