Two-box 500 Series preamplification with dedicated 552 PS and suspended sub-chassis
Naim NAC 552 separates audio circuitry and power supply into two chassis, with DIN/RCA inputs, AV bypass and a dedicated 552 PS as part of the system.
The single Naim NAC 552 is sold as one preamplifier but physically operates as a two-box system: the main chassis contains signal circuitry while the dedicated 552 PS houses transformer and regulation. It is the natural partner for NAP 500 DR and differs from Statement NAC S1 through a more traditional layout without XLR inputs, centred on DIN and RCA connection.
Key features
- Seven DIN inputs and two RCA inputs available for system configuration
- Two inputs configurable for unity gain in home-cinema integration
- 29 dB analogue gain with maximum volume specified at 22 dB
- Independent listen and record banks
- Brass sub-chassis suspended on springs to isolate sensitive circuitry
- 552 PS supply with 800 VA toroidal transformer and DR regulation
- Burndy and SNAIC 5 supplied for connection between the two chassis
- Remote control included and no integrated headphone output
The partner for NAP 500 DR
NAC 552 handles source selection and level control, while NAP 500 DR receives the signal and drives the loudspeakers from its own separate 500 PS supply. Together they form a 500 Series amplifier system using four physical chassis: two for preamplification and two for the power amplifier.
How it differs from NAC 332
NAC 332 belongs to New Classic 300 and offers XLR inputs, headphone output and an optional NPX 300 upgrade. NAC 552 follows the 500 Series platform and includes its dedicated 552 PS as a required part of the design. The two preamplifiers therefore use different connection and power-supply architectures.
Analogue sources and AV integration
Assignable inputs, separate listen/record paths and unity-gain bypass allow stereo sources and a home-cinema processor to share one system. ND 555 can connect directly to NAC 552 through DIN or RCA, creating a complete 500 Series chain ahead of NAP 500 DR. Separation between audio chassis and 552 PS is therefore an essential part of the product rather than a later optional upgrade. The preamplifier remains the analogue control centre without adding streaming or headphone amplification.
