cdx2/xps2/202/hicap/250. cds3 or better preamp?
Posted by: ben r on 13 March 2004
Here is one for you, given this setup what in your opinion out there would be the next move...assuming allaes as speakers ? anybody tried this scenario ?? much appreciated
Posted on: 13 March 2004 by Colin Ackerman
or maybe 282 + second hicap.
You would need this at least before going for CDS3 head unit.
Colin
You would need this at least before going for CDS3 head unit.
Colin
Posted on: 13 March 2004 by Peter C
282 0r 252/supercap
282/supercap is minimum you should look at before considering CDS3
282/supercap is minimum you should look at before considering CDS3
Posted on: 13 March 2004 by Jim J
What about a second hand 82+*Cap or 52+Super1. This would allow a CDS3 to shine through.
At a later date you could then upgrade to new 252+Super2 when funds allow and you shouldn't loose much on re-selling the 82/52+*Cap.
Jim J
At a later date you could then upgrade to new 252+Super2 when funds allow and you shouldn't loose much on re-selling the 82/52+*Cap.
Jim J
Posted on: 13 March 2004 by blythe
Pre-amp without a doubt
Computers are supposed to work on 1's and 0's - in other words "Yes" or "No" - why does mine frequently say "Maybe"?......
Computers are supposed to work on 1's and 0's - in other words "Yes" or "No" - why does mine frequently say "Maybe"?......
Posted on: 13 March 2004 by Chris Bell
Supercap.
Posted on: 13 March 2004 by Peter C
Jim -
282/82/252/52 are all good enough for a CDS3, with supercap.
To me a hicap does not get the best out of a 82/282, they require a supercap to show their true colours.
282/82/252/52 are all good enough for a CDS3, with supercap.
To me a hicap does not get the best out of a 82/282, they require a supercap to show their true colours.
Posted on: 13 March 2004 by kuma
Go straight to 252. 
To me, a jump in preamp made all positive changes whilst, CDX2/XPS2 to CDS3 was sure different but not sure if it was all positives. There are few things I like better on CDX2/XPS2 than CDS3 + 252.
To me, a jump in preamp made all positive changes whilst, CDX2/XPS2 to CDS3 was sure different but not sure if it was all positives. There are few things I like better on CDX2/XPS2 than CDS3 + 252.
Posted on: 13 March 2004 by ben r
Hello, great input here, so far most are saying a better pre amp + power supply is the cds3 better than the cdx2 or is 282, or 252 a bigger jump in sound? given the system of a cdx2/xps2/202/hicap/250/allaes....if source is first then I would think the cds3,but if the diff between a cdx2/xps2 and the cds3 is NOT greater than the preamp diff.....sounds like there is a big diff between the 202 and the 282 or 252.....thoughts????
Posted on: 13 March 2004 by Peter C
The 252/282 are a lot better than a 202.
I use a 52 and its only bettered in my opinion by the 552.
I use a 52 and its only bettered in my opinion by the 552.
Posted on: 14 March 2004 by Colin Ackerman
quote:
Originally posted by ben r:
Hello, great input here, so far most are saying a better pre amp + power supply is the cds3 better than the cdx2 or is 282, or 252 a bigger jump in sound? given the system of a cdx2/xps2/202/hicap/250/allaes....if source is first then I would think the cds3,but if the diff between a cdx2/xps2 and the cds3 is NOT greater than the preamp diff.....sounds like there is a big diff between the 202 and the 282 or 252.....thoughts????
Source first is right and the 202 is a good pre but within your system it is the weak link. You have a lot more to come from the CDX2/XPS2, if you already had a 282 this would be a more difficult question. I think a dem is the only way forward
.Colin
Posted on: 14 March 2004 by kuma
quote:
Originally posted by ben r:
if source is first then I would think the cds3,but if the diff between a cdx2/xps2 and the cds3 is NOT greater than the preamp diff.....sounds like there is a big diff between the 202 and the 282 or 252.....thoughts????
A great source would be a complete waste if somewhere down a signal chain downstream components are limiting its capability.
