552 and Prefix

Hi-Fi Corner
1

I take I can run a prefix from a 552 pre amp. Does anyone have experience comparing that to the prefix being powered by a SC.
Thanks in advance.

1 Like
2

Yes, the powered AUX2 is there for just that purpose. It uses dedicated windings and regulation in the 552PS. Performance-wise it’s basically on a similar level to a dedicated HICAP - some might prefer AUX2, others the HICAP. Personally I reckon AUX2 edges it by virtue of making things sound just a bit more together and “of a piece”.

The Supercap though is another step further and gives the Prefix a really lovely, meaty, earthy sound. If you can afford the not inconsiderable sum then well worth trying, although at this point you should probably also be considering the Superline which is a fair bit more resolving than the Prefix.

If you already have a NAC552 with a spare AUX2 then the Prefix is top value for money.

6 Likes
3

Totally agree with Richard (my experience is with 52)
Aux2 is more together/ in harmony.
A second sc (for prefix only) kept the togetherness and adds noticeable prat

2 Likes
4

Go for a Supercap it lifts the performance absolutely fantastic. 552 aux2 sounds rather boring both with Prefix and Superline and it will drag down the performance of other sources connected to the Nac 552,in my opinion.

2 Likes
5

“Personally I reckon AUX2 edges it by virtue of making things sound just a bit more together and “of a piece”.”

Roy George expressed a preference for pre-amp, AUX2, power (with SuperCap or 552PS) for the benefits that simple common grounding provides.

5 Likes
6

I think it was a Hicap,he compared to the Aux 2.

7

When I put my Superline back into my system, I didn’t have a Supercap and powered it from the 552’s aux. It sounded lovely. Vs now with a Supercap . . . much MORE lovely.

2 Likes
8

Fully agree Richard, I use a Supercap / Prefix in the NAC 552 and it’s brilliant. The Prefix is an amazing phono stage! I also use a Hiline 4 to 5 for supercap to 552 line level connection, with a power line on the supercap as well.

3 Likes
9

It can be interesting to go back and listen to the Lavender 4 to 5 Din instead of the Hiline…,I think.

2 Likes
10

I just don’t know that it makes sense to power a $300 phono stage with an $8000 power supply. Yes, the prefix is a good phono stage for the money, but if you’re using a Supercap to power it, I think a Superline makes much more sense.

1 Like
11

Yes, I preferred the regular 4-5 here with the Prefix.

2 Likes
12

Both the Prefix and the Superline need a Supercap to perform the best. Just because the Prefix had a lower price doesn’t make it that inferior( it has no expensive case or suspension system)The Prefix has the advantage of having a
an extremely short phono lead in

1 Like
13

True, but the Prefix was the reference point for development of the Superline.

I remember the early listing tests we did at the factory of a Supercapped Prefix against the top phono stages that some of the dealers had procured or put forward for us to listen to. It was quite fascinating to hear the strengths and weaknesses of each against the Prefix. The idea of the Superline was to keep what was great about the Prefix (body, drive, groove) and add some of what was better from some of the other stages (resolution, bandwidth, spatial cues). To that end, I think Naim definitely succeeded.

5 Likes
14

But Superline + 552 should better than Prefix + 552?

15

They have different strengths,I went back to Prefix.

2 Likes
16

I didn’t know that. I now have an even warmer satisfied feeling about my Prefix. Hmmm. I wonder if an Olive Supercap will fit on the shelf next to my rack and whether I have a spare mains socket behind it. Somebody stop me. :joy:

1 Like
17

I used to have Superline, have a Prefix in the Phonosophie and while I’m sure a Superline is brilliant I am happy to stick with the Supercap/Prefix - it’s too good!

1 Like
18

Maybe I should try that……good call Richard.

19

Superline is a little too transparent or CD ish for me to tell you the truth. Compared to some other phono stages I’ve herd at cheaper pricing it lacks that analog sound. Not saying its bad just not what I’m looking for.

20

I have a Superline on my wish list for replacing my Prefix but I’m not sure it will take me in the direction I want to go from what I’m reading. I’m not looking to change any time soon, maybe in a couple of years when my next tax free lump kicks in. My options seem to be:

  1. Supercap on Prefix (Price of Olive Supercaps seem a bit rich though)
  2. Superline on 52
  3. Superline on Supercap (Maybe a bit rich for me)
  4. Lejonklou entity 1.2 (Lots of good feedback on this one)

Well, I need something to read up on and think through in the mornings :blush:

1 Like