Naim Olive

The NBLs came alive like never before. I always thought the NAP135s were pretty good, but upgrading from NAP135s to NAP500DR was one of those ‘bloody hell!’ moments.

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Can you elaborate on the sound differences please?

See if you can borrow one. You’ll be amazed.

That won’t be possible. To be perfectly honest I don’t think I will ever make that change. I’m more than happy with the NAP135s. It’s just that if I draw a comparison between the NAC552DR and NAC52, one could make the argument that the excitement is slightly tamed although there are obvious improvements in other areas. The 552 hits harder and goes deeper with more detail but I really do think the 52 times better and is a very enjoyable listen.

This is why I was asking for your detailed impression of sonic differences.

Its always a quandary if you borrow stuff to try. Even if you can afford it.
My system looks a bit unbalanced.
Ndx2/xpsdr, 72/hcdr/ ( uprated) MF nu vista power 300 . pmc 20.26s

My dealer keeps wanting me to try a 282. Second hand I could afford it. So far I have resisted.
I even considered asking the forum whether I should try a 282. But I could predict most of the answers. Many of which would point to " only your ears can decide"

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Me too! I’ve started the Lexicon / Naim journey too

Totally agree with your assessment of the 552 vs 52, the 52 just has that ‘magic’. It’s the same with the 135’s vs the 300 or 500, yes the 500 has that slam and presence, but for me it doesn’t have the 135’s musicality. Hi-Fi is such a personal thing though isn’t it!

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I have a feeling you may miss something about your 72. Although the 282 will bring improvements.

I’m really happy with a mint, serviced 72. Fed with the HCDR. Which is why I’m in no rush to even try a 282. The remote would be nice though. Now, a mint, serviced 52 with ps might be more tempting.

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The 72 is a gem. I had one about 20 years ago, then upgraded to a 102, then to a 282. When I got a 552 a couple of years ago, I lived with it for a while before sending it off to be serviced and DR’d. During that time I borrowed an elderly, unserviced 72 from my dealer to tide me over. I was dreading the disappointment of hooking up a much-inferior pre from a bygone era, but I was so taken by the 72 that I bought it. It really is one of the best things Naim ever made.

Unless you have an itch to try a 282, I’d ignore your dealer’s blandishments. And if you really crave a remote, it can be done with a 72, though discussing the details falls outside forum AUP.

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That is good to know, and if I’m honest is where I’m at.
I can live without the remote, it’s nice but not essential.

I actually bought my first 72( I have 2 now) for a second system. I tried it in my main system and loved it. To the point i had to buy another 72 for the second system!
And the shoe box size means is takes up less space. The HCDR means it is fed with a great power supply too.
So yes happy. Very happy. I’m sure a 282 might be a little better but it’ll cost me £2k.

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Once lockdown is over it should be possible to arrange a home demo of a NAP500 if you’re seriously interested. Alternatively you should be able to take your NAP135s into a Naim retailer and make the comparison there. I think you’ll hear that the NAP500DR is faster than the 135s, meaning that transients are dealt with in a more realistic way. I found it seemed as if the music was slowing down and creating space between lines.

I agree that the NAC52 is a high point in the history of Naim preamps. These days it represents astonishing value too. It’s worth remembering that the NAP500 was originally demonstrated (and, I assume, developed) with the NAC52.

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I meant to say that I am happy with my current setup and I probably wouldn’t spare the funds for a NAP500. I’m sure and I’ve read that it’s an exceptional amp and yes it was developed and partnered with the NAC52 before the 552 was released.

I also LOVE the look of the vintage Naim gear. I think it’s truly timeless. Not to mention servicing and repair costs are more manageable in the summit olive range than the 500 series.

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i believe this was one of the early prototypes of the NAP500. I think it looks sexy with the Olive green power supply and No brand logo

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That looks like one of the three that ended up in Julian’s active DBL system. They were eventually raffled off to Naim employees (we in the sales office weren’t allowed to take part though). I remember they were a bit beaten up cosmetically, but a bit of flat black spray paint worked a treat in tidying them up.

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the stealth look is very impressive. Were there many changes to the final release version?

In detail, yes, particularly with the casework design and build. But I think the fundamentals underneath were pretty much as per production, bar certain details that only came to light later on, such as the resistor lift. IIRC James at Tom Tom has one of them so maybe he can tell you more about it, if you’re interested.

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From my personal archive, a photo I took on one of my many factory visits (not previously posted here), this could be the same NAP500 as above before it was sprayed. There is a lot of interesting stuff going on here!

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That looks like the R&D “Cube” listening room. It’s a historical photo though so it should be OK. Yes, that definitely looks like one of the NAP500 prototypes, in the raw metal.

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Not much attention to cable dressing, Eh… :no_mouth:

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