How long will the OPs question remain hypothetical 
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Iām sure the 300DR would be an improvement but the 250DR can drive the Sigs well - so a power amp change probably isnāt the priority.
Just my haāpennyworth but source first and all thatā¦ND555.
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Iām not sure I get your meaning there Nigelā¦
Nothing lacking per se Haimā¦until one hears the next level.
G
Itās not just about drive though with the amps as you go up the range. Thereās more to it than that - more scale, transparency, speed, control amongst other things.
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Well, for example Kudos bring out a stonking new range of speakers, Naim bring out a stupendous streamer, and suddenly the goal posts moveā¦
And that will not be the end of it, Iām sure.
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As a fellow Monkfish approach devotee - my recently acquired Tablette 10 Signatures are a tiny % of my overall system cost - I would advocate for the 552. As others have said, it has a way of lifting all your sources up thatās very gratifying. That said, assuming youāre looking for pre-loved and an ND555 comes up at the right price, get that first.
Iāve found that getting truly satisfactory speakers is the hardest part of this game. If youāre truly happy with your Tablettes, and if they match your room and have no deficits that bother you, I would resist the siren song of āif you like these speakers, just imagine how much youāll like [insert other speaker model].ā Your system clearly works for you, and putting in a 552, or improving a source will not unbalance it, or kick off another upgraditis cycle.
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Yes, and I have a feeling Kudos havenāt finished yet!
@GraemeH There is a 552 available used for Ā£10k if you search for āCentral Audioā who are based in the Uk. Sorry thatās the best I can do without posting a link!
Heās a great guy to deal with - bought my Rega Isis from him in new condition so if he says itās mint, then it most likely is.
@RackKit Thanks. I noticed those on the bay. 15 years old non-DR for Ā£9k and a more recent DR for Ā£15k.
G
Thanks. That captures my position perfectly.
G
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Hi @GraemeH ,
Not sure the non-DR would be the best long term option.
If you look closely at what a Discrete Regulator is, and what it brings in terms of sound qualityā¦ itās a lot.
If funds allow, it is sometimes best to wait and spend a bit more on a mint, recent and DR version of the 552, especially if youāre not planning any later upgrades (NAC S1).
Agree!
G
I went for a 2008 non-DR 552, mainly because it was available, it was (is) mint, I tried it in my system at home and it wasnāt due a service when I bought it. I plan to DR it when it needs a service (no sign of that yet) and 552s are not silly money to DR.
Now if I ever go for a 500 I would hold out for a DR (or DRād) model as the 500 DR is a very different beast to a non DR 500. Furthermore, DRing a 500 costs more than DRing a 552, IIRC.
I do agree however, if you can wait and have the additional funds for a 552DR, do that. Do however remember, 552s from reputable sources are rare, DR or non DR.
As long as the number is not bigger that 808, Iām interested.
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Well last I heard Kudos were working with a certain TT manufacturer on some ideas, I think it COULD lead to something at Statement level!
I think it cost me Ā£5.2k to DR my 500 but I paid Ā£6k for the 500 at 15 years old and unserviced from a non Niam dealer (Emporium hifi). Probable gone up since then so factor in around Ā£6k to DR an old one if going that route.
The 552 led to the 500 fairly quickly, the ND555 wasnāt out yet.
Well, Kudos does start with the letter K.
Just sayināā¦
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I do think that is high especially if it hasnāt been serviced.
Phil
Agree Filipe.
G