Don’t forget that you only had a 30 minute audition and are acting like that short audition gives you the authority to discredit members who actually own the product. Anyone who is honest with themselves and has been in this hobby for years knows you never truly get to know a product until you’ve owned it for a good period of time.
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My NAP500 needs a WEEK to come to song from off. Just sayin’ 
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Both opinions, only opinions….
I heard three times the 300 series at dealer place, with Nd555, and twice with 333/ 300 ps, with 3 different speakers ( Focal Utopia, Apertura Adamante, Gryphon floorstanders).
I made my opinion on this.
Discredit members? You are joking? I am not the only one having the same opinion.
For example @Gazza , and many others.
Then I don’t say it’s the truth, neither that I am right, neither that one is better vs the other.
Only my opinion, my ears, my tastes.
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Yes, just opinion……..for what its worth. The new kit is great, but not for me. If i change it will be to something different.
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I compared 332/300 and 552 when I was upgrading from 252 but it was relatively brief (over the course of 2 weeks or so). Different presentations, I don’t think it’s an easy choice. The 332 absolutely requires the NPX300. Its volume control is vastly superior and its soundstage is wider, with a more enveloping effect that ultimately tipped the scales for me. The 552 has other things going for it that you will find less of in the NC sound (like slightly thicker low end, but not necessarily better textured imho). Also, the 552 requires much more care with setup and only sounds good after an extended warmup, both of which are (almost) non-issues with the NC kit.
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I think that only @GraemeH has actually owned both.
The NC sound has different presentation. I have heard the 300 series several times and it is excellent. I went down the used 500DR series kit and find it delivers well in all areas.
For me the 500DR series sounds better, but I am probably biased as I tend to favour what I have invested in.
The 332 is a tad more neutral than the 552. The low end is deeper with full 500 series kit. It has great slam and punch. The 300 series is very clear and very very good.
For me I wouldn’t change out 500 series for 300 series kit. It seems like a downgrade to my ears.
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The other change I made simultaneously was going active. The whole package makes it difficult to determine which elements individually are ‘better’ on a 300 vs 500 basis. It’s the whole package that for me has delivered a better musical experience.
G
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Thicker…perfect description…thats it. thats what i was told ,when was looking to move to 332 price range preamp.
I had the opportunity to either go second hand 552 or new 332.
And please no comments that 332 needs the 300.Claptrap ,it sounds brilliant on its own ,and i would surmise even more brilliant with PS
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Ultimately you have made changes that have improved your system. That’s what counts. The NC stuff is great. Reduced box count with active speakers too!
Makes things simpler!
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I think most of it is…but not all. Obviously going active is a big change…I thought the 500dr stood up to statement surprisingly well…I have always thought the volume control was the weak link with the 552…this is partly why the Statement preamp is so good with the 500dr. I think the way you have gone does make sense…in allot of ways…certainly compared to cost of buying an S1 pre… 
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We can all speculate as to the future, but without any insider knowledge I wonder whether the 552/S1 will eventually merge which combined with some active ATCs would surely be an awesome prospect!?
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I cant see that … happening. The 552 is on borrowed time…maybe they will bring out a slightly souped up 332… that can take twin power supplies…or more optomised springloaded chassis…
Fun speculating, only time will tell!
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Hello in ny view 552 is still mighty!
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Are you Frenchrooster? 
Because you responded to a question adressed by Igel to me.
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I believe it (and the 333) already can!
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Thats good…that just leaves the fully independent suspension…
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I’ve only heard the top end latest stuff once, and with speakers and room not my own, and not directly against the 500 stuff. All i can say is the new stuff was nice, but different. At no time during the listen did i get the goose bumps that a good 500 set has given me on countless occasions and nothing close to my own CDS3/552/300 when i owned it. So, not a particularly relevant opinion as a 552 vs 332.
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Look, let’s be honest here the 332 is a downgrade on a 552. Unless you are looking at system synergy and want a 300 series based system, it is not as good! Naim will tell you that.
However, if you have a full 300 system it may well work better.
With a full 500 system I wouldn’t contemplate a 300 series system unless I was going for a Linn Klimax NG DSM with 2 x 350s. Would make more sense cable wise than 500DR.
Those 350s are really very nice!
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