2x555DR vs. 1x555DR on a ND555

When Martin Colloms added a second ps to the Nds, he found there was more details and bigger sound, but some lack of cohesiveness with a single ps. It’s probably what Yeti had on mind.
But for now I have never found someone saying that 2 ps on the Nd555 lack something vs before, even Martin C.

Back in the UK I could borrow a ps quite easily, but I had history with my local Audio T and being part of a chain they could move demonstration stock around when needed. My dealings here have been with Multizone who only have a MuSo and maybe an Atom in stock. They were very helpful with getting my Burndy and Hiline repaired but a loan of a 555ps might be a stretch.
SonVideo look to be the local equivalent to Audio T, there’s a branch near the airport but I’ve not visited them yet.

Not easy to find a dealer with a 555 dr in France and who will let it to you some days.

Not sure a loan is really needed. If you enjoy the way the ND555 presents music, you’ll most certainly enjoy what a second 555PS brings : more of everything with a noticeable lower noise floor.

I suppose that the real purpose of a loan is to decide whether or not a second PS is worth the outlay.

I’d be more worried about the speakers. Not sure the NBLs are capable of providing all of what a second PS brings in terms of low end, highs and overall resolution.

1 Like

FWIW, I also found no downside to a second PSU: improvements all round…

That’s fighting talk, Thomas! Be assured, @Yeti, that the Naim NBLs are more than capable of demonstrating the capabilities of what a second CD555PSDR can bring to the party.

2 Likes

Well they’re good enough to show the superiority of my turntable over the ND555 so I would hope so. The speakers are staying, at least pending my next house move, they might have to fight off a few challengers after.
A second ps will need to earn its place, which means hearing it improve on one to my satisfaction. There are a couple of possibilities other than a home demo but not under current circumstances.

1 Like

That must be quite some turntable if it’s better than the ND555, even with just the one CD555PS, although I see you have a Townshend Rock, which I know is a tremendous record player - still plays the clicks and pops though.

The Rock is my second deck and set up for mono.

That was not my intention, not at all :flushed:
You misread me.

Considering the 555PS price, I was simply implying that investing in more recent speakers might be a better use for that kind of money.

Obviously, I don’t know the NBLs. The only thing I know about them is their age.

Max was demonstrating his Rock record player at Cranfield, where I was doing some research in the ‘80s. It was the best record player I’d heard at that time. I remember Max lifted one corner about 2” or so and it carried on playing quite happily, which not many others could match, I’m sure.

I was using the phrase ‘that’s fighting talk’ in jest, Thomas. No worries. I love my NBLs, so much so that I had the crossovers serviced in 2019 for fear that an aging capacitor might take a drive unit out. I’m not surprised you’ve never heard them, because only 173 pairs were made. I have compiled a shortlist (very short =2) of potential replacements were something bad to befall the NBLs, but touch wood that I don’t need to go there for some time.

1 Like

Which speakers do you consider on your shortlist?

That would be PMC Fact 12, but dependent on the availability of real wood finishes, or Kudos Titan 808. I’ve not heard either at home, but have heard the 808s at Cymbiosis and the Fact 12s at Bristol. Both are shorter than the NBLs and I think less deep, but the 808 is a bit wider. I like the quirky styling of the 808, but I might also consider the 606, which is closer in size to the Fact 12. The NBL is hard to beat in any respect IMHO.

I too like the Fact 12…not sure we will ever get a wood finish before they are replaced though?

Why not add pair of Magicos to your short list?

Very interesting speakers, extremely resolving/transparent, and blend really well with Naim electronics.

A challenger to your NBLs (which seem to be also very interesting. Curious only a few of them were built. Why is that? Expensive?)

Best order now then as you can get them in walnut as well now

Ooh news to me, thankyou👍Just looked it up, thankyou again.

They look lovely as well, plus sound ok lol

1 Like

I understand it was because of the cost of manufacturing the enclosures, which are complex, particularly with the curved top and the nested boxes. I have a vague recollection that the (Danish?) manufacturer was seeking an unsustainable price increase.

I’ve never seen or heard Magicos.