The 52/sc 135’s are extraordinary amps. These days they also represent astonishing VFM. The only amps I’ve heard that could tempt me to move on are the 552/500, but the uptick in SQ does not justify todays prices. Not such great VFM imo.
So I will stick with 52/sc 135’s and be content.
Just to stay on thread, I still have my 82 which I slot in to the system occasionally for a change, and I use either a Hicap or supercap with it. Sounds great but the 52 is head and shoulders above it in my system.
I found going from 2x HiCap to Supercap to be a massive improvement, one of the biggest step changes I ever encountered in the Naim hierarchy. If the OP can afford it, I would sidestep the HiCap and go straight to Supercap. And as others have said, this opens up the possibility of a NAC52 in the future, if that were the desired goal.
As I suggested in post 8, adding however, that this might slow his upgrade progress down a bit. OP’s choice though, and good for him to know all the options.
I see no issues with this, just different possibilities, I am currently also contemplating which PSU to go for for my “odd” NAC82/SN2 combo, and based on many suggestions on this forum I will most probably go for a SC. The difference between a HC and a SC is only around 500 GBP, I remember me spending much more than that for a significantly less of an upgrade, so it is the better choice apparently according to most folk that have went through the HC/SC route on an 82.
I do understand what people are saying, i have used a supercap dr on a 282 and that was awesome. I just think its a bit poo that people are suggesting the who system needs changing because the power amplifier has been upgraded. thats all i meant
I wasn’t suggesting a full system change, just relating my experience regarding power supply options. He has upgraded the power amplifiers, which means he needs a power supply, which could be either one or two HiCaps or a Supercap. The S/C option is just so much better. That was my point.
Thank you so much for all the suggestions!
I will have to see which one comes along first (HC / SC / 52&SC)
Meanwhile I will have to wait awhile longer before I can hear the 135s sing.
I have had an 82 (from new) with 2 HiCaps (2nd hand) and 135s (ex demo) also for nearly 30 years. I had the HiCaps and 135s serviced (for the 2nd time) recently and recapped and they are stunning and worth every penny of the service. You might want to think about your connection leads too. I replaced all of them and I am sure this had made a difference too. I will think about a move to a 52/Supercap and probably a streamer (that is another topic) but whilst I still get enjoyment out of the current system there is no great urge. Its also not as easy to source 52s here in Switzerland as it is in the UK I am sure you will have a great many years enjoyment with whatever you get to make your current system sing.
My two pennies worth!?
I have currently 82/supercap/135s
I have moved through from
82/HiCap/180
82/2 x HiCap/180
82/2 x HiCap/135s
82/Supercap/135s
I think certainly the biggest improvement was 180 → 135s as one would expect !?
The move from 2 x HiCap to Supercap was both tidier and a good move!
Not sure where I will/would head next - not keen in parting with a sum for a 20-30yr old 52, hints on here seem to exclude 252???
I am thinking of updating the source - not decided yet…
Don’t worry about the age of old Naim amps. My understanding is that once serviced by Naim or Class A, they are as good as new. If properly maintained, they should out last our generation.
I ran 135s with an 82 for quite a few years, and loved the combination. Had a lot of life and snap!
Having said that the 135s with a 52 bring even more to the table - it’s a system you can keep for life
I am sure you will have a great many years enjoyment with whatever you get to make your current system sing.
