The general consensus appears to be that 332 doesn’t topple 552DR, likewise 333 and ND555 (current FW issues aside).
But I don’t recall hearing any direct comparisons of the 500DR and 350. I’ve heard a few times now that 350 is the pick of the bunch when it comes to NC, so I would be very interested to hear how close it runs the 500DR. And does it even beat it?
For many of use with OC 500 series and/or NDS then hearing from anyone with such a system who has made a direct comparison would be very interesting.
My 500DR is due a service in a few years, and I’m wondering whether I’ll stick or twist.
From memory I posted up a similar thread some time ago but no comparisons were forthcoming.
There’s been discussion on this, you might hit the search button but I doubt very much you’ll find a conclusion. Ultimately you’ll have to ask your dealer to give you a home demo. In the absence of anything else I’d stick but in the knowledge I haven’t heard any NC.
I would stick with the 500 DR. I have heard both the new 200 and 300 series and if you like the presentation of the 500 series, you won’t like the presentation of the 300 series. For me, the new equipment is darker and slower and just doesn’t have the musicality of the 500 series. Sorry!
If you have 500DR the 2 x 350NCs are different. They have different sound signature. I have listened to them a few times. But 500DR is better.
With a 552DR and 500DR you have top of the range apart from statements. For me no point swapping out.
The 350NCs may work better than 500DRs with different preamp or Streamer only such as dCS Rossini. They make use of balanced interconnects. Also they weigh less and maybe easier to live with.
The 350NCs are fine mono blocks. For your system, I would stay put personally. Is there an itch going on here?
Personally I wouldn’t be mixing OC and NC amps - they are designed to be used together - it will work and likely sound very good, but I’d think the total synergy wouldn’t be there. Source should be okay 333 v NDX2.
Based on specification and the fact that 500 is a bridged design, I suspect that which of the two amps is best will vary between speakers, with possibly a low impedance or difficult load speaker working better with 350 than 500.
And I’m not talking about variants that immediately need a rebuild or recap either. We’re talking great provenance 500s at least 6-8 years away from a service.