A function of preamp is pretty important and sometimes, I think, they are under appreciated. A good active preamp can make a worthwhile difference in a system.
Posted on: 14 March 2004 by hungryhalibut
You should definitely do the preamp first. I use CDX2/XPS2 and changed recently from 82/Super to 252/Super - the improvement was huge and really shows what the CD player is capable of. If you are thinking of 282/Super it is worth stretching to the 252 if you can -it is not that much more expensive(in relative terms considering the total price of the 282 and Super) but is far far better.
Nigel
Nigel
Posted on: 14 March 2004 by Peter C
I agree with Colin, your weakest link is the 202 and if you can afford it go for the 52 0r 252/supercap.
The 52/252 is one of the best upgrades you will ever make, one you'll never regret.
They have the ability to get the best out of any source attached to them and as HungryHalibut mentions, they are far better than the 282.
The 52/252 is one of the best upgrades you will ever make, one you'll never regret.
They have the ability to get the best out of any source attached to them and as HungryHalibut mentions, they are far better than the 282.
Posted on: 14 March 2004 by Allan Probin
I've got a CDX2/XPS2/252/250-2 setup here and it works tremendously well as a combination.
I've just done the change from 282/Supercap to 252/Supercap and I'm staggered. I've been up and down the Naim ladder a couple of times and had become a bit jaded with the whole upgrade thing but this one exceeded my expectations.
Allan
I've just done the change from 282/Supercap to 252/Supercap and I'm staggered. I've been up and down the Naim ladder a couple of times and had become a bit jaded with the whole upgrade thing but this one exceeded my expectations.
Allan
Posted on: 14 March 2004 by Chris Metcalfe
Same here - moved from 82/Super to 252/Super (CDX2/XPS2) and the difference the 252 makes is amazing - after a 5-week burn-in period!
Posted on: 14 March 2004 by ben r
Hello Allan and Chris, thanks for your input,question, what speakers are you using, I have the allaes and a pair of Linn ninkas, I would hope going from a 202 to a 282 would make an improvement and balance out the system, but from what I am hearing going to a 252/supercap would make a big difference, and if I had the 282 wouldnt then going to a cds3 be the move or is the difference between a cdx2/xps2 and the cds3 NOT as big as going from 282/hicap to a 252/supercap?? hope I am being clear, as always appreciate the thoughts, thanks,Ben r
Posted on: 14 March 2004 by Colin Ackerman
Hi ben
Going to 52/252/s-cap would make a big upgrade but what is your budget. Moving to 282 maybe a good stepping stone if you want new kit.
Colin
Going to 52/252/s-cap would make a big upgrade but what is your budget. Moving to 282 maybe a good stepping stone if you want new kit.
Colin
Posted on: 14 March 2004 by Edouard
I understood Ben r question was: What's the best upgrade from 202/HC/200/250/CDX2-XPS2? Is it 282/HC/CDS3 or 252/SC/CDX2-XPS2...
"I would hope going from a 202 to a 282 would make an improvement and balance out the system, but from what I am hearing going to a 252/supercap would make a big difference, and if I had the 282 wouldnt then going to a cds3 be the move or is the difference between a cdx2/xps2 and the cds3 NOT as big as going from 282/hicap to a 252/supercap??"
"I would hope going from a 202 to a 282 would make an improvement and balance out the system, but from what I am hearing going to a 252/supercap would make a big difference, and if I had the 282 wouldnt then going to a cds3 be the move or is the difference between a cdx2/xps2 and the cds3 NOT as big as going from 282/hicap to a 252/supercap??"
