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  1. #1
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    Naim ND 555 dac? Anyone own or heard it yet?

    https://www.naimaudio.com/product/nd-555

    With my appreciation for Naim Audio, I’m intrigued by the new ND555 dac.

    Have you heard it? Do you own one? I’d like your opinions.

    With the price approaching MSB territory and eclipsing Chord and Lampizator pricing for the most part, how do you think it compares?

    I’m drawn to the ND555 for some reason but don’t know what to think. The Naim forum seems to show lots of love for the product but I get the feeling that the ND555 is like most Naim gear, a little tweaky needing proper care and feeding to get the most out of it.

    My speakers, amps and preamps are sorted out. Now I’m thinking about dacs. I’m generally very happy with my Bricasti M1SE but can’t help but think about its eventual replacement.

    I have not demoed it yet.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

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  2. #2

    Re: Naim ND 555 dac? Anyone own or heard it yet?

    In case you didn't know, Martin Colloms has just reviewed it for HiFi Critic. A rave review. One of highest scoring DACs ever.

  3. #3
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    Re: Naim ND 555 dac? Anyone own or heard it yet?

    Thank you. I’ll have to read it.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  4. #4
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    Re: Naim ND 555 dac? Anyone own or heard it yet?

    I believe Mike carries Naim. I'm sure he'll comment.
    _______________

    Mike

    Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
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    Rack: Artesania Exoteryc

  5. #5
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    Re: Naim ND 555 dac? Anyone own or heard it yet?

    Quote Originally Posted by ashandger View Post
    In case you didn't know, Martin Colloms has just reviewed it for HiFi Critic. A rave review. One of highest scoring DACs ever.

    Yep, they put it in their 'Audio Excellence' shortlist.
    What surprises me is they achieve these results with old DAC chips.
    Vivid Audio - Burmester - Hegel - Marantz - Oppo - Pioneer 60" - Wireworld

  6. #6
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    Re: Naim ND 555 dac? Anyone own or heard it yet?

    Quote Originally Posted by Ritmo View Post
    I believe Mike carries Naim. I'm sure he'll comment.
    I do. I’ve been looking at their new line of streamers.


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  7. #7

    Re: Naim ND 555 dac? Anyone own or heard it yet?

    I briefly had a Naim CD player in my system a couple of years ago. It was very musical.
    Anthony
    Analog: VPI Clearaudio Innovation Wood/Kuzma 4Point/Ortofon A95> ASR Basis Exclusive HV---->

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  8. #8
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    Re: Naim ND 555 dac? Anyone own or heard it yet?

    I own the ND555. Remember, it requires an external power supply as well. The 555 power supply...factor that in.

    I'd refer to it as a streamer, or streamer/player; it's got a lot more than dac functionality built in. I have it connected via ethernet to my home network that has a Roon Nucleus as server, and a QNAP nas to store the music. (The QNAP also runs Asset server but I never use it; I prefer Roon's UI.)

    I find the ND555 highly musical. I don't get into 'analog sounding digital' jargon; it's easier for me to simply say it sounds very very musical. My entire system is Naim (save for a Rega tt) and of course that colored my reasons for getting the ND555. After I've finished playing the RP-8, the ND555 certainly does not sound "digital" in any derogatory way!

  9. #9
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    Re: Naim ND 555 dac? Anyone own or heard it yet?

    Thanks!

    I am sure it's a wonderful dac. I still love my Supernait2. I really wanted to go up in the line, but when I got my Avantgarde speakers, my whole amp choices changed. I'm actually thinking of getting a small pair of speakers for my Supernait2 just to keep in in service.

    I bet the ND555 is wonderful.


    Quote Originally Posted by Bart001 View Post
    I own the ND555. Remember, it requires an external power supply as well. The 555 power supply...factor that in.

    I'd refer to it as a streamer, or streamer/player; it's got a lot more than dac functionality built in. I have it connected via ethernet to my home network that has a Roon Nucleus as server, and a QNAP nas to store the music. (The QNAP also runs Asset server but I never use it; I prefer Roon's UI.)

    I find the ND555 highly musical. I don't get into 'analog sounding digital' jargon; it's easier for me to simply say it sounds very very musical. My entire system is Naim (save for a Rega tt) and of course that colored my reasons for getting the ND555. After I've finished playing the RP-8, the ND555 certainly does not sound "digital" in any derogatory way!
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  10. #10
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    Re: Naim ND 555 dac? Anyone own or heard it yet?

    Joe I started with the Nait XS, moved quickly to the Supernait 2, and had that for about 6 years. I had the Naim NDS streamer/player for a few years, and my dealer give me a super deal to trade that in towards the ND555 when first released. That then got me thinking . . . and I moved up to the 252/SupercapDR/300DR. Many more Naim black boxes, but we've been THRILLED with the audio performance. The Supernait2 is a lovely integrated amp, but I do hear what this much more $ buys with Naim.

    I still have the original speakers I paired with the NaitXS - Devore The Nines, but have Magico A3's on order and they should arrive in May. I got to listen to them in my home, and we enjoyed them. They seemed to keep the lovely midrange that I really like about the Devores, but definitely way more punch in the bass. And they do not get "shouty" at ALL in my very (far too) lively room.

  11. #11
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    Re: Naim ND 555 dac? Anyone own or heard it yet?

    Wow! That’s great. I absolutely had planned on moving up the Naim line but I ended up taking a detour. I love the meaty, beautiful midrange, tone and prat that Naim offers. It does get expensive but probably no more so than other typical high end gear.

    I’m not ready to make the investment yet but I absolutely still think the ND555 is top one or two on my list.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

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Naim ND 555 dac? Anyone own or heard it yet?

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