I am waiting 15 years for service, for my 500DR and 552DR. 2032, unless they deteriorate in any way beforehand. Will get the 4 boxes done in one hit. It’s a long way off!
Just enjoying the music. I leave my kit on 24/7 unless I go away. Then I unplug the lot. System is used every day otherwise so don’t turn off the 500DR, which is the one thing I could turn off to conserve energy.
If I had 2 x 350s I would leave them in standby after run in.
I too have a solar system on order, deposit paid, awaiting survey, then installation!
It’s a one in 15 years thing! Do it once. Do it properly and then all good for another 15 years. For me it will probably take 6 to 8 weeks. Not going to worry about it now!
I already have PV/battery, so somewhat isolated from my local mains. I also have recently added a dedicated mains supply direct from my consumer unit. The new 350s will be the finishing touch.
The demo pair I borrowed were new also, so I had to make a decision on what I heard from those. Ill give things a month or so, then switch to auto standby.
What effect does the ageing of the Tantalum capacitors in Power Supplies and Power-Amps have, as i understand tants may drift from their specified values and increase in DC leakage, rising ESR with less ability to “self heal” with MnO2 gradually changing to Mn2O3.
In a power amp could this lead to a softer sound, less detail more rolled off and lacking grunt or bite?
What about in a Pre-Amp Head unit how would aging tantalums affect the sound?
One of the many things I appreciate about the NAP 350s is that many albums and tracks that were almost unlistenable (to me) now suddenly become most enjoyable and listenable.
My 300DR is at just over 6 yrs, my SCDR is ~8 yrs, and my 252 is ~10 yrs. I don’t plan to have any of them by the time they need a recap, nor do I plan to recap them on behalf of the next owner(s).
I can assure you, my path from 252 is not to anything you mention. I think my 252 sounds fantastic…for everything I throw at it, and has been for the six+ years I’ve had it.
Soft and laid back is really not at all how I describe the 252/SCDR in my system. Maybe you had a faulty 252 or a defective SC, or poor setup with your 252? Maybe your BurndySNAIC cables had issues.
In any case my next step up is not to a 552 or any other Naim you mention. 252 is where I end with Naim. I have my sights set on Boulder now as the next best thing. I have seen the light (and heard that bliss)!
I just want to clarify my point. The 252 doesn’t sound bad at all. In fact, it’s a very good preamp. However, based on my personal preferences in music, and my main source is a LP12, I prefer the other NACs.
Thank you for your question. My musical preferences are not determined by genres, but rather by the characteristics of the music itself. I find myself drawn to fast-paced, intricate, soulful, bluesy, psychedelic, and funky compositions.
Really? I found that the DR (as opposed to non-DR) Scap was essential to get the best from it but with that I couldn’t describe it in such extreme terms. My brother has Sugden kit; now that is soft! The 252 may not be in your face but it had plenty of dynamics in my system.
It was discussed at death here, most, but not all, prefer the 282 or 552, as giving more involvement.
Guys, if you continue like that, @JosquinDesPrez will finish to leave his room and go straight to the dealer to buy the Boulders You will have to pay the divorce