Posted on: 14 March 2004 by ben r
Hello, I know i maybe a little confusing,but having cdx2/xps2/202/hicap/250..ninkas and allaes(will use both for now)..next move would be.....options are
1.....to a cds3
2.....to a 282(least expensive)
3.....to a 282 plus another hicap
4.....to a 252/supercap (most expensive)
I put these options in random order, I realize we are talking big price differences and yes money is an object,but if it were not or I could do any of the above what makes sense, I could trade back the 202 and get full credit,would the 282 make a nice appreciable difference over the 202 and make the front end shine even more?...another curve ball...if I went to the 282 now would you say after that still a 252/supercap or a cds3 ? I know this is a big chunk etc, I really appreciate all your info and input as I do not have access to hear this equipment locally, the dealer should at least have this gear on display butthey dont, actually it was your input on the forum that got me to go to the cdx2/xps2 then the250 amp,many thanks, Ben r
1.....to a cds3
2.....to a 282(least expensive)
3.....to a 282 plus another hicap
4.....to a 252/supercap (most expensive)
I put these options in random order, I realize we are talking big price differences and yes money is an object,but if it were not or I could do any of the above what makes sense, I could trade back the 202 and get full credit,would the 282 make a nice appreciable difference over the 202 and make the front end shine even more?...another curve ball...if I went to the 282 now would you say after that still a 252/supercap or a cds3 ? I know this is a big chunk etc, I really appreciate all your info and input as I do not have access to hear this equipment locally, the dealer should at least have this gear on display butthey dont, actually it was your input on the forum that got me to go to the cdx2/xps2 then the250 amp,many thanks, Ben r
Posted on: 14 March 2004 by Edouard
your first question:
"would the 282 make a nice appreciable difference over the 202 and make the front end shine even more?..."
the answer is YES!
Your second question:
"another curve ball...if I went to the 282 now would you say after that still a 252/supercap or a cds3?"
you'll probably get differents opinions on this last one... my answer is 252/SuperCap.
"would the 282 make a nice appreciable difference over the 202 and make the front end shine even more?..."
the answer is YES!
Your second question:
"another curve ball...if I went to the 282 now would you say after that still a 252/supercap or a cds3?"
you'll probably get differents opinions on this last one... my answer is 252/SuperCap.
Posted on: 14 March 2004 by Allan Probin
ben,
For information, I'm using a very late pair of SBLs. I think the combination of the new reference equipment with SBLs is one that works really well. SBLs have never sounded so good !
Allan
For information, I'm using a very late pair of SBLs. I think the combination of the new reference equipment with SBLs is one that works really well. SBLs have never sounded so good !
Allan
Posted on: 14 March 2004 by Peter C
Your CD front end is already a class act, so is the 250.
The key to your choice of preamp is monetary.
If you can afford the 52/252 and supercap, dont hesitate; it is something special.
If not, trading in the 202 for a 282 is a good interim upgrade.
The key to your choice of preamp is monetary.
If you can afford the 52/252 and supercap, dont hesitate; it is something special.
If not, trading in the 202 for a 282 is a good interim upgrade.
Posted on: 14 March 2004 by ben r
Hello, well its seems overwhelming that you all think a better preamp is the way to go, specifically the 252/supercap,yikes that one is a big financial step,even with the ninkas and allaes or other quality modest(in this sense) speaker.do you think the 252/supercap would shine thru with those speakers ? also it was brought up looking at a used 52 etc which isnt a bad way to go but because I can trade my preamp for full credit I think I would go 282 for right now, but you certainly got me intrigued with the 252/supercap as always appreciate the responses, thanks,Ben r
Posted on: 14 March 2004 by Peter C
A used 52/supercap would be an excellent choice and they would definitely shine through whatever speakers you are using.
Better VFM than a 282/supercap
Better VFM than a 282/supercap
Posted on: 14 March 2004 by ben r
Thanks Peter, that could be a way to go, do you know how much a used 52/supercap should go for in us dollars( i am in the Boston Ma area), I am glad to hear you say the best electronics will shine thru even modest speakers, I am a believer in what you present the speaker is crucial, over here it is not uncommon in "hi end" to get huge speakers and big mono amps with cable and speaker wire that you could raise a piano with,some sort of front end and see what happens, I have heard many very expensive "systems" sound well not too good,yet they cost a forune,not that Naim is cheap, but at least they have a pathway to bettersound,albeit it can be sometimes confusing because of the options, but it certainly seems people are very happy with the upper end gear, any other thoughts feel free,many thanks,Ben r...also does everybody agree this gear takes time to fully burn in?