No doubts the ekos 2 and or SE will be better than the ittok, but reckon the keel will get the max out of the ittok and a nice Lyra until it’s time to make the swap.
Like you say, there’s probably as much if not more upgrading the radikal to the version 2 first.
Unfortunately, cash will always dictate how long the journey will take. Too many other things competing for funds to make it a fast process!
I’m really glad I got the 250DR for now. It’s certainly made the changes I’ve made to the front end more discernable, so I’m really happy with where it’s at. I guess it would be just as frustrating having nowhere to go if you could do it all in one go!
I’m really happy with how much the Collaro mat and the tangerine Evenstar have made. They’re small things, but are really quite noticeably better. Loads of avenues to explore along the way between box changes, too.
Give it time Mike. I have had my LP12 for a fair few years now. I think it’s about 6. I just got it up and running and sorted Tonearm by getting bearings repaired and upgraded by Audio Origami. And got Cirkus and Lingo. I just then enjoyed it as it was for many years until more recent upgrades.
There is no rush. And if your enjoying it through your system at the moment why do anything at all. Enjoy it for what it is.
I would if you can go Radikal used if available over a Lingo 4 though. It depends on what you can get in NZ.
I would avoid spending your money on small things and save up for the big things. I could change out my speaker cables from Naca5 and change to superlumina speaker cables and interconnects. Would rather hold off and save for Radikal 1 and then maybe at some point a 552.
Don’t forget the 552DR 250DR works brilliantly. Or a 252 Supercap DR. Or a 52 Supercap 250DR.
You have 2 HiCaps. You could sell and get Supercap.
Lots of options. I think you are going in right direction. I would leave your Radikal 1 alone. Do Keel next up. Then cart if it’s on way out.
Done all 4 sides. Was a really good test of LP12 and 500DR. Now on Chaka Chan I feel for you.
Listening to different types of music shows what your system is capable of.
I feel that the changes I have made and going 500DR and all the changes to my sources and preamp have made my musical experience so much more.
It has come together in a massive way! I am almost surprised.
When I used to go to dealer and hear the 552 DR and 500DR with Linn LP12 Klimax and ND555 I now feel my system sounds better. My speakers are better IMHO than ATC40s, which is what they were pairing it with.
The Lingo 1, I reckon still works pretty well by the way, if looking at interim, cheaper power supply for LP12.
That’s great !
I had Nac 52,252 and Nac 82 with my Nap 500 and it worked beautifully,but then with the Nac 552 it was absolutely fabulous,timing coherence is just marvelous with the 552/500 combo.
It just goes to show how well different Naim pre and power amps can work together.
I am finding the 500DR a big leap over the 135s. Honeymoon stage no doubt. I have set it up carefully and it sounds very special. Getting fantastic deep bass and vocals are sounding very sweet too end with Chaka Khan. Mids sounding great. A very musical power amp with greater grip on speakers at lower volumes as well as mid to high.
And I reckon there’s more to come as it settles in with rest of system. It has not been instant. It’s getting better.
The effortless power of the 500DR sounds great on all types of music. It just grips the speakers, sounds more authoritative, better bass definition, wider soundstage.
A little off topic, but I’m summoning up the enthusiasm to dismantle most of my Fraim to install two of the new ‘narrow rear legs’ to facilitate speaker and input connections to my NC system. Will require a long sit in my listening chair with a glass of something fortifying after all that lifting, carrying and rebuilding.
The 135s are now sold. Will be finding their new home early next week. Been no big problem shifting the old stuff at reasonable prices. I haven’t lost much on them. And they have given so much enjoyment.
I’m getting used to 500DR. It was a great move. And the upgrade including the bonus of an extra powerline hasn’t cost me much at all! Not in grand scheme of things anyway.
I find the 500DR more revealing than the 135s. Especially with the LP12. It’s interesting to listen to different albums and the quality of production.
The NDS is a great source. But with the LP12 things are so much more interesting. I can hear so much more. Every groove. I think the phonostage which I got for a bit of a bargain is better than I realised. Another bold move!
Making me go through my record collection. Very enjoyable.
I am preferring the look of the set up with the CDS2, XPS2 and 135s off the racks and the 500DR looking magnificent at the bottom of the middle stack. The middle stack is perfect brains stack.
Not missing the old kit. Would consider a good CD transport. But don’t need it with Zoneripper all through NDS.
