How much better is 52/SC/250 over 82/HC/250?
Posted by: Top Cat on 05 January 2004
Hi folks.
Happy new year to all. It looks like I've sold the last few remaining items that pave the way to a 52/SC (to replace the stand-in 82/HC I bought recently), but before I start looking about in earnest, just how much better is the 52/SC going to be in a system based around a 250? And, assuming that I'll have a little under £3000 to add to whatever I get for the 82 and/or HC, is it worth the expense?
Also, are the 52 K MC boards worth using or should I budget for a new Prefix K and keep the HC? Or use the 52 to power the prefix?
Source is LP12/Aro/Armageddon/Helikon 0.35mV, speakers AP Virgo III (and before anyone mentions it, I will not even remotely consider changing these - they're wonderful!)
John
TC '..'
"Sun went down in honey. Moon came up in wine. Stars were spinnin' dizzy, Lord, the band kept us so busy we forgot about the time."
Posted on: 05 January 2004 by Mick P
The gap will be huge. Only you can decide if it is worth the money but the 52 leaves the 82 standing and the 82 is pretty good in its own right.
I never regretted it when I did it and neither, I suspect, will you.
Regards
Mick
Posted on: 05 January 2004 by hungryhalibut
I recently changed from 82/SC to 252/SC and the difference was, as Mick says, huge. There is so much more music. If you can afford the 52 you should go for it.
I upgraded to the Prefix while I had the 82, and found a significant improvement over the 82's internal boards, which I gather from other posts are the same as those in the 52. I also prefer the Prefix powered by a Hicap, but some disagree. You could always keep the Hicap for the time being and see which you prefer.
Regards
Nigel
Posted on: 05 January 2004 by Jean-Marc
John,
I've gone from 82/2*Hi to 52/SC, fronting a 250 (upgraded to 135s meanwhile), almost a year ago, and I've not regretted it. The difference is really huge.
Re the prefix
I'm currently using MM boards outside the 52 (kind of DIY stageline), powered by a Hicap. I did find it a worthwhile upgrade over internal boards, but I've not tried to power the "stageline" from the 52, so can't comment on it.
Maybe you can hold the Hicap until you have the 52 and tried the 2 configurations by yourself and decide which one you prefer.
Hope this helps
Jean-Marc
Posted on: 05 January 2004 by Laurie Saunders
The change from 82/2hicaps to 52/scap is larger than from 72/hicap to 82/2hicaps, if that puts it in some kind of context.
When I had my 82/2hicaps/135s, I thought the sound was fantastic and could not envisage the need for a 52.
Then I made the mistake(?) of inserting my friend`s 52/scap into my system(about 8 years ago) After about 5 seconds, I realised that I HAD to get a 52...which I did a couple of months later..never regretted it
laurie S
Posted on: 05 January 2004 by Hannes
quote:
Originally posted by Top Cat:
Hi folks.
Happy new year to all. It looks like I've sold the last few remaining items that pave the way to a 52/SC (to replace the stand-in 82/HC I bought recently), but before I start looking about in earnest, just how much better is the 52/SC going to be in a system based around a 250? And, assuming that I'll have a little under £3000 to add to whatever I get for the 82 and/or HC, is it worth the expense?
[...]
John, a few days ago I asked for the same question, look here:
http://forums.naim-audio.com/eve/forums?q=Y&a=tpc&s=67019385&f=48019385&m=4781917886&p=1As you can see, I did the same upgrade and it's worth the money, do it! ;-)
Regards,
HANNES
Posted on: 06 January 2004 by David O'Higgins
I agree with all of the comments re 52 vs 82 - it's a huge step and well worthwhile.
I also prefixed my LP 12/Geddon/Helikon/Ekos and I found that the Hi-Cap powered solution was better than using the 52. Conversely, I now have a 552 and the prefix is better powered from it. So, if you keep the Hi Cap, you'll be able to trade it when you come to a 552!
