Hi All,
I’m looking to make my next upgrade move and I need a bit of advice where next to spend my money.
My system is as follows:
NDX2/Olive 82/Supercap/Olive 250/TDL studio 0.5 speakers/Nac A5.
My system is really sounding great but what would give me a significant lift in sound?
My budget only allows me one of the 3 options at the moment.
Olive 52 pre.
XPS Dr
135s
Regards
Deebig
Personal choice for me is the 52. It will improve any source you put through it.
I’m not an expert on this, but me,
Get the 135s, sell the 250 put towards xps
If you go for a a power supply on the NDX2, save the extra pennies for a 555ps. You can find them second hand at half the price of new. It’s a much bigger leap than the XPS.
With you having the Supercap already the NAC 52 would seem pre-destined. 
For me, it is a choice between a PS for the NDX2 or getting a 52. Then get the other. Finally, upgrade the power amp.
I wouldn’t really bother with the XPS on the NDX2 - either go 555PS or one of your other options
I have the NDX2 with a XPS DR, 52, SC and 135. I had an 82/SC/250. So thinking back to the improvements each one added I’d go 52 with no hesitation, then 135 and then I’d add a PSU to the NDX2.
Another forum member who has spent an awful lot of money and is still not happy. These posts make me so sad.
You could always stop worrying about your system and start enjoying music.
Who said they weren’t happy, other than you?
Thanks all,
The 52 it is I think!
Just need to source a late model in pristine condition. 
I wouldn’t worry about finding a late model 52. Yes, Naim improved it over the years but they all sound fantastic. Mine is a very early one and I’ve been happy with it for over 10yrs.
For what it’s worth, I’d suggest a 555PSDR before upping the preamp. You rarely go wrong with source first, whereas opening the preamp window will expose any shortcomings in the source.
A service of your amps if never done.
Not sure a single NDX2 would be ideal in such combination with 52 upgrade, maybe your setup is fine balanced overall with Nap 135 being a better move into these TDL, Also try Kudos KS1 speakerwire.
I apologise. I thought that not being 100% happy with what you have was pre-requisite to upgrading. For what it’s worth, I think adding the NAC52 to your system would be a good addition. I have one myself. I do however note that in your opening post you say that ”My system is sounding really great.” So why the need to upgrade. Is it perhaps, a case of more money then sense? I’m happy with my system. It could be better but I’m aware of the law of diminishing returns. I can enjoy music on my system and if it I can do that, I think it’s a case of ‘mission accomplished’. I know I’m a grumpy old man but while I’m here, here’s another gripe, namely albums that exist only to make your system sound good. A case in point is Carmen Gomes Inc. Prior to my retirement as a professional musician, I worked in almost empty bars with vocalists who had five times her talent. Her recordings sound very good, although I find washing going round in my machine more engaging.
@ Jazzman, no need to apologise!
Over the past 24 months, my hi-fi journey has been one of steady exploration, careful upgrades, and discovering what truly sounds right in my room. It began with a classic Olive Naim setup — the NAC 72, HiCap, and NAP 140 — paired with a WiiM Pro Plus streamer feeding a Chord Mojo 2 DAC, and a pair of Royd Minstrel speakers. That combination had real musicality and rhythm; it was engaging and lively, with that unmistakable Naim energy. It gave me my first real taste of what a proper system could do, particularly with the kind of music I love — jazz, R&B, funk, and soul.
As I spent more time listening, streaming opened up whole new worlds of music for me. I found myself branching into other genres I’d never have explored otherwise, simply because the system made everything enjoyable to listen to. Along the way, I started to understand how each small upgrade could bring a noticeable improvement — more detail, better bass control, a clearer midrange, and an overall warmth that made instruments and vocals come alive.
The next stage saw me moving from the Mojo 2 to the Chord Qutest DAC, which brought another lift in refinement and clarity, and adding a pair of Epos ES11 speakers that complemented the Naim electronics beautifully. From there, the natural progression was to simplify the front end by moving to a single-box Naim NDX streamer, which gave me a more cohesive and effortless presentation.
Bit by bit, my system evolved closer to my long-term goal — the dream setup of a Naim NDX 2 source feeding a NAC 52 preamp, powered by a Supercap, and driving a pair of NAP 135 mono power amps. It’s been a gradual, rewarding process, guided by curiosity and a desire to get the most musical, room-filling sound possible. Every step has brought me closer to that elusive balance of rhythm, texture, and soul that makes me want to keep listening for hours.
The Preamp & amp have been serviced in the last 3 years with the supercap last serviced in 2017.
Definitely a 52
Easy, reach out for a 555 with the NDX2, world beater!
The 555 is just a little way above my budget at the moment, I’ve not seen one for less than £3,900