Hi all. I’ve moved quite quickly through the Naim range. Started with a nova which I still have and use as a second system. My main stone comprises of NDX2 with XPSDR 252 SuperCapDR and 300Dr running Focal Sopra 2. System sounds great currently if somewhat laid back. I generally prefer a more upfront sound so I started looking at options and tried a used 552 recently which was very impressive even for the short demo I had with it. My question is the 552 I’ve found is from a dealer but an older unit from 2003 has had Dr upgrade 2014 and have both been back to Naim and had a full service a couple of months ago. Do all should be fine but the age is putting me off slightly. Any feedback would be appreciated
1 Like
If it has been dr ‘d and serviced by Naim then internally it is as good as new.
7 Likes
Nothing to worry about there. Go for it if it’s a good deal as they don’t come up often. Might be worth looking for a used 555 PSU for your NDX2 as well though. Should be a great system! 
2 Likes
Hi, I recently purchased a 2010 552 which like yours had been recently serviced and DR’d in 2018. In short its fantastic and still improving as it runs in following the service. Just prior to this I bought a 2003 300DR which again had been just serviced by Naim and it is a great combination with the 552. Nearly all of my system has been acquired second hand from a dealer or ex demo. I would have no concerns about buying used naim, especially as its just been serviced. I skipped the 252 and went from 282 to 552. The presentation is similar but with loads more of everything and will give you a great deal of pleasure.
7 Likes
Thanks for all the feedback. It’s pretty much as I had thought but thanks for confirming. I will hopefully picking it up tomorrow. I assume there will be some run in needed as it’s only just come back from Naim…hopefully not to long a run in!
2 Likes
As others have said if its has been back to Naim and has a clean bill of health go for it.
The 552 is superb.
2 Likes
I think I’d get a 555PS on your NDX2 before swapping 252 to 552 - but as long as you are planning on both steps eventually getting the 552 now when a suitable unit is available isn’t a bad idea.
1 Like
I did actually try a 555dr on the NDX2. Yes it’s better than the XPSDR but I didn’t think the different between the two was that great. There was a really big difference when I tried the 552 quite hard to put into words but I found myself just listening to the music and not the system if that makes sense. Tracks that I would usually skip on an album I would just keep listening too as they sounded so good. That’s not to say I wouldn’t go for the 555dr in the future but for me nowhere near the improvement in the system with the 552.
3 Likes
The 555 might more difference on the ndx2 when running into a 552?
1 Like
Crack on. I can say that the 552 is a very special box, even by Naim standards, and I’ve only had mine a matter of days.
With Naim service and support you really needn’t worry about manufacture dates imo, just whether it’s been serviced.
1 Like
The 552 will be totally amazing. It sounds like a good deal and will be as good as new. As for NDX2, I would look at swapping out at some point for an ND555 with 555DR, funds permitting and this is the key.
One thing at a time though.
With a 552 the jump will be with the ND555 with 555DR. A 555DR on the NDX2 will be a good interim if you decide to upgrade.
Or just leave it as it is and enjoy your cracking sound system.
3 Likes
I recently bought a used 552 of similar vintage to the one you refer to from a Naim dealer. It has the DR upgrade and has just been serviced by Naim. It has replaced my 82 preamp and I have no regrets whatsoever. It’s a very special preamp indeed.
1 Like
Used 555 PSUs are a lot easier to come across than 552s. @dem1973 is making a good move if he’s getting a good deal on that 552. A 555 PSU can always be done later if he feels the need.
1 Like
If it feels a little laid back, the 552 may very well fit the bill, but a 282 might be an alternative option with outstanding performance - never laid back and seriously musical…
Yes, it is similar, but in my experience, way less engagement despite the outstanding PRAT - I have never enjoyed listening to music with the 552 / 300DR as much as I did with the 282 / regular SC / 300DR… I sometimes wish I had never ‘upgraded’…
2 Likes
Not my experience, but then we all hear things in a slightly different way and there are so many factors and variables. What I will say is that to my ears the 552 is far superior to the 282. Having said that I never had a supercap power supply on my 282 only a HCDR!
Supercap on the 282 is a great upgrade over the HiCap but a 282/SC is still a fair bit behind a 552 as you’d expect for the huge difference in price.
282/SC is still a great amp.
1 Like
Shouldn’t be, Mij29… perhaps you’d find out why. Look into set-up and speaker interactions with the room and its acoustics.
Cheers
So…it’s now been installed and running for 24 hours. First impressions. A lot more detail definitely and a larger sound. But there is a but definitely sounds leaner at the moment and a bit bass light and brighter than the 252. Obviously both units have just been serviced and looking at the Naim job sheet the pre had quite a few bits changed so I’m sure there is awhile to go before it settles back down. Is it better than the 252….yes but it’s not night and day at the moment and a very difference presentation so the jury’s out for the moment.
2 Likes
IME, the warm-up of the 552 takes a few weeks (months if new), probably due to the PS.
Whatever you do, don’t judge it before you give it time.
2 Likes