The Hiline is very nice.
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Hi, can you explain the difference you heard/experienced between the Nac 52 and Nac 552?
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So my journey has been from the 552DR to 52 and now back to 552DR.
my new amp isnāt anywhere near run in yet but I lived with the 552DR for over a year last time so I have a very good impression of whatās to come.
Throughout this time the partnering amps have been the NAP 135s (two different pairs). The first was a 2002 build and second from 2003. Both serviced within the last five years. I did try a 250DR in between but I preferred the tonal balance and drive of the 135s over the detail of the 250DR.
So the 552 DR has a more focused and composed sound. It retrieves more detail and has a more visceral delivery. The 52 isnāt lacking in any of these aspects but in comparison itās clearly evident. What you will notice is how the 552 sorts out the complicated passages of the music with great ease-even far better than other solid state or tube amplifiers I have heard in and around the price.
The 52 is an exciting amplifier. It just gets right to the rhythm of a track and delivers it with verve and intent. The 552DR keeps this trait but adds a level of refinement and power without losing any of the excitement the 52 brings. The tonal balance is a little difficult to describe. Neither amp is bright. The 52 has a warm yet fast sound albeit a little crude with its higher noise floor. The 552 is super detailed but you would never call it bright. I guess with the added weight and impact to the sound the 552 may come across as warmer to some but itās just as nimble as the 52- I have no idea how Naim have achieved that.
Upon first listen you will get the impression that the NAC 52 is a fast amp and then you hear the 552DR with its added slam and punch and it doesnāt make sense how you donāt perceive the sound to be any slower.
In terms of texture and layering the 552DR leaps ahead. It has a more 3 dimensional sound whereas the 52 in comparison is less so. BUT this hobby has never been anything but fun and enjoyment for me and in this regard the 52 satisfies just as much as the 552DR.
The 552DR is a continuation of the sound of the 52. It is a generation ahead and it sounds it. It is the best hifi component Iāve ever heard. If I had to, I think Iād replace any other hifi component but I donāt think Iāll ever part ways with the 552- unless of course somehow Iām ever able to afford the Statement series. Never having heard them I trust Naim have done the business as they always seem to deliver.
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Thank for you reply.
Iām a little confused now as you previously said ā552DR when paired with the NAP 135s. I have no desire to change as itās stupid good now and iāve learned my lesson- when a system sounds this good. Leave it alone.ā
But you have just stated āmy new amp isnāt anywhere near run in yetā
I assumed you were happy with the 552 - 135 set up.
What is your new amp?
As in my new 552DR. The first time I owned the 552DR NAP 135s I had to sell them for financial reasons. Dissatisfied without hifi I bought other gear and then eventually the NAC 52-which I enjoyed for about 2 years. I then stupidly decided to try to better Naim amplification again. Only to revert back to Naim for what the fourth time now.
Now Iām content and I donāt think Iāll ever change.
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I have a Nac 52 and four Nap 135ās active so I was interested in your thoughts. Going active is much better than with the passive Naim crossover on the SBLās and SL2ās but a few years ago I heard two 300 DRās active into SL2ās and that was in another league.
Not sure if it was the 300 DRās or the pre amp he was using which made the difference or a combination of the two, I think he was using a 552.
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Sorry, I forgot. Did you go from the 272 or 282 to the 552?
272+555PSDR+300DR+Lumin U1 mini to 552/552PS+NDX2+300DR 
Used the 552+300DR with the 272 for a couple of days.
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What happened to the 555 DR then, I though you were keeping it for the NDX2?
Cash flow didnāt allow it. Will target XPSDR short term instead to coming years look into updating to ND555 or potentially the new streaming platforms coming.
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Fair enough, a pity in some ways, but needs must. I imagine that is all a big step up from the earlier set up?
I had to break the one box setup moving into separates and I cannot listen to a 555PSDR on its own so, tough compromises but thereās always a way back 
HUGE step up even straight into the naked 272. Totally different from 272+555PSDR too. Everything written about the 552 here is true.
My feelings exactly
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In your opinion, do you think, today, that the difference between the two , justifies the purchase of the 552?
(in amplification of the 135)
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Iāll answer this question in two ways because Iām not super wealthy and it takes time for me to invest in hifi gear.
Firstly the NAC52 with an olive SUPERCAP in todays market is a steal. I have tried and tested so many modern alternatives that do not compare at all to the sheer excitement and engagement the 52/SUPERCAP brings. Mind you a service is probably necessary on both considering the age. Also finding a clean example of it is a problem. Iāve owned one of the last few that left the factory in a beautiful dark olive colour.
The 552 is better in every way which is a rare thing in hifi. For example, Iāve auditioned speakers 20-30 times the value of a standmount pair I use at home and walked away thinking there are a few things my modest speakers can do better. This is not the case with the 552 therefore to me, yes itās worth the asking price. Itās a piece of gear that you buy and never replace for life. The build quality is outstanding. The peace of mind of knowing you are supported by arguably the most reliable manufacturer in hifi and it all begins to make more sense. Iāve owned other very expensive amplifiers and the manufacturers attitude and customer service has been shockingly poor.
So if the 552DR is too much money for you hold out and find a 52 in good condition and get it serviced by Naim. But if youāre able to save up and buy the 552DR itās an amplifier that Iām confident you will never replace. Believe me Iāve tried to better it and failed every time.
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Very interesting. It then raises the question of where the 252 DR sits for value between the two?
@Blackbird how does 272/555 ā> 552 compare to NDX2 ā> 552?
Opinions differ. To some of us, the only actual upgrade from a 52 is a 552, with any 252 being more different than better.
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The 555PSDR flew out of the window to a new owner so I couldnāt compare. It now sits as a 2nd 555PSDR in an ND555 rig. But the naked 272 + Lumin U1 mini + 552 had bit more bass bloom than NDX2 + 552 which sounds more focus and defined (only focusing on the bass). I believe it might be bit like the comparison some give between nDAC and NDX2. Two generations of DACs that differ a bit in sound presentation.
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Am I reading you right if I see you saying the difference between 272 and NDX2 is smallish?