Just acquired and stalled a fully serviced late model 52/SC to replace my trusted 82/SC on my endgame journey to arrive at 52/SC/135s
It’s very early days and the acquisitions are slowly warming up into the Olive 250.
I’m expecting big things from this combination as I’ve heard nothing but high praise!
I really hope that I won’t be left disappointed!
Only time will tell I guess!
The difference should be apparent straight from the moment you turn it on, yes some say it will take weeks or even months to warm up, but really you should hear the difference from the off if there is one.
I went from NAC 152XS to NAC52/Supercap and the difference was noticeable from the first track played. So much more detail everywhere.
I have had several 52/SC but I do prefer the 82/SC
for its faster more engaging sound.
I have not heard an 82 but the 52 was much loved in my system. Definitely more detail but a particularly subtle and elegant presentation, full of nuance and emotion. Perhaps not a component that hits you between the eyes with a ‘wow’ but I really hope you enjoy it.
Bruce
Congrats! You would be one happy dude very soon. I’m on the same boat much thanks to helps from experienced members here
Mine isn’t newly serviced (3 years) but still it takes the second month to really come on song. All songs are true music now.
My only reminder is cable dressing and distance between head unit and power supply really crucial for performance.
Congrats. You will not be disappointed.
When I upgraded I had 2xHC on my 82. The leap in musicality and sound quality was massive, imho.
At that time I had CDS2/XPS and P3/aro/DV karat. Mine came from Darren with pots8 upgrade and fully serviced.
I did the same move a few weeks ago. I won’t be going back to the 82/SC.
Enjoy the music, it’s a excellent bit of kit.
So I’ve left the 52 playing (Naim Radio) overnight for the last 2 nights, and the difference and uplift in sound is clearly significant in comparison to the 82. What is striking is that even at lower volume levels, the clarity, depth and transparency is outstanding, so much more musical and effortless if you know what I mean!!
Yeah it’s all about the MUSIC.
I also have a 52/135 system (with Briks) A long time I saved my 82 since it’s more “up in your face” in an engaging way. But in the long run I preferred 52.
Best of luck with your amazing system!
The 52 sounds like a ripe fruit, whereas the 82 sounds more nervous, with less density.
I had an 82 powered by single Hicap then added a second Hicap which was like more power and detail, the 52 was more of everything but smoother, the trick is to get the amps serviced at the recommended intervals, I have aging 135’s and 52/Supercap, all purchased or willed which argures well for your sound, I think in time you will appreciate the overall qualities of the 52.
Sorry for hijacking – can’t help but I just want to praise my 52.
With 52 we are like bathing in music – a different song=a different scene in the room. Usual HiFi jargons don’t work here because a 52 could sound like anything as long as the recording sounds like so. HiFi analytical mind closed and we just want music. If I have to say – the mids are tangible, bass is real, full, fat (and deep enough for Kan) and highs are glorious.
As Linn Kan owner I feel especially thankful to have bought 52PS version there is always a natural warmth blends so well with the playback.
Writing this post whilst listening to Kenny Burrell’s guitar (Kenny Burrell with Art Blakey – On View At The Five Spot Cafe) via CDS1/52/250, his guitar is liking washing my heart.
Mnay years ago now I changed from an 82 to a 252. The 52 sounds somewhat different to the 252 I believe. I was struck by the completely different presentation. The 82 had that classic fast driving pacy Naim sound. I was expecting more of the same from the 252. But no. What I got was a much smoother more subtle and gentler presentation which seemd to lack all the sparkle and verve of the 82. In a word - boring. The 252 and CDS3 are the only two Naim pieces I didn’t like and that’s because to my ears they just don’t have what I consider to be the Naim sound.
I know many here love the 52 and I hope very much that you’ll enjoy it too.
Agree,the 52 and the 252 has problem with the speed,that was mostly fixed with the 552,but the Nac 82 still has a more exiting sound.
mostly fixed? can you please explain?
The 552 sounds much faster than 52 and 252
But not as fast/exciting as an 82?
I do love my 282/HCDR/250DR but my 202/200DR and the Nait 50 also give me that euphoric feeling that I am on the zone with the music….. it sounds completely magical in full flow
Lately I was wondering what was wrong with my 282/250DR/HCDR, turns out the NAPSC connection to the mains extensive was a bit loose, a gentle push to make sure the connection was better, and voila - magic returns to the 282.
Very close in speed as the 82.
The 552 has of course greater bandwidth and more details and a cleaner sound that never sounds harsh.