Thanks all once again, it has been a great bit of group therapy and I feel we’ve reached a positive outcome Once I get the deal all done, I plan to plug in the 300DR and appreciate the difference it makes for a week or so and then plug in the 555PS DR to enjoy that uplift.
If similar to @IainO 's experience, I will definitely take my time with any further upgrades. Although the 500DR is likely to be a dragon I will continue to chase in my dreams
Thanks Dan, I will report back in early Sep as it is likely to take a few weeks before I get it all delivered and set-up. Looks like I have already sold my 250DR so I am committed now!
Thanks Dan, I’ll also heed @sound-hound 's advice about the NDX2/555ps vs nd555/555ps perhaps not being worth the step up unless with a second 555ps. I’m sure I’ll love the sound as is, which could mean my final step is to go for a 552 like @bruss has done. I can and sometimes do listen
@Mike_S has ND555. one 555PSDR, 552DR and 300DR. He has done nice upgrades on his LP12 too to Selekt level. Maybe worth going down that route and @bruss .
For many a 552DR, 300DR combo is more than enough with good sources and speakers.
You don’t need 2 x 555PSDRs with ND555. It works well with one and will be a good upgrade on an NDX2 at some point. Don’t dismiss NDS and ND5XS2 route either. Or NDS with various work arounds. For me the workarounds are too convuluted but many on here have made them work.
Anyway, don’t worry about that for now. One thing at a time. Or in your case 3 new black boxes!
Plus one new Fraim shelf I have found 2nd hand in the right colour and a new home for my P1 Plus. That way I can add the two additional boxes. I think I will then be at max Fraim height for a single stack!
Best to separate power supplies from source and head units of 300DR and 252.
Stack one NDX2, 252, 300DR head unit
Stack two Supercap DR, 300DRPS, 555PSDR
See how you get on but two stacks normally works alot better. Also consider powerlines for the Supercap DR and 300DRPS. The 555PSDR notmally comes with one.
If I can convince my wife to move the sideboard upstairs, my my plan is move the system to where it currently is. I would be able to have the speakers much further apart, more room at my desk and a proper listening position whilst I’m working. It would also allow a double Fraim setup. I’ve also got a very comfy armchair just behind where I’m standing taking this picture
Ps. I’ve just seen a 2013 500 finish 552dr for £5.75k. Oh my. Please someone else buy it before me!!! I’ve now sold my 250dr so I am locked into getting the 300dr.
Pps. for those that remember, this is democratic free South Lounge! My wife controls the communist led North Lounge (otherwise known as the other half). I still need permission to move the sideboard mind you…
You have different coloured Fraim shelves. With two stacks you could do something clever with the two tone Fraim colours. I think with the lovely mix in your room of rich colours and textures it will look great. See how your Mrs is with the changes and prospectively moving some furniture out!
Hm, that might be an outsider view on two counts. The ND555 certainly doesn’t need two 555PS, in fact, I would question the value in such a proposition. I went from NDX2/555 to ND555/PS and it was a very significant upgrade. I did this with the 552/300 already in place.
I have bought new, ex demo and used Fraim. All ash or maple finish. Some Fraim lite. All with Fraim glass, cups and balls. Made sure base Fraim was all full Fraim.
It’s very good racking but it’s not easiest thing to deal with! Looks the part though. Many times I have slipped a ball and glass has become dislodged.
Nowadays if making changes I take it all off shelf by shelf and rebuild and clean. I have made so many changes I am an expert at dismantling and putting back together. And fiddling with cables, cable dressing.
I do wonder if Naim will evercome up with something new!