He was a complete electrostatic nut and had tried many traditional speakers but none had given him that full range, colouration free sound. That is until he heard the Ovator S800’s. I think the BRM drivers, having a much wider frequency response and cross-over points, give a hint of that electrostatic quality.
Whenever I listened to his electrostatic system I always felt that it transported you to the venue but with the S800’s it was much more like the venue was transported to you in your front room. Both were an illusion of reality but it was the later that sounded more real - if that makes any sense? Anyway, he sold the Quad’s and has happily lived with the Ovators for a couple of years now.
Naim used to carry out what was called a ‘QUAD mod’, which involved dialling down the maximum output of the NAP power amp, so as not to drive the ESL57s too hard.
The 500 is a very special amp. I have no doubt it would eat my 606 for breakfast if I let it. That said it always sounds magnificently composed, nothing wild about it at all. I know the NDS and the 552 bring so much, but the 500 brings that little bit more imo
My experience was that it took my set of NAP 500 more than half-way toward the Statement Monoblock performance. It is well-worth doing when possible as the performance-lift is not subtle at all.
I loved my old non-DR 500, but it is a new Amplifier after the DR change - the whole ‘innards’ of the large 500 head-unit box is replaced and the SQ-lift is amazing in all areas the old 500 did so well - but adding onto that an extra graceful confidence and musical presence.
Do not think about it…until it is possible then do it!
I’m starting to wonder whether my humble Totem Forest Signatures might like a 500 DR up them . Though swapping the NDX2 for a ND555 would probably be the smart money with the 552/300 DRs. Then again, there is now no Naim distributer in NZ either….
Exactly, and I’m not even sure there are going to be other retailers left to sell Naim in NZ, as the last (Real Music) and current two retailers cover all the main hi-fi shops in NZ. It’s a real shame.
I wonder what the DR upgrade status is of today. As I remember it it was a “put on hold” rather than “ended forever”. I have no thoughts on DRing my 500 though. It sings so beautiful so I stopped thinking about upgrades these days and just enjoy music