Nap500

My 552DR 2016 was £11k. Immaculate, no marks. That’s the going rate. So a 2016 500DR for £11k would be an okay price. But that is for one immaculate.

You don’t want a load of marks on it. And they do chip and mark easily.

Maybe just get the 500DR and leave the 555PSDR. The things that made biggest difference to my system was changing to Sopra 2s and 500DR.

LP12 changes made it my best source.

So a 252DR with 500DR will be fantastic amplification.

I used an ND5XS2 bare into 52 and 500DR while NDS was away. It sounded really good.

The source first mantra is all well and good. In my experience speakers and power amp make a massive difference too.

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That’s what I was thinking too Dan. I’ve got an offer on the table of 3.5k for a 2014 555ps dr that’s been well looked after. I’ll give it some more thought because if I did that I’d have to wait a fair old while before I could afford the 500dr.

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Source first … works always :blush:

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ND555 first is what I’d say too. I ran it for a while through my SN3 replacing an NDX2 and was very surprised how big the difference was in reality.

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I sense you are set on wanting the 500, but I would very much go with the 555PS in your situation. You could then even add a used 300DR, and that could well be all you ever need for less cost than the 500. Dan already had a NDS and mid range LP12 when he started upgrading. Your sources aren’t close to what he had, and the 500 will ruthlessly expose that.

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I would prioritise the 500DR and hold off until you can get a good deal. The 555PSDR is very nice. Don’t get me wrong. But 500DR will be a massive difference from 250DR, if you like a powerhouse, that is!

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Like I said the ND5XS2 sounded really good on the 52, 500DR. An NDX2 will sound good.

So yes, ideally better source but a bare NDX2 should be alright for a while.

Thanks all, I really appreciate the thoughtful comments. I think what I’ll do is monitor eBay for the nd555, 555ps and 500dr and see what deals come up with a view to going for the best one that comes up first. If you don’t mind, I’ll post here for advice when I see something that catches me eye :+1:

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A counter point would be that without a PS on the NDX2, he isn’t even getting the best out of the NDX2 with the current set-up.

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So that’s where I may well start Mike if a 500dr deal doesn’t appear soon as I would need a 555ps anyway for an nd555. Nd are my first two initials so maybe it’s calling me??? :rofl:

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It’s a bit morbid, but with my dad passing I’ll eventually have some inheritance coming my way. With pensions nowhere near what they used to be, I’ll be keeping it for later in life, but my dad would have wanted me to do something nice so that’s likely how I’ll eventually complete a 500 system and it’ll be a nice way of remembering him :+1:

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You need a 555PS for the ND555.

See what comes up. A 555PSDR will make a massive difference to the source.

For me, I would get the 555PSDR and 500DR.

Then maybe get an ND555 later on.

Like I said I don’t know how you are funding it Nd your timescales.

The classic way of doing it would be:
555PSDR
ND555
5552DR
500DR

This is accepted way most on here go.

I went
500DR
552DR
ND555

But all hapoened fairly quickly and I had a game plan on that basis.

I already had an ND5XS2 into NDS as DAC and 555CHC PS.

So my source was top notch already as @Mike_S says

But I was surprised how good the ND5XS2 sounded bare when NDS was away.

It wasn’t as good at all as the NDS but sounded reasonable.

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Nothing wrong with inheritance or morbid about it. It’s a celebration of your Dad.

Life is too short mate. Get the full 500DR system when the money comes through.

I love my set up and the LP12 Klimax. F#@% it! You can’t take the money with you.

My system gives me so much enjoyment and is helping me deal with my health problems in a very positive way!

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So you think the guy who shelled out the 1800 for service (if correct) should net 2200 for his 500? Dream on :slight_smile:

Thanks Dan, appreciate your nice messages and reading about your experience has definitely influenced me to just go for it. It’s good to hear how much of a positive thing it’s been for you :+1:

To be honest re funding - I can get to a 555ps and either an nd555 or nap500 on my own, but that’s really stretching myself without the inheritance.

I think I’ll therefore start with a 555ps as that will enrich my source and then go for either the nd555 or nap500 next depending on what deals come up.

I don’t quite buy into the mantra that the nap500 would expose my source. Whilst it clearly would not sound as good as an nd555, like you my thinking is a better amp can only make things sound better (even if not as good as it could be) :+1:

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No, the other way around. He would have spent 5k overall - 4.2 for the amp and 1.8k for the service. Or am I misunderstanding you?

Your comment reads “serviced recently / selling for 4k” - glad to hear that’s not what you meant …

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I’ll disagree again. Stuff like this just isn’t shifting and the prices you paid aren’t in any way unachievable. Asking prices are one thing, sold prices another…

Over the last year, I’ve paid £14k and £7.5k for (respectively) a 6-month old and 3 yr old 552DR and 500DR, the former from a dealer, the latter a private sale. Both immaculate.

No reason others can’t do the same, albeit like you, I think I got good deals. I don’t think anyone is paying £15k for any second hand 500 these days - no doubt someone will chip in if they have.

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This is true of all kit and has been since Covid faded. If you want something now, then pay the price advertised. If you can wait then scan the ads and a bargain will come up. Just be ready to buy with all your questions and cash ready.

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