xps2/282/250

Hi Oakey

What speakers are you using?

Julian

quote:

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my system is nac112/hicap2/nap150/cdx2

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Oakey

I at one point had exactly this setup as the first step to what you are considering. I added the 282 next and then followed that up with a 250mkII, I then added a Supercap and put it all on Fraim. I am now eagerly awaiting the arrival of the XPS2.

I thought the 150 stood up well and made a good job of playing what came at it from the 282. Putting it all on fraim was a massive upgrade but the biggest impact to the whole system came from the 250mkII.

This leads me to ask what sort of speakers do you have and are you happy with the ability of the 150 to drive them. Mine are Totem Mani 2's which are difficult to drive which is why the 250 probably had such an impact.It really gives deep contolled bass and great dynamics.

The 282 needed the Supercap to really shine though when I ran it from a HiCap it still was excellent on detail. The XPS2 as heard in a demo seemed to me to seperate the threads of the music coming from the CDX2 in a significant xtra way.

So if you need more clout start with the 250. If you want detail improvements and in recogntion that a bare CDX2 has the detail already with the right front end then go for the 282. I would leave the XPS2 until last and I would put Fraim on the list whenever you think you can afford it since it brings the whole thing together.

regards
Geoff

oakey:I would suggest you to upgrade first your preamp getting the 282 - i would go then for the 250mk2 and then upgrade the CDX2 with the XPS2. Regards - Edouard

I had a 92r for about 3 years and decided to buy an 82 with 2 matched hicaps when one came available on audiogon. I love the detail and presence it gives the music. Now it is a debate between upgrading my CD5/HC2 to a CDX2, or my 150 to a 250/2. But I think it will be the former of the two choices. Thankfully that is a ways off. The 150 is very capable for most speakers but there is a difference in sensitivity in the frequency response statistics. Statistics aren't the best rule of judgement, but they do say a lot I believe.

150 -3dB @ 5Hz & 40kHz
250/2 -3dB @ 2Hz & 65kHz

I'd go for the 282, then up the amp. Besides, you'll need a hicap at least to support the 282 if you do get the 250/2.

glenn

Life is analogue

Oakey

The 112 is the weakest link in the chain.

Edouard's advice sounds about right.

at the moment ive monitor audio s6s,yes i know not to clever but im looking at getting sbls when i see some in the right colour as i dont want black.

here is a dem for you, borrow an xps2 then anything after that (282 or 250) see which makes a bigger improvement,my guess it will be an xps2,then 282 then 250, it was with me, see it doesn't really matter what the weak link is,because one will always have one, it matters where it is, what you have now is nice and going forward maximizing the source then down, will give the biggest bang for your buck. it Doesn't mean deviating from the hierarchy will give you bad sound it just means you can get better sound following the source 1st thing. I know many people talk about a balanced system, mainly because who doesnt want a balanced anything but I have said it before, one of the best systems I have ever had expecially for the money was a Linn/ittok/black koetsu/mitch cotter step up into a nad 3020 amp($218.00) and a pair of ADS 420 ($350.00) the front end was over 3,000.00 most people would say this wasn't balanced....until they heard it...I mean scary how good it sounded......take it one step further...see if you can get a dem of a cds3 with your current gear vs a cd5 or cdx2 into a 282/250 I know it may sound like a bit much but you dont know until you try it....Ben r

Go for the 250 first. Until you have a 282 you don't know what you are missing. But if you just try the 250, from the minute is is powered you will smile.

Andy

If it were me, I'd be looking at either XPS2 or 282 - probably leaning to the 282.
(I've got CDX/82/250.)

Paul

I had the choice you have, and demoed all three components. I ended up with the XPS2 and 282. if I could have had only one I would have gone for the 282. (system now is: CDX2/XPS2/282-hicap/180/sbl's)
Next upgrade will be between the 250 and supercap me thinks...

andy c!

Have to agree with Geoff P.
I had 112/hicap/150/CDX and when I changed the 112 for a 282 the improvement was substantial. Not ..oh I think the bass is better... the whole picture improved, treble mid and bass with loads of prat and detail. For me this was the most impressive upgrade Ive done by far. For the first time I felt I had achieved the sound I was looking for from my Naim gear. What I mean is that the sound was good before but had now moved into a whole new league.
Next plan is to change the 150 for a 250/2.

Phil

With the exception of the Cirkus and a premature 72, every upgrade I've made has seemed substantial - including upgrading a 72/hi/140 to 250 instead of 82.

Testimony isn't a very reliable guide for the perplexed because virtually all Naim upgrades are, in fact, upgrades.

If you're buying new, why not get a dealer to demonstrate the different options? That's the only way you'll know which option you prefer.

Regards.

Phil

I agree with the majority. First step for me is 282. Then with SBLs go for 250.

Emil