The Naim 500 Series of hi-fi components debuted over a decade ago, and even to this day remains one-step below the company’s flagship Statement line. The 500 series line includes the:
- $34,999 Preamplifier/Power Supply: NAC 552 / NAC 552 PS DR
- $34,999 Power Amplifier/Power Supply: NAP 500 DR / NAPS 500 DR
- $22,999 Network Streamer: ND 555 (2018 model)
- $13,499 Power Supply: 555 PS DR
Customers spending six figures on separates in a high-end audio system do not want to buy something that will be outdated next year. That’s why Naim Audio takes years to refresh its product ranges — only when it has something substantial to bring to market.
However, the company’s entry series lines including Naim’s New Classic 200 Series and 300 Series were both refreshed earlier this year. Keen observers may have spotted the new models deviated from Naim’s iconic green backlighting surrounding buttons and knobs to a sleek white look. That subtle change suddenly had the 500 series looking dated, but that’s about to change.
We have learned Naim is releasing new 500 Series components with white front panel backlighting. The change is cosmetic only and no other internals across the line have changed. Also, the new LED backlighting is fixed to white and not software controllable. However, no attention to detail was lost. Even the volume and balance dials now include a hint of white.
555 PS DR
- Seven regulated supply voltages.
- Low-resonance case with isolating feet.
- Supplied with Power-Line mains cable as standard.
- Discrete Regulator (DR) configuration delivering Naim Audio’s best-ever standard of stable, low-noise power.
NAP 500 DR
- Class AB, 140W per channel output into 8 ohms, capable of prolonged output into 2 ohms with no discernible impact on performance.
- Bridged power amplifier configuration for maximized open and closed loop speed, with ten stage of regulation per channel.
- Two-box configuration with 500 PS power supply for optimum rejection of electromagnetic interference.
- 1,100VA toroidal transformer provides 12 raw DC supplies for power amplifier.
- 25kg brushed, black-anodised chassis with distinctive heatsink plus virable speed intelligent fan system for discreet extra cooling if required.
NAC 552
- Two-box configuration for optimum rejection of electromagnetic interference.
- AV bypass mode for simple connection to an existing AV system.
- Fully suspended sub-chassis for superior isolation of sensitive circuit boards.
- Support for both DIN and RCA inputs to facilitate connection into a wider range of systems.
- Independent listen and record banks for maximum flexibility.
- Assignable inputs for enhanced usability with a range of sources.
- Split-rail power supply featuring 800VA trodial transformer, three smoothing capacitors and Discrete Regulator (DR).
ND 555
- Can decode HD audio formats at up to 32 bits/384kHz or DSD 128.
- Streaming/Wireless: Chromecast built-in, Spotify, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, AirPlay, Apple Music and Bluetooth® AptX HD, and UPnP.
- 40-bit SHARC processor with advanced signal processing
- Specially tuned suspension system to decouple all vibrations, resulting in clearer sound reproduction.
- Control and update your player via the Focal and Naim app, with large, full color display adding to the great user experience.
- Uses Low Voltage Differential Signalling (LDVS) in the digital audio circuits to minimise timing errors.
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GM
October 15, 2023 at 10:22 pm
Outrageous pricing. How good can they be?
Theo
October 16, 2023 at 1:26 pm
Have a listen; you’ll hear how good.
Ian White
October 16, 2023 at 2:34 pm
Theo/Gordon,
Having listened to almost the entire Naim lineup from top to bottom…I do think it’s very good equipment. From a value perspective, the 500 series is like most other products in the price range. Depends on the rest of the chain and what the alternatives might be.
The Uniti Atom and entry-level Naim gear is fantastic. I recommend it very highly.
Ian