Yes they should and if the 500Dr was still 16k new then there would be no question in my kind. However I just love the idea of monoblocks for some reason and want to hear them. Also I like the idea of new and shiny, not pre owned. No logic in that just feeling.
After a recent successful home demo of the NC Nap250.3, direct out of the DSM/2, can’t wait to demo the NC Nap350’s. Also plan to hook them up to the Nac552 and compare …and hopefully borrow a NC Nac332, so I get some good comparisons…
Ideally I would like to run direct from DSM/2 if SQ allows ….
Oops misread that one
And my 500dr is sounding pretty excellent at the moment.
Good luck with finding one, Tim. If you do, save three sockets, 3 x NAP300DR will challenge a NAP500DR - it will of course also challenge Fraim space and cable dressing skills.
There is though something special about active - I have a spare Snaxo (for Kudos) to ensure I can stay active in future, if my S600s expire - intend not!
Exposure have one (two boxes I think) and Kudos are developing one (which will be one box), so I am not worried about that bit
Tempted?
But there are other temptations around…
Not for me, sticking with a 500 none DR. The 500 does things that’s hard to describe, the 500 is a class act and a perfect match with a 552DR.
I’m done with upgrading just enjoying what I’m lucky to own.
I might be tempted, Graeme. My 300 was an original, non-DR, version and is the oldest component I have, although I had the DR conversion done. Its trade-in value is, however, quite low, meaning the cost to move to a 500DR has always been too high - even on used and ex-dem units. The 350 could be affordable after a bit of saving but I am also quite certain that trade-in values will take a dip, which could mean saving might take some time.
I will almost certainly have a listen; which might (or not!) convince me to ‘find’ the cash, before I batten down the financial hatches in line with my early retirement plans.
Cheers,
Ian
It’s a no for me, I’ve just had a very loud rock session with the 7 year old used 300 DR that I have, and feel they are totally in control of my speakers in my system.
In some ways the NDX2 is probably the weak link in my system. However, a ND555 is very expensive and others report that with the ND555 the 552 then becomes a bottle neck.
So simpler and cheaper to stick where I am
I am extremely tempted. I’m currently running a 250DR with my 552DR, and have the word out with my dealer for a pre-loved 300DR. But the 350 should be better in every way. It’s likely to be substantially better in SQ terms. Even better, there’ll be no Burndies to wrestle behind my already space-constrained rack.
Back in the real world, a cost of a new 350 puts it out of the question. I console myself with the thought that I can just stand under the Naim tree with my apron held out, and a keenly priced 300DR should fall into it before too long. Then, four or five years down the road, as 350 users get the upgrade itch, who knows?
A friend of mine sent me a photo yesterday of the orchard where Isaac Newton had his insightful moment about gravity. Let’s hope the 300DR lands in your apron and not where Newton’s apple did!
Yes there’s quite a bit of temptation here if it’s going to be a substantial upgrade ! Currently have a pair of 300DRs driving SL2s and arranged on 2 three tier stands. 1st stack is head units with Snaxo on top, 2nd is 2 x 300ps units with Snaxo S’cap on top. Works well but I’ve 5 Burndies running between the 2 stacks !
Interesting that Naim have gone back to the monoblock design after such a long time. I had a few pairs of 135’s over the years and although I prefer the 300’s there’s just something about the mono amps that appeals. I like the idea of having a seperate power supply for each channel against just one power cable on the 300’s to run both.
I’ll wait with interest to see how the new Nap 350’s are reviewed when they hit the dealers.
I am not tempted. If I was younger and could listen to music at much higher volumes without triggering my tinnitus I would be very tempted, as it is I will save my money and stay at the 250 level.
Did you mean 252?
I’m thinking about the 500 non dr. Only trouble is if I do end up finding one the servicing cost could be the deal breaker
Never thought of it that way, having said that if I had £26k lurking down the back of my sofa for an ND555 …!!
No, I did mean the 552. Following some of Duncans comments about the full 500 setup and how a S1 or other pre-amp can reveal more out of the ND555.
Well, it’s irrelevant for me, as the 552 is end game for me, and I guess that for any setup, some component can always be improved on.
Yes, I’d be surprised if 3 x 350’s active wouldn’t give a 500DR a very stern test indeed
Looks like we’ve got a long wait before we find out though
Ah ok. Disappointing if a 552 is a bottle neck for an ND555.
Our dealer said no point in ND555 with 252 which makes sense (as we’ve a perfectly balanced system just now), but you’d hope the next preamp up would be fully capable of utilising the source.
ND555/552 is a massive investment, at new prices probably more than we’ve spent putting current system together.
Super tempted. It is either the 350 monoblock next for me or a cheaper 500DR if I can find it. Confusing times ahead.