Strange, when when I asked Naim at the Bristol show a few years ago the best upgrade route for my 82, Oilive Supercap and 250 the suggestion was 250 dr first then Supercap dr then preamp but the advise as always is to listen the various options beforehand.
Like a first love with whom you had a really nice and beautiful time, which garnered truly unforgettable memories, nothing in life seems permanent.
Treasure what we do have then and now. I would love every moment with my next system like it were the last time I were hearing it.
I have thought of revisiting my past love with the 52 and her siblings.
It will certainly be Naim-based.
The first bank heist failedā¦ planning yet another.
When the classic series first came out they were partnered with non-DR as DR hadnāt been created. E.g. they were created and voiced for non-DR just as the Olive series were, however most people would prefer them with DR than without.
The DR is simply cleaner and better regulated - thereās no issue using them to improve Olive units as a general principle.
Of course YMMVā¦
Iām a big fan of the mix and match look. CB, Olive, Classic, all looks great together to my eyes.
If I didnāt have a Naim system Iād probably have mixed and matched different manufacturers anyway.
5 Likes
As long as its been serviced, a NAC 52 and Olive SUPERCAP will sound damn right fun. They do take quite a while to settle in mind you.
But when they did it was as enjoyable as anything Iāve heard, including the 552DR.
In relation to aesthetics, I absolutely adore the look of the late olive gear. The chrome bumper and the bolt down boxes are also very sexy. They have stood the test of time and perhaps look more attractive to me now than they may have done to customers when they were new.
The classic gear is less attractive to me (aesthetically)
6 Likes
Great pornā¦ donāt be naughty, Khanā¦ 
1 Like
Does look good
2 Likes
I think they recommended the SCdr with the expectation that you would upgrade your PRE. If you said Iām staying with my pre, curious what their answer would be.
Fair point. They do have different circuit topologies and variances though. Truth be told I have not personally compared. The 300 Dr was big step up over the 300.
1 Like
I use a NAC552DR, but before that I used a NAC52 and olive Supercap. I agree with you. Not only does the olive gear look so good, but the NAC52 punches well above its weight and can be purchased now for very attractive prices.
3 Likes
Agreed - had a 52/sc dr with two 300dr active into SL2 speakers and it was ace (now 552dr)
Completely agree - the 52 + 135s is a wonderful pairing. And a lot of fun - whilst the 552/500 brings more sophistication, the 52/135 combo is such a pleasure to listen to. Never fails to bring a smile. And isnāt that what itās all about 
3 Likes
Beautifully said. Exactly what itās all about for me too.
That we love listening to our systems. To the point it
makes the significant half wonderā¦ to our perilā¦ lol
1 Like
Audio Note DAC 2 - 552 DR -NAP 135s
Sw1x DAC iii balanced - 52 - NAP 135s
My last two systems. Guess which one sounds more controlled, better prat etc?
The first one!
Nope. The second system sounds more impressive. So Iāve now experienced the philosophy in practice of the āsource firstā argument. The effect of this is similar to the pre and power amp conversation. The pre upgrade will improve musical information, cohesion, and articulation whereas the power amp upgrade first (although it will improve things) makes less sense of the music overall. Itās exactly the same story here.